From the May 1988 issue of Car and driver.
In 1983, Volkswagen unleashed the American hot hatchback revolution with the Rabbit GTI. Five years later, the cheapest VW Golf you can buy has a more powerful engine than that original econohunk, a roomier and more modern body and the same sticker price. All the spice that was once only available in the sportiest Rabbit can now be yours in a basic Wave. And five years of development have made the new car even more attractive in several respects.
The Golf is powered by a smooth 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with overhead camshaft, which for 1988 was equipped with Volkswagen’s new Digifant II engine control system. The new electronics and revised fuel injection mean you get 100 horsepower under your right foot, which is 15 horsepower more than last year’s base Golf. Paired with a five-speed manual transmission, the engine puts its power to the ground via 175/70TR-13 Michelin tires. This combination takes the 2,250-pound Golf from 0 to 60 in 10.5 seconds, through the quarter mile in 17.8 seconds at 75 mph and on to a top speed of 110 mph. Although less exciting than the original GTI (which, thanks to its lighter weight, accelerated from 0 to 60 in 9.7 seconds and covered the quarter mile at 75 mph in 17.1 seconds), the new Golf is faster than many of its competitors.
Whatever the Golf lacks in straight line performance, it is more than made up for by the typically German feel of the steering and its flawless handling. The shifter engages gears with excellent feedback, accurately conveying the smooth operation of the gearbox mechanics. The clutch is a worthy addition and works smoothly over a long throw. The feeling conveyed through the brake pedal is also commendable. The brakes themselves are reassuring, slowing the car without fade and with progressive modulation. On our test track they stopped the Golf from a speed of 110 km/h over a distance of 55 meters. The pedals are a pleasure to use and are perfectly placed for heel-and-toe movements.
The precise engineering extends to the non-power steering. It’s wonderfully direct and precise, communicating every deviation from the road surface to the driver’s palms and responding immediately to commands. The strong self-centering is an advantage when cruising, although it increases the effort required in tight turns at parking speed.
Volkswagen has also equipped the Golf with a spring suspension. The smooth ride absorbs big bumps with ease. Handling is predictable and well controlled, and there’s plenty of grip on hand; the Golf outpaced our skidpad by 0.79 g, in its typical three-wheeled stance. Such behavior inspires confidence, whether you’re driving leisurely on the open road or meandering along a two-lane road. As you weave your way through city traffic, the Golf cuts quickly and nimbly. When you then enter the highway, it follows like a freight train.
The Golf’s cabin is simple but brilliantly designed. There is enough space for four adults, the seats are supportive and visibility is good in all directions. The upholstery is made of high-quality fabric. The large instruments have easy-to-read white-on-black markings; only a tachometer is missing in the basic model. A feeling of solidity permeates the car. Even the small controls are thoughtfully designed, clicking on and off firmly and purposefully.
Some of the credit for the Golf’s build quality must go to Volkswagen’s assembly plant in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. In our experience, Westmoreland Golfs, GTIs and Jettas are just as well built as those from their home country. However, the decade-old plant has been operating at a loss for the past five years, and the declining hatchback market in the US offers no hope of reversing that trend. As a result, Volkswagen will stop building cars in the US on July 21.
The modern Golf is well built, practical and great fun to drive and also offers good value for money. The base price of $7990 gets you tinted glass, a rear window defogger, a rear window wiper, intermittent wipers, a manual remote mirror and a clock. Our test car was equipped with air conditioning and an AM/FM/cassette sound system, bringing the price to $9670. Comparably equipped, a three-door Escort GL costs $8,896, a four-door Corolla $10,348, and a four-door Civic $10,606.
Just like the 1983 GTI, the 1988 Golf offers a lot. It’s solid, comfortable, roomy, agile and quiet, and it costs less than most competitors. Best of all, it drives under pressure with typical German grace. Five years later, the original econohunk is long gone, but the spirit of excellence…Excellent!– lives on.
Specifications
Specifications
Volkswagen Golf from 1988
Vehicle type: front engine, front wheel drive, 5 passengers, 2 door hatchback
PRICE
Base/as tested: $7990/$9670
ENGINE
inline-4, iron block and aluminum head, port fuel injection
Displacement: 109 inches31781 cm3
Power: 100 hp @ 5400 rpm
TRANSFER
5-speed manual transmission
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 97.3 inches
Length: 158.0 inches
Curb weight: 2250 pounds
CD TEST RESULTS
100 km/h: 10.5 sec
1/4 mile: 17.8 sec at 120 km/h
Top speed: 170 km/h
Braking, 110–0 km/h: 55 meters
Road holding, 90 meter skidpad: 0.79 g
CD FUEL CONSUMPTION
Observed: 25 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
City: 25 mpg
CD TESTING EXPLAINED
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