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GAZ 31 105 2.3 i 16V (131 Hp)
Overall Rating
GAZ 31:
The GAZ Volga is an executive car that originated in the Soviet Union to replace the GAZ Pobeda in 1956. Their role in serving the Soviet nomenklatura made them a contemporary cultural icon. Several generations of the car have been produced.
Despite the continuous modernisations, GAZ found it increasingly difficult to keep the ageing design competitive in a market economy. GAZ CEO Bo Andersson decided to discontinue the Volga range in 2010.
The first generation Volga was developed as a replacement for the 1946 GAZ-M20 Pobeda mid-size car, based on a brief issued in 1951. The first pre-production batch left GAZ on 10 October 1956. It was built in three distinct series; in total 639,478 Volgas were built from 1956 until 1970. There was also an estate derivative and a rare, V8-engined version developed for the KGB's 9th Directorate as an escort vehicle for motorcades....(Read more on Wikipedia)
105 Overview:
GAZ 31 (105). With 188 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11 l/100km). Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 14.5 s). The top speed reaches 163 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The GAZ 31105 was not tested by Euro NCAP. Its safety features and structural integrity are based on older design standards, likely offering basic protection compared to contemporary Western European vehicles.
2.3 i 16V (131 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers adequate power for daily driving and cruising, but the 14.5-second 0-100 km/h acceleration is sluggish, reflecting its utilitarian design rather than sporty aspirations.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is on the higher side for a 2.3L four-cylinder, especially in urban conditions (11 l/100 km), making it less economical than many contemporary rivals.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious interior and large trunk
- • Robust and simple mechanicals, easy to repair
- • Comfortable, soft ride quality over rough roads
- • Good value for money in its target markets
- • Classic, recognizable design
Cons:
- • Outdated design and technology by modern standards
- • High fuel consumption, especially in urban areas
- • Sluggish acceleration and modest top speed
- • Basic safety features and lack of Euro NCAP rating
- • Variable build quality and interior refinement
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(11: 2002 - 2004).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | GAZ |
| Model: | 31 |
| Generation: | 105 |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.3 i 16V (131 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2004 |
| End of production: | 2009 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 131 Hp @ 5200 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 57.3 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 188 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 2287 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 92 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.3:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 14.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 14.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 163 km/h |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 13.8 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 500 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4921 mm [24mm more] |
| Width: | 1812 mm [28mm less] |
| Height: | 1422 mm [50mm less] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
If you could change one thing about the GAZ 31, what would it be?