Volkswagen Golf II (3-door, facelift 1987) 1.6 D (54 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

7.7 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.2 / 5
Performance 3.8 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 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)

II (3-door, facelift 1987) Overview:

Volkswagen Golf (II (3-door, facelift 1987)). With 100 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~6.9 l/100km). Weighing only 935 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 22.9 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) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Extremely slow acceleration, with the automatic transmission further hindering the already modest 54 Hp diesel. Best for very relaxed city driving.

Fuel Economy

Still offers good fuel economy due to the diesel engine, but the automatic reduces its efficiency compared to manual versions.

Best Use Case: City / Ultra Economy

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Robust and reliable build quality
  • • Wide range of engine options, from economical diesels to powerful GTIs
  • • Practical and spacious interior for its class
  • • Good aftermarket support and parts availability
  • • Timeless design and strong enthusiast following

Cons:

  • • Lack of modern safety features (no Euro NCAP rating)
  • • Basic interior comfort and features on lower trims
  • • Performance of entry-level engines can be very modest
  • • Rust can be an issue on older, unmaintained examples
  • • Automatic transmissions can be sluggish and less efficient

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I Cabrio: 1986 - 1990).

General:
Brand:Volkswagen
Model:Golf
Generation:II (3-door, facelift 1987)
Modification (Engine):1.6 D (54 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:1987
End of production:1991
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 [worst than previous generation]
Torque:100 Nm @ 2300-2900 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:JP More details about the engine JP
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
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine oil capacity:4.5 l
Coolant:6.3 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
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:6.9 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:5.3 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:22.9 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:22.9 sec
Maximum speed:143 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:17.3 kg/Hp, 57.8 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:9.4 kg/Nm, 107 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:21.8 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:935
Max. weight:1465
Max load:530
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1145 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:330 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):800 kg
Fuel tank capacity:55 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:480 kg
Size:
Length:3985-4040 mm mm
Width:1665 mm mm
Height:1415 mm mm
Wheelbase:2475 mm mm
Front track:1427 mm
Rear (Back) track:1422 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 [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Tires size155/65 R13
Wheel rims size5J x 13
Front suspensionIndependent type McPherson
Rear suspensionElastic beam

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