Volkswagen Golf III 1.4 (55 Hp)


Overall Rating

6.9 / 10
Safety 2.5 / 5
Engine 2.5 / 5
Value 4.5 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 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)

III Overview:

Volkswagen Golf (III). With 103 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~8 l/100km). Weighing only 1030 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 18 s). The top speed reaches 150 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.

Safety Rating
Euro NCAP Year 1994
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars 2.5
Expert Note:
Tested in 1994, the Golf III achieved a 2.5-star rating for adult occupant protection, considered average for its era but significantly less safe by modern standards. It represented an improvement over earlier generations.

1.4 (55 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 2 stars

Performance Verdict

Very underpowered, struggles significantly outside of urban environments.

Fuel Economy

Good fuel economy for a small petrol engine, but performance is severely compromised.

Best Use Case: City / Basic Commuting

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Wide range of engines, from economical diesels to powerful VR6 and GTI models.
  • • Practical and spacious interior for its class, especially the 5-door hatchback.
  • • Generally reliable and durable, with many examples still on the road.
  • • Good aftermarket support and parts availability.
  • • Excellent value as a used car, offering solid build quality for the price.

Cons:

  • • Safety ratings are poor by modern standards, reflecting its age.
  • • Base models can feel underpowered and unrefined.
  • • Interior plastics can feel dated and prone to wear.
  • • Rust can be an issue, particularly on older, less well-maintained examples.
  • • Some engines, especially the VR6, have high fuel consumption.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III: 1992 - 1997).

General:
Brand:Volkswagen
Model:Golf
Generation:III
Modification (Engine):1.4 (55 Hp)
Start of production:1993
End of production:1999
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Hatchback
Seats:5
Doors:3-5
Engine:
Power:55 Hp @ 5200 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:39.5 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:103 Nm
Engine Model/Code:AEX, ABD More details about the engine AEX, ABD
Engine displacement:1391
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine oil capacity:3.4 l
Coolant:5.6 l
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:5.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:6.7 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:18 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:18 sec
Maximum speed:150 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:18.7 kg/Hp, 53.4 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:10 kg/Nm, 100 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:17.1 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1030
Max. weight:1505
Max load:475
Size:
Length:4020 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1695 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1425 mm mm [20mm more]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDisc [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]

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