Volkswagen Golf IV Cabrio 1.8i (90 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.6 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.0 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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 Cabrio Overview:

Volkswagen Golf (IV Cabrio). With 145 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.3 l/100km). Weighing only 1155 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 13.1 s). The top speed reaches 172 km/h. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.

1.8i (90 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Modest performance, suitable for relaxed cruising and urban environments rather than spirited driving or rapid overtakes.

Fuel Economy

Reasonable fuel economy for a petrol engine of its size and era, offering a good balance for everyday use.

Best Use Case: City / Mixed

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Classic convertible styling with a timeless appeal
  • • Robust build quality, inherited from the Golf III platform
  • • Economical and reliable TDI diesel engine options
  • • Relatively practical for a convertible with decent rear space
  • • Good parts availability and strong aftermarket support

Cons:

  • • Based on older Golf III platform, not the more modern Golf IV hatchback
  • • Noticeable scuttle shake over rough surfaces due to convertible body
  • • Limited boot space with the roof down, typical for convertibles
  • • Petrol engines can feel underpowered, especially with automatic transmissions
  • • Older safety technology compared to contemporary Golf IV hatchback

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(VIII (facelift 2024): 2025 - ).

General:
Brand:Volkswagen
Model:Golf
Generation:IV Cabrio
Modification (Engine):1.8i (90 Hp)
Start of production:April, 1998
End of production:October, 2000
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Cabriolet
Seats:4
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:90 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:50.5 Hp/l [208mm less]
Torque:145 Nm @ 2500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:ABS, ADZ, ANP, ACC, ADD More details about the engine ABS, ADZ, ANP, ACC, ADD
Engine displacement:1781
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:OHC
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:10:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:11.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.4 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:13.1 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:13.1 sec
Maximum speed:172 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:12.8 kg/Hp, 77.9 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:8 kg/Nm, 125.5 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:12.4 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1155
Max. weight:1580
Max load:425
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:448 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:270 l
Fuel tank capacity:55 l
Size:
Length:4081 mm mm [208mm less]
Width:1695 mm mm [94mm less]
Height:1425 mm mm [41mm less]
Wheelbase:2472 mm mm [159mm less]
Front track:1464 mm
Rear (Back) track:1428 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size185/60 R14
Wheel rims size14
Front suspensionSpring Strut
Rear suspensionCoil spring

Is it love at first sight with the Volkswagen Golf? Tell us your story!