Volkswagen Golf I (5-door) 1.5 (70 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

7.7 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.5 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 3.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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 (5-door) Overview:

Volkswagen Golf (I (5-door)). With 110 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.1 l/100km). Weighing only 850 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:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers a more relaxed driving experience compared to the manual, though the automatic transmission dulls performance slightly for its 70 Hp output.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy will be slightly worse than the manual 1.5 (70 Hp) due to the less efficient automatic transmission of the era.

Best Use Case: City Driving / Comfort-oriented Commuting

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Pioneering compact hatchback design
  • • Excellent practicality and space utilization for its size
  • • Wide range of efficient and robust engine options, including the iconic GTI
  • • Reliable and relatively easy to maintain
  • • Fun-to-drive dynamics, especially in GTI trims
  • • Strong aftermarket support and classic car appeal

Cons:

  • • Basic safety features by modern standards
  • • Limited comfort and refinement compared to contemporary vehicles
  • • Rust can be a significant issue on older examples
  • • Entry-level engines are underpowered for highway use
  • • Interior plastics and materials are basic

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I (3-door): 1976 - 1980).

General:
Brand:Volkswagen
Model:Golf
Generation:I (5-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:5
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:12.1 kg/Hp, 82.4 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7.7 kg/Nm, 129.4 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:14.7 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:850
Max. weight:1300
Max load:450
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 ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears3
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesDisc, 238.76 mm [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum, 180.34 mm [bad for performance and cooling.]
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Tires size175/70 R13
Wheel rims size5J x 13
Front suspensionIndependent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar
Rear suspensionTrailing arm, Coil spring, Torsion

The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Volkswagen Golf!