Volkswagen Golf 3p Highline 1.9 TDI 130 CV Tiptronic (2001-2003)

1997
Gasóleo
FWD
Automático 5v
Volkswagen Golf - Vista 1
Volkswagen Golf - Vista 2
Volkswagen Golf - Vista 3
Volkswagen Golf - Vista 4

Especificaciones y análisis del Volkswagen Golf

Power

131HP

Torque

310Nm

Consumption

6.5l/100

Emissions

-g/km

0-100 km/h

10.3s

Top Speed

202km/h

Weight

1267kg

Price

24,700

Technical summary

Fuel

Gasóleo

Transmission

Automático 5v

Traction

FWD

Seats

5 / 3 doors

Trunk

330 L

Tank

55 L

Power

96 kW

Status

Current

Technical specifications

Engine

Maximum power131 CV / 96 kW
Maximum torque310 Nm
Fuel typeGasóleo
TransmissionAutomático 5v

Capacities

Tank55 L
Trunk330 L

Detailed analysis of the Volkswagen Golf 3p Highline 1.9 TDI 130 CV Tiptronic (2001-2003)

General description

The 1997 Volkswagen Golf, in its 3-door Highline version with the 130 HP 1.9 TDI engine and Tiptronic transmission, represents a golden era for the German compact car. This model, manufactured between 2001 and 2003, combined Volkswagen's robustness and reliability with a powerful and efficient diesel engine, and the comfort of an automatic gearbox. It was a car designed for those seeking a perfect balance between performance, economy, and everyday practicality, without sacrificing a touch of distinction.

Driving experience

Driving this Golf is an experience that evokes solidity and confidence. The 130 HP 1.9 TDI engine, with its 310 Nm of torque at just 1900 rpm, offers a strong response from low revolutions, making overtakes and merges agile and safe. The 5-speed Tiptronic transmission, although not the fastest of modern times, provides smooth and comfortable shifts, ideal for urban driving and long journeys. The suspension, McPherson type at the front and torsion beam with trailing arm at the rear, filters road irregularities well, offering a good compromise between comfort and stability. The rack-and-pinion steering transmits a precise sense of control, though without the immediacy of more sporty systems. Overall, it's a car that feels planted and predictable, inviting you to enjoy every journey with peace of mind.

Design and aesthetics

The design of the 1997 Volkswagen Golf, in its 3-door variant, is a timeless classic. Its lines are clean, functional, and discreet, without ostentation, which has allowed it to age with remarkable dignity. The Highline version added details that enhanced its appeal, such as alloy wheels and higher quality interior finishes. The front, with its double headlights and characteristic Volkswagen grille, is immediately recognizable. The 3-door silhouette gives it a sportier and more compact look, ideal for those who prioritize aesthetics over the maximum practicality of rear doors. It is a design that, despite the years, remains elegant and functional, a true automotive icon.

Technology and features

At the time, this Golf incorporated advanced technology for its segment. The 1.9 TDI engine with direct injection via unit injector pump, variable geometry turbo, and intercooler, was a benchmark in diesel efficiency and performance. The Tiptronic transmission offered the convenience of an automatic with the possibility of sequential manual control, something innovative for the era. In terms of safety, it featured ventilated disc brakes at the front and discs at the rear, and well-calibrated suspension systems. Although its technological features may seem basic today, in its context, it represented a high standard of engineering and comfort. The reliability of its mechanics and the quality of its components were strong points that differentiated it from many of its competitors.

Competition

In its time, the Volkswagen Golf 1.9 TDI 130 HP Tiptronic faced tough competition in the premium diesel compact segment. Its main rivals included models such as the Audi A3 1.9 TDI, the BMW 3 Series Compact (although the latter with a sportier focus and rear-wheel drive), the Opel Astra 2.0 DTI, and the Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi. The Golf stood out for its overall balance, the quality of its finishes, the reputation of its TDI engine, and the comfort of its automatic transmission, making it a very attractive option for an audience that valued solidity and efficiency.

Conclusion

The 1997 Volkswagen Golf 3-door Highline 1.9 TDI 130 HP Tiptronic is much more than a car; it is a piece of automotive history that remains relevant today. Its combination of a powerful and reliable diesel engine, a comfortable automatic transmission, and a timeless design make it a modern classic. It is a vehicle that offers a rewarding driving experience, with a perfect balance between performance, economy, and comfort. For those looking for a car with character, durability, and a touch of nostalgia, this Golf remains an exceptional choice, a testament to German engineering at its best.