Volkswagen Golf IV 1.6 (101 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.7 / 10
Safety 4.0 / 5
Engine 4.0 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.8 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 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 Overview:

Volkswagen Golf (IV). With 145 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.3 l/100km). Weighing only 1092 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.9 s). The top speed reaches 187 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.

Safety Rating
Euro NCAP Year 1998
Adult Occupant N/A (4 stars)
Stars 4
Expert Note:
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.

1.6 (101 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Sufficient for city driving and light highway use, but can feel strained under heavy load.

Fuel Economy

Moderate fuel consumption for a petrol engine of its era, not as efficient as the diesels.

Best Use Case: City / Mixed

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(III Variant: 1996 - 1999).

General:
Brand:Volkswagen
Model:Golf
Generation:IV
Modification (Engine):1.6 (101 Hp)
Start of production:1997
End of production:2003
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Hatchback
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:101 Hp @ 5600 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:63.3 Hp/l
Torque:145 Nm @ 3800 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:AEH, APF, AKL More details about the engine AEH, APF, AKL
Engine displacement:1595
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:77.4 mm mm
Compression ratio:10:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:10.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:5.9 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:7.5 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 4
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:10.9 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:10.9 sec
Maximum speed:187 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:10.8 kg/Hp, 92.5 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7.5 kg/Nm, 132.8 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:10.4 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1092
Max. weight:1850
Max load:758
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:330 l
Fuel tank capacity:55 l
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)
Tires size195/65 R15
Wheel rims size15
Front suspensionIndependent type McPherson
Rear suspensionSpring Strut

Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Volkswagen Golf rank in your book?