Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Volkswagen Golf I (3-door) 1.5 (70 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Volkswagen Golf:
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car/small family car produced by the German automotive manufacturer Volkswagen since 1974, marketed worldwide across eight generations, in various body configurations and under various nameplates – including as the Volkswagen Rabbit in the United States and Canada , and as the Volkswagen Caribe in Mexico. Historically, the Golf is Volkswagen's best-selling model and is among the world's top three best-selling nameplates, with more than 35 million units sold as of 2019....(Read more on Wikipedia)
I (3-door) Overview:
Volkswagen Golf (I (3-door)). With 110 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.1 l/100km). Weighing only 830 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 153 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
1.5 (70 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers the convenience of an automatic transmission with adequate power for city and suburban driving, though slightly less sprightly than the manual.
Fuel Economy
Slightly less fuel-efficient than its manual counterpart, but still reasonable for an automatic of its era.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic design and heritage
- • Excellent driving dynamics (especially GTI models)
- • Practical hatchback body style
- • Good fuel economy on diesel variants
- • Generally reliable and easy to maintain
Cons:
- • Basic safety features by modern standards
- • Entry-level engines can feel underpowered
- • Limited comfort and luxury features
- • Rust can be an issue on older models
- • Road noise can be high at speed
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I (3-door): 1976 - 1980).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Golf |
| Generation: | I (3-door) |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.5 (70 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1977 |
| End of production: | 1983 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 70 Hp @ 5600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 48 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 110 Nm @ 2500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | FH, FD More details about the engine FH, FD |
| Engine displacement: | 1457 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.5 l |
| Coolant: | 4.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 79.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 73.4 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 10.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.3 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 153 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11.9 kg/Hp, 84.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.5 kg/Nm, 132.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 14.7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 830 |
| Max. weight: | 1250 |
| Max load: | 420 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1102 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 368 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1000 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 40 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 400 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3723 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1610 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1410 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2400 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1389 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1356 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 125 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.5 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 3 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Disc, 238.76 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 180.34 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 175/70 R13 |
| Wheel rims size | 5J x 13 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm, Coil spring, Torsion |
Does the Volkswagen Golf live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!