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Volkswagen Golf III 1.8 (75 Hp) Automatic
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)
III Overview:
Volkswagen Golf (III). With 140 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1150 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 17.6 s). The top speed reaches 164 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.
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.
1.8 (75 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Sluggish performance, further hampered by the automatic transmission, making it feel underpowered.
Fuel Economy
Higher fuel consumption compared to its manual counterpart, less economical.
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(II (3-door, facelift 1987): 1990 - 1991).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Golf |
| Generation: | III |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.8 (75 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1991 |
| End of production: | 1997 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3-5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 75 Hp @ 5000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 42.1 Hp/l [20mm less] |
| Torque: | 140 Nm @ 2500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | AAM More details about the engine AAM |
| Engine displacement: | 1781 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Single-point injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.8 l |
| Coolant: | 5.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 81 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86.4 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.8 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 17.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 17.6 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 164 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 15.3 kg/Hp, 65.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.2 kg/Nm, 121.7 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 16.7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1150 |
| Max. weight: | 1580 |
| Max load: | 430 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 687 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 330 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4020 mm mm [20mm less] |
| Width: | 1695 mm mm [5mm less] |
| Height: | 1425 mm mm [20mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2475 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1478 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1448 mm |
| 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 | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 175/ 65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
| Front suspension | Trailing arm |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension |
Does the Volkswagen Golf live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!