Volkswagen Golf Cabrio Highline 1.9 TDI 90 CV (1998-2002)

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

Especificaciones y análisis del Volkswagen Golf

Power

90HP

Torque

210Nm

Consumption

5.2l/100

Emissions

-g/km

0-100 km/h

13.3s

Top Speed

175km/h

Weight

1241kg

Price

26,430

Technical summary

Fuel

Gasóleo

Transmission

Manual 5v

Traction

FWD

Seats

4 / 2 doors

Trunk

270 L

Tank

55 L

Power

66 kW

Status

Current

Technical specifications

Engine

Maximum power90 CV / 66 kW
Maximum torque210 Nm
Fuel typeGasóleo
TransmissionManual 5v

Capacities

Tank55 L
Trunk270 L

Detailed analysis of the Volkswagen Golf Cabrio Highline 1.9 TDI 90 CV (1998-2002)

General description

The Volkswagen Golf Cabrio Highline 1.9 TDI 90 HP, a model that saw the light between 1998 and 2002, represents the essence of freedom and driving pleasure. This convertible, with its diesel engine, offered an uncommon combination in its segment: the efficiency of a TDI with the pleasure of open-top driving. It was a bold proposal from Volkswagen, designed for those who sought a practical car for everyday use, but who did not want to give up the thrill of a convertible in their leisure moments. Its arrival on the market was a breath of fresh air, consolidating the versatility of the Golf in a body that invited adventure.

Driving experience

Driving the Golf Cabrio 1.9 TDI 90 HP was an experience that combined the tranquility of a diesel engine with the euphoria of feeling the wind on your face. Although its 90 HP did not promise breathtaking performance (it accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 13.3 seconds), its torque of 210 Nm at 1900 rpm offered a powerful and pleasant response in most situations, especially on the road. The suspension, McPherson type at the front and trailing arm with torsional element at the rear, provided a balance between comfort and stability, allowing you to enjoy journeys without surprises. The rack-and-pinion steering, although without variable assistance, transmitted good sensations to the driver. The soft top, once folded, transformed the cabin, flooding it with light and air, and making every trip feel like a small getaway. It was a car to savor the road, not to devour it.

Design and aesthetics

The design of the 1997 Volkswagen Golf Cabrio Highline was an elegant and timeless evolution of the third generation Golf, adapted to a convertible body. Its lines were soft and fluid, with a silhouette that maintained the compact essence of the Golf but with an added touch of sophistication thanks to the absence of a fixed roof. The front headlights, characteristic of the era, integrated harmoniously with the grille. The Highline version, in particular, usually incorporated details that enhanced its appeal, such as specific alloy wheels and higher quality interior finishes. With a length of 4081 mm and a width of 1695 mm, it offered a balanced and proportionate presence. The design of the canvas soft top, although not a retractable hardtop, integrated well into the whole when deployed and folded compactly, without excessively compromising trunk space (270 liters).

Technology and features

At the technological heart of this Golf Cabrio was its 90 HP 1.9 TDI engine. This diesel engine, with direct injection, turbo, and intercooler, was a benchmark in its time for its efficiency and reliability. With 4 cylinders and 1896 cc, it offered a combined consumption of only 5.2 l/100km, a truly remarkable figure for a car of its size and weight (1241 kg). The precise 5-speed manual transmission allowed the engine's capabilities to be fully exploited. In terms of safety, it had ventilated disc brakes at the front (256 mm) and solid discs at the rear (226 mm), ensuring effective braking. Although it did not have the most advanced electronic aids of today, its mechanical technology was well-proven and robust, which contributed to its reputation for durability.

Competition

In its time, the Volkswagen Golf Cabrio Highline 1.9 TDI 90 HP faced varied competition in the compact convertible segment. Among its main rivals were models such as the Opel Astra Cabrio, the Ford Escort Cabrio, or the Peugeot 306 Cabrio. Each offered its own interpretation of the convertible concept, but the Golf stood out for the solidity of its construction, the efficiency of its diesel engine, and the reputation of the Volkswagen brand. While some rivals might offer a bolder design or slightly different equipment, the Golf Cabrio opted for a balance between practicality, quality, and the unmistakable charm of open-top driving, all backed by proven and efficient mechanics.

Conclusion

The Volkswagen Golf Cabrio Highline 1.9 TDI 90 HP is much more than just a car; it is an icon of an era, a vehicle that knew how to combine the versatility and efficiency of the Golf with the unparalleled pleasure of a convertible. Its diesel engine, although modest in power, offered solid performance and exemplary consumption, ideal for those looking for a car for everyday use and weekend getaways. Its timeless design and robust construction have allowed it to age gracefully, making it a much-appreciated modern classic. It is a car that invites you to enjoy every journey, to feel the freedom, and to create unforgettable memories under the sun. A true adventure companion that, despite the years, continues to bring smiles and emotions.