Volkswagen South Africa has done its bit for affordable motoring by launching an economy three door Golf 1.6.
Priced at R151 550, the hatch is nearly R10 000 cheaper than its five door stablemate while offering a wide range of standard specifications as in the 5-door Golf 1.6 Standard. These include twin front airbags for driver and passenger, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution, a GAMMA radio/tape combination, an on-board computer and a height and reach-adjustable steering wheel.
Other standard features are a high-level brake light for better visibility, tinted windows all round, a lights-on warning buzzer, a four-spoke soft grip steering wheel, a time-delay interior light and front cup holders. The two passenger doors are wider to make for easier entry, while a simple flick of the user-friendly lever on the front seat shoulder is enough to release the front seat forward for access to the rear.
The 74kW 1.6 litre 4-cylinder 8-valve engine delivers 145Nm of torque at 3800rpm and gets the car to 100 km/hr in 10,8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 188 km/hr. While the five door model boasts 15″ alloy wheels the three door comes with 14″ 175/65 steel rims.