The Volkswagen Golf Mk1 1.6 Turbodiesel was a compact car produced from 1982 to 1983. It featured a 1.6-liter turbodiesel engine that produced around 54 horsepower and 70 lb-ft of torque. The engine was a turbocharged inline-four cylinder unit with a single overhead camshaft.
The Golf Mk1 Turbodiesel had a manual transmission system, offering five or six gears depending on the trim level and configuration chosen by the manufacturer. It was primarily designed to provide fuel efficiency, but its performance capabilities were somewhat compromised due to the engine's modest power output.
The vehicle's weight distribution was 55% at the front and 45% at the rear, which helped improve its stability during cornering maneuvers. Its dimensions included a length of around 3.96 meters (12.97 feet), a width of approximately 1.64 meters (5.38 feet), and a height of roughly 1.43 meters (4.69 feet).
The Golf Mk1 Turbodiesel had a wheelbase of about 2.44 meters (8.01 feet) which provided some level of stability on the road, although its turning radius was somewhat wide at approximately 10.5 meters (34.45 feet). The car's top speed was electronically limited to around 160 km/h (99 mph), with an estimated fuel consumption rate of about 7 liters per 100 kilometers.
In terms of safety features, the Volkswagen Golf Mk1 Turbodiesel had a five-star Euro NCAP rating for adult protection and three stars for child protection. The car came equipped with standard airbags that were designed to deploy in the event of an impact to protect the driver's head.
The interior space was relatively compact but offered ample room for passengers and their luggage. However, it was not particularly noted for its comfort or features. Overall, the Volkswagen Golf Mk1 1.6 Turbodiesel represented a practical, fuel-efficient option within the market during its production period from 1982 to 1983, although it may have lacked in terms of performance and luxury features compared to other vehicles available at that time.