Volkswagen Golf IV 1.8 T 20V (180 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)
IV Overview:
Volkswagen Golf (IV). With 235 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.7 l/100km). Weighing only 1279 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.9 s). The top speed reaches 223 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.
The Golf IV achieved a respectable 4-star Euro NCAP rating for adult occupant protection in 1998, demonstrating a solid commitment to safety for its era.
1.8 T 20V (180 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Strong, eager performance with good tuning potential, making it a fun and capable engine.
Fuel Economy
Moderate to high fuel consumption, heavily dependent on driving style.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Excellent build quality and interior materials for its class.
- • Wide range of efficient and powerful engines, especially TDI diesels.
- • Comfortable ride and refined driving experience.
- • Timeless design and strong resale value.
- • Good safety rating for its time.
Cons:
- • Some petrol engines can be underpowered or thirsty.
- • Known issues with electric windows and certain engine components (e.g., coil packs on 1.8T, mass air flow sensors).
- • Rear legroom can be tight for taller passengers.
- • Rust can be an issue on older, poorly maintained examples.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(IV Variant: 2000 - June, 2006).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Golf |
| Generation: | IV |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.8 T 20V (180 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2001 |
| End of production: | 2003 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3-5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 180 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 101.1 Hp/l [191mm less] |
| Torque: | 235 Nm @ 1950 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | AUQ More details about the engine AUQ |
| Engine displacement: | 1781 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 5 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.5 l |
| Coolant: | 5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 81 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86.4 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.4 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 7.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 7.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 223 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.1 kg/Hp, 140.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.4 kg/Nm, 183.7 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 7.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1279 |
| Max. weight: | 1750 |
| Max load: | 471 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1184 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 330 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4149 mm mm [191mm less] |
| Width: | 1735 mm mm [40mm more] |
| Height: | 1444 mm mm [14mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2511 mm mm [4mm less] |
| Front track: | 1513 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1494 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| 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 | 225/40 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 18 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |


















Is the Volkswagen Golf the king of its class? Share your thoughts.