Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Volkswagen Golf I (3-door) 1.6 D (54 Hp)
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 98 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 750 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 16.8 s). The top speed reaches 143 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.
1.6 D (54 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A highly economical non-turbo diesel, prioritizing fuel efficiency over performance, suitable for relaxed driving.
Fuel Economy
Outstanding fuel economy, making it an ideal choice for drivers focused purely on minimizing running costs.
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): 1979 - 1981).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Golf |
| Generation: | I (3-door) |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.6 D (54 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1980 |
| End of production: | 1983 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 54 Hp @ 4800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 34 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 98 Nm @ 2300 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | CR, JK More details about the engine CR, JK |
| Engine displacement: | 1588 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.5 l |
| Coolant: | 4.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 76.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86.4 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 23:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 16.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 16.8 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 143 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 13.9 kg/Hp, 72 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.7 kg/Nm, 130.7 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 16 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 750 |
| Max. weight: | 1170 |
| Max load: | 420 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1102 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 368 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 40 l |
| 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: | 1390 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1350 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 | 4 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 175/70 R13 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring, Torsion |
Your first impression of the Volkswagen Golf in one word? Go!