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Volkswagen Iltis 183 1.6 TD (69 Hp)
Overall Rating
Volkswagen Iltis:
The Volkswagen Type 183, more commonly known as the Iltis , is a military vehicle built by Volkswagen for use by the German military. The Iltis was formerly built under licence in Canada by Bombardier Inc.
Although the two vehicles were briefly offered simultaneously, the Type 183 effectively replaced the Type 181.
The German military had been part of a cooperative effort, beginning in the late 1960s, to create what was dubbed the "Europa Jeep", an amphibious four wheel drive vehicle that could replace the small all-terrain transport vehicles being used by several of the participating governments. With development taking longer than expected, the German military requested for something inexpensive to be built in small quantities to fill their need for additional small transport vehicles while the Europa Jeep project was still undergoing design research. Volkswagen responded to the request, designing an updated version of their Kübelwagen and designating it the Type 181. But by 1979, the Europa Jeep project had fallen apart completely, the victim of skyrocketing costs and difficult development. Needing a suitable four-wheel drive vehicle to take over the spots that had been designated for the Europa Jeep, the German government issued requests to several manufacturers to design and build prototype vehicles to be considered for military use....(Read more on Wikipedia)
183 Overview:
Volkswagen Iltis (183). A rugged vehicle built to handle rough terrains and challenging driving conditions. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 0 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Volkswagen Iltis (183) was produced before Euro NCAP testing began (1997) and was never tested. Safety features are basic by modern standards, typical for a military-derived vehicle of its era.
1.6 TD (69 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Despite slightly lower peak horsepower, the turbo-diesel provides superior low-end torque, making it highly effective for off-road driving, towing, and heavy-duty tasks.
Fuel Economy
Offers improved fuel economy over the petrol variant, especially beneficial for longer journeys or sustained heavy use, a common advantage of diesel engines.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional off-road capability (proven by Dakar Rally win)
- • Robust and durable construction, built for harsh conditions
- • Simple, easy-to-maintain mechanicals
- • Historical significance and unique design
- • Good parts availability due to military heritage
Cons:
- • Very basic interior and limited comfort features
- • Poor on-road refinement and noisy cabin
- • Limited safety features by modern standards
- • Fuel economy is not a strong point for petrol variants
- • Slow acceleration and modest top speed
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(183: 1978 - 1988).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Iltis |
| Generation: | 183 |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.6 TD (69 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1987 |
| End of production: | 1988 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Off-road vehicle, Cabriolet |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 69 Hp |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
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