1991 VW Golf Country 1.8 MT / 98 HP - four-wheel drive

Volkswagen Golf II - the second generation of one of the most popular 3- and 5-door hatchbacks. 6,300,987 vehicles in various configurations rolled off the assembly line. The Golf II was produced not only in Germany but also in France, the Netherlands, Great Britain, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, Finland, Japan and the USA. There is also an off-road version - Golf Country, numbering 7,465 copies.

SPECIFICATIONS

Unlike the first model, the Golf 2 is equipped with a radiator using G11 antifreeze instead of water.

Starting in September 1983, the Golf II was produced with a Pierburg / Solex carburetor, but already in January 1984 a modification of the GTI with an injection engine appeared. On engines with a volume of 1.8 liters, the mechanical fuel injection systems K-Jetronic (German) and KE-Jetronic were installed. Mono-Jetronic, systems of a relatively simple device with continuous fuel injection, developed by Bosch (KE-Jetronic and Mono-Jetronic already used electronics), as well as VW's own injection systems Digijet and Digifant for engines volume of 1.3 and 1.8 liters, respectively.

Three consecutive z symbols (zzz) in the VIN of the Volkswagen Golf II body do not indicate the body's zinc plating.

It is worth noting that the front grille of various modifications (GTi, G60, Fire and Ice, Carat and many others) has four headlights instead of two. Initially, this was an option that the buyer could order, later additional headlights were also included in certain trim levels. In the American version of the Golf, instead of the round headlights there are two square headlights, or rectangular, like the VW Jetta model. Every year, the designers made minor cosmetic changes, for example, on newer models there are wider moldings, plastic wheel arch linings, plastic sills, and the lines of the front grille have become larger.

The model underwent the most significant restyling in 1987, and since August 1987, cars of the 1988 model year began to go on sale, which differed, first of all, in a smaller number of horizontal ribs of the radiator grille, solid glass front doors and, accordingly, a different position of the exterior mirrors (now installed at the front edge of the doors). At the same time, instead of glued moldings, they began to be installed on the caps, the graphics of nameplates with the name of the model changed. In addition to external changes, the purely technical part of the car has undergone serious modernization, for example, changes have affected the front suspension, electrical equipment. Starting in '90, sales of the VW Golf with voluminous bumpers began. Since 1988, the all-wheel drive versions of the Syncro have been produced.

Of particular note are the modifications to the Golf that have made it a hot hatchback. Starting in January 1984, the GTI version with an 8-valve 112 hp engine was produced. (engine code EV), in 1985 the legendary GTI 16V 139 hp expands the range. (motor code KR), which to this day is considered the most famous modification of the Golf GTI of all years of production. Around the same time, versions with catalysts appear, their capacities are 107 and 129 hp. respectively. In the late 80s VW experimented with mechanical supercharging. As a result, the supercharged engine G60 (160 hp) appears under the hood of the Golf. Almost simultaneously, the all-wheel drive version of the G60 Syncro is being released. And in commemoration of rally victories VW Golf is prepared for release a limited edition of 5000 copies of the Golf Rally, technically identical to the G60 Syncro, but with widened wheel arches, different front lighting, a radiator grill and bumpers. Finally, the Golf II GTI line-up is completed by the Golf Limited modification prepared by VW Motorsport with a 1.8 liter engine and 210 hp. with a supercharger G60 and a 16-valve cylinder head, produced in a very small edition.

The Golf Country model stands somewhat apart - almost an independent model in which the body and units of the Golf Syncro are mounted on the frame, thanks to which the car has an impressive ground clearance, while, like the Syncro, it has a viscous coupling in the rear axle drive, which ensures automatic connection of the rear wheels when the front wheels slip. This modification was assembled at the Steyr plant in Graz (Austria), where the Mercedes-Benz G-class was also produced. Due to the high price, the model did not find wide demand, only 7465 pieces were produced.

Rare VW Golf II models:

Golf Country:

The famous and equally popular all over the world hatchback with a monocoque all-metal body appeared in the distant 1983. And 6 years later, when the body was re-labeled, this truly popular car was called VW Golf II (1G).
Its difference from its predecessor is not so great: the body has become more spacious, and the choice of engines is wider.

Now on Golf 2 are installed and diesel GTD (with a volume of 1.6 l)and DOHC (16 valves, volume 1.8 l), and even forced G60 (8 cylinders, universal adaptation for all- and front-wheel drive systems).

Volkswagen Golf 2 and its brothers

Soon, the already rich line of production models was supplemented with exclusive, collectible modifications. In particular, this is the VW Golf II (G60) Limited, with an all-wheel drive Syncro and a sports gearbox. The total circulation was only 71 units, and they were produced with a gasoline engine (1.8 L) with a mechanical supercharger.

Thanks to this compressor, the power of the Volkswagen Golf 2 increased to 160 hp, while the GTI version with two-liter engines could produce only 139 "horses". Production of the G60 lasted only about one and a half years, and their limited number led to an unprecedented demand for these models.

The next modification of the Golf 2 is no less interesting than its predecessors: the car of the already recognized golf class unexpectedly appears in the guise of a neat SUV. The new version was called the Golf II Country, and it was almost a full-fledged SUV - an all-wheel drive car with the "appearance" traditional for serial VWs.

The design, however, is completely original. Like Golf 2, but only slightly raised and with a spar frame used in real out-roads. With true "crooks" Country also has in common the fact that it has the same ground clearance and downshift.

As in the case of the G60, the Golf II Country was limited in circulation, which, in fact, made it the most expensive of all the Golf 2. They say that any copy of the Country (if it is in perfect condition) costs the same as a new one.

The history of Golf 2 is not over

Volkswagen Golf 2 production continued until 1992 - the latest models date back to December, although for some time the "second" Golf was produced in parallel with the new version -. And for the VW leadership, such a step was really economically justified, since the demand for the "kopeck piece" absolutely did not fall.

Perhaps the wrong word - “did not fall”: many of the domestic motorists who know a lot about good and reliable cars, and to this day prefer the excellently proven Golf 2 to the following versions of Volkswagen Golf - 3, 4, and even the ultra-modern “fifth”.

Golf 2: still on the rise

And this is understandable: the functionality of this family car is simply unrivaled. For example, despite the presence of the fifth door, luggage compartment volume can be increased even more - in half a minute by folding the back seat.

Steering - comfortable and responsive, rack-and-pinion type (there are also versions with an amplifier), and two-circuit brake system - with a hydraulic drive, and equipped with a vacuum booster.

But the main thing is absolutely hassle-free repair... You can easily find any spare part on the Golf 2, and it can be fitted with any of the range of engines (volume from 1.3 to 1.8 liters), be it gasoline, diesel or turbocharged.

Volkswagen Golf II is a legendary car from the German auto giant, which can still be found on the roads. At one time, the model became a real boon for all motorists and at the time gained frenzied popularity. As part of today's article, we will try to tell you in detail about the technical characteristics of "Golf 2", the size of the model, design, major breakdowns, ways to eliminate them, and much more. It will be interesting!

Model history

Golf takes its beginning in 1983, when the production of the first generation just ended and the assembly of a new model began on conveyors. In total, over 6 million cars were produced during the production period, and the Golf 2 became one of the best-selling and most popular cars. There were even four-wheel drive versions, which were only about 7.5 thousand.

The Golf 2 was markedly different from the first model, especially in technical terms.

1. First, the radiators were changed, in which, instead of water, there was now G11 antifreeze.
2. Secondly, the engines have changed significantly - there are more of them, and they have been significantly improved.
3. The third difference was the use of more modern technologies, which simply did not exist during the production of the first car.

In 1987, the II was restyled. The changes affected both the appearance and the technical part. In terms of design, the radiator grille has slightly changed, the side mirrors have "moved", the nameplates have changed, the windows on the front doors have become solid, etc. Much more interesting changes have taken place in technical terms. The front suspension has been significantly improved, work has been done with the car's electronics, and the engines have been updated. It is also worth noting that until the 90th year the car was produced only with front-wheel drive, and after the 90th version with a full 4 x 4 appeared.

Below you can see the photo of "Golf 2" after its restyling.

In addition to the usual versions of the "Golf", quite rare modifications were produced, which were equipped with more powerful engines, had a slightly different design and a full set of all kinds of options. The most popular modification is the Golf 2 GTi. The main advantage of the model was the 1.8-liter injection engine, which in the maximum "charged" version had a capacity of 160 liters. from. In addition, some versions of the GTi were equipped with all-wheel drive, which significantly increased the cross-country ability of the car.

One of the rarest modifications is the GTi Limited Edition, of which only 71 were produced. Each of these cars was assembled strictly by hand and had a special plate with a serial number. In fact, the Limited Edition is the most powerful and charged version of the regular GTi. All the best was installed on the car, for example, sports leather seats with heating and electric adjustments, leather steering wheel and doors, a complete package of electric windows, heated mirrors, power steering and much, much more. The only thing that was not there was cruise control and climate control, since there was simply not enough space under the hood.

The next photo "Golf 2" shows that the version GTi Limited Edition practically does not differ from the base one.

By the end of production of the Golf II, a lot of equipment and equipment were installed on the car. The company did not begin to do another restyling, so many things were included in different configurations and individual options. In fact, it was possible to "assemble" exactly the car that the future owner needed.

In 1992, production was discontinued, and instead of the beloved two, the world saw the VW Golf 3. Nevertheless, it is the second generation that remains the most popular of all rulers, and most likely will remain so forever.

Appearance

Now that the history of the car is over, you can move on to examining the appearance of the car. So, Golf's design was quite good for its time, and even today it looks very attractive.

The front end has a sporty and slightly aggressive look. The radiator grille is painted black. There is a small company logo on it. The headlights are large and round. Depending on the modifications of the "Golf", the front could be slightly modified. For example, in the American versions, the headlights were rectangular, like on the Jetta, and the GTi version had two headlights at all. Also, the GTi had a red frame around the grille, the logo was painted black and an appropriate nameplate was additionally attached.

The front bumper is pretty simple. It has side lights and an air intake. In addition, it was possible to install fog lights. On some versions of the Golf, the bumper could be slightly different in design, but this, in general, is not important.

From behind, the car looks quite normal. The tailgate is large enough and the glass has its own wiper. The headlights are ordinary, they do not stand out. Just below the trunk is the brand's logo, as well as a nameplate with the model name.

This is the description of "Golf 2", or rather its external view, you can finish and move on to the next item.

Car dimensions

Now a little about it was produced in two versions - 3 doors and 5. The most interesting thing is that there are practically no differences between the versions. Length - 405 cm, height - 141.5 cm, width - 170 cm (model with 5 doors - 166.5 cm). The wheelbase is 247 cm long, the front track is 151 cm, and the rear track is 149 cm. Thus, the dimensions of the Golf 2 with both 3 and 5 doors are completely the same, except for only the width.

The GTi modification was slightly different in terms of size. These cars had a slightly shorter wheelbase and slightly increased front and rear tracks.

The Country version of the Golf was significantly different in size. Cars of this type were 425.5 cm long and 155.5 cm high. The width was identical to the 5-door version. As for the wheelbase, it was 1 cm more. But the width of the front and rear track even decreased slightly - 143.5 and 144 cm, respectively.

Technical characteristics of "Golf 2"

It's time to move on to the technical characteristics of the car. Of course, the engines are of the greatest interest here, but it is also worth talking about the boxes and the chassis. Let's take a closer look at everything.

Engines

In total, 3 types of engines were installed on the Golf, with a volume of 1.3, 1.6 and 1.8 liters. There were also "liter" versions, but they quickly went into the "shadow". In addition, there were models with diesel units, however, only in the version of 1.6 liters. Slightly below, for greater convenience, there will be a table for "Golf 2" with the technical characteristics of the motors.

Motor	Power (hp)	Acceleration (0-100 km / h)	Maximum speed	Fuel consumption (combined cycle)
1,3	55	17	152	8,5
1,6	69	15	162	9,5
1,6	72	15	132	9,5
1,6	75	14	157	10
1,8	90	12	170	9,5
1,8	98	12	180	11
1,8	107	10,3	186	9,8
1,8	112	9,7	191	7,5
1,8	129	9	200	8
1,8	139	8,5	208	7,5
1,8	160	8,3	220	12
1,8	210	7,2	230	14,5
1.6 (diesel)	54	19,5	150	6,5
1.6 (diesel)	70	15	160	6,1
1.6 (diesel)	80	14,5	169	7,5

Checkpoint

As for the gearboxes, all engines without exception were equipped with classic mechanics and an automatic transmission. The mechanics had four to five speeds, while the automatic had maximum 3 speeds. The box did not cause any particular complaints. Switching occurs smoothly and clearly, the working resource is quite large, although at present, when buying such a car, the box will most likely have to be completely changed.

Chassis

At the end of the technical characteristics of "Golf 2", it is worth saying a few words about the chassis and suspension of the car. In front of the models there was an independent spring suspension of the McPherson type. There was a semi-independent spring suspension at the back. There were two types of drive - front and full (4 x 4). The ground clearance is small - 12.5 cm.Only the Country version, due to a different structure, had a higher ground clearance - 16 cm.

There are no serious complaints about the suspension and hodovke. The car handles well, it works out all the irregularities of the road, pits, bumps, etc. very well. In terms of repair, the chassis is also not a hassle - spare parts for the Golf 2 cost almost a penny, and it's easy to find them.

Prefix "4Motion" changed the image of a familiar model

An early call cut short the morning sleep:

Klochkov, good sleep! - I heard the cheerful voice of the deputy editor-in-chief Bakharev. - Yesterday I agreed about a test drive. Pick up the Volkswagen Golf Enthusiasts from the highway for emotions ...

Then my head, inside which the shadows of dreams still roamed, got completely confused. What "Golf"? What does emotion have to do with it? And why did Bakharev suddenly speak to me in English?

Finally, finally waking up, I realize: English for emotion (in Russian - "for the sake of emotion") has nothing to do with it. The deputy chief meant "4Motion". This code "Volkswagen" designates the all-wheel drive "Golf IV". These cars have recently appeared at Russian dealers.

Thoroughbred all-wheel drive for a reasonable price

Passenger cars "4x4" are good for Russia, but they are expensive. Few Japanese models fall below the twenty thousand mark. Imagine my surprise when I learned that now there is an opportunity to purchase a prestigious "Golf" with an all-wheel drive transmission cheaper than "twenty".

True, the car provided to us cost more - $ 21,750. However, we got a rich copy. Here is the "Comfor-tline" equipment, and even the "Climat-ronic" air conditioner, which should be more likely for a business-class sedan. If you get rid of expensive bells and whistles. the cost of "Golf 1.8 4Motion" will drop below twenty thousand. Attractive price for an all-wheel drive German hatchback.

Two news from "Golf IV"

As you understand, the main news is all-wheel drive. The second piece of news is the body. The five-door "Golf IV" has already become familiar on Russian streets in general and on the pages of "Klaxon" in particular. But we are dealing with a three-door version for the first time. This "Golf" looks smart and sporty. A good option for a person not burdened with a family. The three-door also fits well with the image of the second family car. For example, cars for the mistress of the house. The car looks a little more solid than its front-wheel drive siblings, as the "4Motion" transmission causes slightly larger wheels and a slightly higher planted body.

Due to the all-wheel drive fan-drive "4 Motion" is planted just above the usual front-wheel drive Golf

The employee of the salon, where we received the car, asked to give it to the metro. Our photographer had to move into the back seat. Unlike many three-doors, it is not difficult to climb onto the back sofa. Our "Golf" was equipped with an "Ease-Entry" device. It is enough to slightly pull a single handle for the front seat to do a complex "gymnastic exercise" under the action of hidden springs: it moves all the way forward, folds, lifts ... Welcome to the back sofa!

I taxi onto the road and vigorously accelerate to join the traffic. Four-wheel drive showed itself right away: after a slight slip of the front wheels on the frozen asphalt, the electronics activated the Haldex center coupling, which connected the rear wheels, and the car briskly jumped forward. You probably already get the point. Usually, the novelty rides on the front wheel drive. The rear wheels come into play when the front wheels start spinning.

A legitimate question arises. If previous generations of all-wheel-drive "Golf" were designated by the word "Syncro", why now VWs use the new code "4Motion"? Answer: to indicate the technical advantage of the novelty. The Haldex clutch is faster and more efficient than the traditional visco clutch found on the Syncro.

The car is incomparable in turns! This is a thrill for which you forget even a not too powerful motor ...

Here, look: I'm standing at a traffic light. Nearby - an imaginary double, absolutely equal in driving experience, driving the same "Golf" with the same engine, but its all-wheel drive transmission uses a visco-clutch. Start! On a winter road, my Golf takes the lead immediately as Haldex hooks up the rear wheels quicker for more efficient acceleration ...

We drove to the "straight", I roughly stepped on the gas pedal. The tachometer needle rested against the mark "5.000" and stopped. The thought flashed that the defective "Golf" was slipped to me, but soon, when the engine warmed up, it began to spin up regularly to 6.500 rpm, giving out the required acceleration. Speed \u200b\u200blimiter dependent on coolant temperature? Very interesting!

... At first, as befits a front-wheel drive car, the nose strives to go out ...
... Then "Haldex" fires, engaging the rear wheels. And the car obediently outlines an arc in the side slip

My Golf was equipped with the smallest engine that can be combined with a 4Motion 4WD transmission. Four-cylinder engine with a volume of 1.8 liters and a capacity of 125 forces. With it, the all-wheel drive modification accelerates to 100 km / h in 11.1 seconds (the front-wheel drive does this exercise 1.2 seconds faster). On the highway, according to the characteristics, the car is gaining 198 km / h (3 km / h slower than the front-wheel drive "Golf").

Compared to "classmates", the "Golf" salon looks very expensive ...

However, now I was interested not so much in the bare numbers as in the remarkable character of the motor. On the one hand, it quickly reaches high revs, and growls deeply in the menacing voice of a disturbed beast. In a word, the sporty character is felt. On the other hand, the gasoline engine has colossal thrust across a wide rpm range, like a diesel engine.

For example, I'm driving around town in third gear. I move along with the stream, the speed of which is slowly decreasing to 30 kilometers. The engine rumbles peacefully at about one and a half thousand revolutions. Then I add gas - and the engine with "diesel" confidence begins to spin from low revs, briskly accelerating the car. The secret to impressive traction lies in the variable intake manifold and variable valve opening and closing phases. The motor is also interesting in that it has a built-in knock sensor, which allows the use of 91st gasoline in stalemate situations. Unleaded, of course ...

"Ease-Entry" device: just pull the handle and the front seat folds itself, moves all the way forward, rises ... Welcome to the rear sofa!

Now pay attention to the combination of the following factors: a German golf-class model, four-wheel drive, a highly sophisticated engine with technical refinements ... Do you feel the pace of progress? Five years ago it was difficult to imagine such a car for such money.

Various "charms" of Moscow streets, like the cobblestone-edged tram rails "Golf 4Motion" overcomes effortlessly. He swallows this outrage with Mercedes equanimity. Moreover, the car cannot be called too soft. Its suspension is such that it reacts with a sporty acuity to sharp turns of the steering wheel. This is a nice combination of suspension qualities.

Not just a golf-class hatchback ...

I know that many Russians dreaming of a sports car see themselves driving close relatives of rally monsters. Like the all-wheel drive "Subaru Impreza WRX STI" or "Mitsubishi Evolution VI". Cool cars, but damn expensive. While the money is being raised, the first step towards the dream may well be "Golf 4Motion". Of course, it is inferior to mnogosotstylny animals in acceleration, however, like them, it has a first-class all-wheel drive system. A knowledgeable driver will have a lot of fun skidding on a snowy road. Even one hundredth of the sensations of a professional rally driver will saturate the veins with adrenaline for a long time and clear the head of everyday problems. I also got my share by rolling along a winding karting track covered with snow.

The car is incomparable in turns! This is a thrill for which you forget even a not too powerful motor. I go into a slippery turn. At first, as befits a front-wheel drive car, the nose tends to go out. After a moment, "Haldex" is triggered, engaging the rear wheels. I turn the steering wheel and add throttle - "4Mo-tion" obediently, in a side slip, outlines an arc. An electronic rear differential lock - which is also standard on all-wheel-drive "Golf" - gives the car a rear-wheel drive flavor.

Furthermore! The electronic four-wheel drive control unit is configured in such a way that the car can be turned on the handbrake (usually this is not possible with a 4x4 transmission). This amazing fact is specially highlighted in the factory press release.

Of course, you can't do such "adrenaline" exercises on public roads. Practice first on an empty parking lot or winter dirt road. And even better - complete the courses in one of the special driving schools, of which, at least, there are many in Moscow now. And get pleasure, and improve your driving skills.

So, now Russian motorists have the opportunity to buy a "Golf" with all-wheel drive. The "4x4" transmission dramatically changed the consumer properties of what seemed to be a familiar model. It has improved safety and ease of operation in everyday driving. And at the same time turned the emotionless, in general, 1.8-liter hatchback into an interesting "shell" for the gourmet driver. No wonder "4Motion" is consonant with the English for emotion.

Sergey KLOCHKOV, photo by Alexey BARASHKOV

Brief technical characteristic "Volkswagen Golf 1.8 4Motion"

Overall dimensions 15x173.5x144 cm
Curb weight 1.265 kg
In-line engine, 4-cyl., 1.8 l
Power 125 HP at 6.000 rpm
Torque 170 Nm @ 4.200 rpm
Maximum speed 198 km / h
Acceleration 0-100 km / h - 11.1 s
Fuel consumption (l / 100 km):
- in the city 12.4
- outside the city 6.8
Fuel capacity 55 l

QUESTION TO THE BUYER

"When you were choosing a car, which models were the alternatives?" - we asked Yuri Kuvshinov when he got behind the wheel of the newly acquired three-door "Golf 4Motion

In general, I did not find an alternative. Initially I wanted an inexpensive "4x4" sports car - a three-door or even a two-door coupe. I walked around the salons and looked. Golf-class all-wheel drive vehicles offer Mitsubishi and Subaru, but the bodywork is painful for family sedans or generalists. "Audi A3 Quattro" I can't afford the money ... In general, the three-door "Golf 4Motion" was the only contender.

P.S. By the way. VW Golf 4Motion is available with a 204-horsepower V6 engine. This one will argue with relatives of rally cars!