Especificaciones y análisis del Volkswagen Golf
Power
105HP
Torque
148Nm
Consumption
6.9l/100
Emissions
-g/km
0-100 km/h
10.8s
Top Speed
192km/h
Weight
1142kg
Price
16,690€
Technical summary
Gasolina
Manual 5v
FWD
5 / 3 doors
330 L
55 L
77 kW
Current
Technical specifications
Engine
Capacities
Detailed analysis of the Volkswagen Golf 3p Spirit 1.6 · 105 CV (2003)
General description
The 1997 Volkswagen Golf 3p Spirit 1.6 is a car that, despite its age, still evokes a sense of solidity and reliability. With its 105 hp gasoline engine, this three-door Golf was presented as a balanced option for those looking for a compact car with a touch of distinction and the inherent quality of the German brand. Its price of 16,690 euros at the time positioned it as an investment in durability and good craftsmanship.
Driving experience
Behind the wheel of the Golf 3p Spirit 1.6, the feeling is one of control and composure. The steering, although not the most communicative, offers adequate precision for everyday use. The 1.6-liter, 105 hp engine, with its indirect injection, delivers power linearly and sufficiently to move agilely in the city and maintain comfortable cruising speeds on the highway. The 5-speed manual gearbox is smooth and precise, contributing to a pleasant driving experience. The suspension, McPherson type at the front and trailing arm with torsional element at the rear, filters out road irregularities well, offering a good compromise between comfort and stability. Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.8 seconds and reaching a top speed of 192 km/h were figures that, for the time, were more than respectable, allowing for safe overtakes and dynamic driving when required. The combined consumption of 6.9 l/100km was competitive, making this Golf an efficient travel companion.
Design and aesthetics
The design of the 1997 Volkswagen Golf, in its 3-door version, is a timeless classic. Its lines are clean and functional, without fanfare, which gives it a discreet elegance that has aged very well. The compact body, with 4149 mm long, 1735 mm wide and 1444 mm high, together with a wheelbase of 2511 mm, gives it a robust and balanced presence. Details such as the headlights and the front grille are unmistakably Volkswagen, conveying an image of quality and seriousness. The interior, although sober, is well finished and the materials used are durable, designed to withstand the passage of time and daily use. The trunk capacity of 330 liters is practical for daily use.
Technology and features
In terms of technology, the 1997 Golf 3p Spirit 1.6 incorporated proven and efficient solutions for its time. The 1.6-liter gasoline engine with 4 cylinders and 4 valves per cylinder, together with indirect injection, was a reliable and good-performing configuration. The compression ratio of 11.5:1 optimized combustion. In terms of safety, it had ventilated disc brakes of 256 mm on the front axle and 232 mm discs on the rear, providing effective braking. The rack and pinion steering offered a direct response. Although it lacked the electronic sophistication of modern cars, its technology focused on mechanical robustness and functionality, key elements in Volkswagen's philosophy.
Competition
In its segment, the Volkswagen Golf 3p Spirit 1.6 faced tough competitors such as the Opel Astra, the Ford Focus, the Renault Mégane, or the Peugeot 306. Each offered its own virtues, but the Golf stood out for its reputation for build quality, its balanced dynamic behavior, and its residual value. While others could offer bolder designs or more striking equipment, the Golf opted for solidity and reliability, which allowed it to maintain a privileged position in the compact car market.
Conclusion
The 1997 Volkswagen Golf 3p Spirit 1.6 is a car that represents the essence of the brand: a well-built, reliable compact with satisfactory dynamic behavior. Although it is not the most powerful or the most luxurious, its overall balance, timeless design, and proven durability make it a very interesting option, even today, for those looking for a practical vehicle with character. It is a car that, despite its age, still offers a gratifying driving experience and a sense of security that few can match in its category.