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Volkswagen Golf I Cabrio GLS 1.5 (70 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 Cabrio Overview:
Volkswagen Golf (I Cabrio). With 110 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.3 l/100km). Weighing only 910 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 14.3 s). The top speed reaches 150 km/h. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
GLS 1.5 (70 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The most basic engine in the lineup, providing modest performance primarily suited for city driving and very relaxed cruising. Acceleration was leisurely (14.3 sec).
Fuel Economy
Likely the most fuel-efficient option, designed for economy over performance, making it a cost-effective choice for daily short commutes.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Classic convertible styling
- • Fun to drive (especially higher trims)
- • Reliable and robust mechanics
- • Good parts availability
- • Strong enthusiast community
Cons:
- • Safety features are outdated
- • Limited rear passenger space
- • Fuel economy not competitive by modern standards
- • Prone to rust if not maintained
- • Soft top maintenance
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(VIII: June, 2022 - 2024).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Golf |
| Generation: | I Cabrio |
| Modification (Engine): | GLS 1.5 (70 Hp) |
| Start of production: | March, 1979 |
| End of production: | August, 1982 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 70 Hp @ 5600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 48 Hp/l [475mm less] |
| Torque: | 110 Nm @ 2500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | JB More details about the engine JB |
| 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: | 10.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.1 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 14.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 14.3 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 150 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 13 kg/Hp, 76.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.3 kg/Nm, 120.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 13.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 910 |
| Max. weight: | 1270 |
| Max load: | 360 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 220 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1000 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 40 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 400 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3815 mm mm [475mm less] |
| Width: | 1610 mm mm [179mm less] |
| Height: | 1410 mm mm [48mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2398 mm mm [230mm less] |
| Front track: | 1390 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1358 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 125 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.3 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 |
| Wheel rims size | 5J x 13 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Transverse stabilizer, Trailing arm |
Behind the wheel of the Volkswagen Golf. How does it handle on the road?