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GAZ 31 11 2.3 i 16V (131 Hp)
Overall Rating
GAZ 31:
The GAZ Volga is an executive car that originated in the Soviet Union to replace the GAZ Pobeda in 1956. Their role in serving the Soviet nomenklatura made them a contemporary cultural icon. Several generations of the car have been produced.
Despite the continuous modernisations, GAZ found it increasingly difficult to keep the ageing design competitive in a market economy. GAZ CEO Bo Andersson decided to discontinue the Volga range in 2010.
The first generation Volga was developed as a replacement for the 1946 GAZ-M20 Pobeda mid-size car, based on a brief issued in 1951. The first pre-production batch left GAZ on 10 October 1956. It was built in three distinct series; in total 639,478 Volgas were built from 1956 until 1970. There was also an estate derivative and a rare, V8-engined version developed for the KGB's 9th Directorate as an escort vehicle for motorcades....(Read more on Wikipedia)
11 Overview:
GAZ 31 (11). With 188 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.2 l/100km). With a weight of 1690 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 13.6 s). The top speed reaches 180 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The GAZ 3111 was not officially tested by Euro NCAP. Given its early 2000s Russian market focus and design, its passive safety features would likely be significantly behind contemporary Western European standards.
2.3 i 16V (131 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A balanced petrol option, providing adequate power for daily driving, though not particularly spirited. The 16V design hints at better breathing.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption would be moderate for its class, likely better than the 2.5L but still not class-leading.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Modernized exterior design compared to previous Volga models.
- • Improved interior ergonomics and features over predecessors.
- • Range of engine options, including a diesel, offered versatility.
- • Relatively spacious cabin and boot for its class.
Cons:
- • Short production run indicates market or production challenges.
- • Questionable build quality and reliability issues reported.
- • Performance and refinement lagged behind international competitors.
- • Limited availability of parts and service outside Russia.
- • Poor passive safety compared to Western standards.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(11: 2000 - 2002).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | GAZ |
| Model: | 31 |
| Generation: | 11 |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.3 i 16V (131 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2001 |
| End of production: | 2002 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 131 Hp @ 5200 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 57.3 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 188 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 2287 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 92 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.3:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.2 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 13.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 13.6 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 180 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12.9 kg/Hp, 77.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 9 kg/Nm, 111.2 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 12.9 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1690 |
| Max. weight: | 2190 |
| Max load: | 500 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 700 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4897 mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1840 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1475 mm [3mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2820 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1540 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1526 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/65 R15 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
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