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Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro (190 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)
III Overview:
Volkswagen Golf (III). With 245 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.8 l/100km). With a weight of 1410 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.5 s). The top speed reaches 224 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.
2.9 VR6 Syncro (190 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Exceptional performance with powerful acceleration and the added traction of all-wheel drive.
Fuel Economy
Very high fuel consumption, reflecting its performance and AWD system.
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 Variant: 1993 - 1999).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Golf |
| Generation: | III |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.9 VR6 Syncro (190 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1994 |
| End of production: | 1997 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3-5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 190 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 66.4 Hp/l [320mm less] |
| Torque: | 245 Nm @ 4200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | ABV More details about the engine ABV |
| Engine displacement: | 2861 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | VR-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.5 l |
| Coolant: | 10 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 82 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90.3 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10.5 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 7.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 7.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 224 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.4 kg/Hp, 134.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.8 kg/Nm, 173.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 7.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1410 |
| Max. weight: | 1800 |
| Max load: | 390 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 587 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 230 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 65 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4020 mm mm [320mm less] |
| Width: | 1695 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1405 mm mm [25mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2475 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1450 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1432 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/50 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Suspension with traction connecting levers |
Does the Volkswagen Golf live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!