The Volkswagen Golf Mk2 1.8 was a front-wheel drive hatchback produced from 1984 to 1992. It had a 1.8-liter inline-four engine, producing 70 horsepower and 68 lb-ft of torque. The car featured a five-speed manual transmission as standard, with an optional four-speed automatic available.
The exterior design of the Mk2 Golf was characterized by a more angular and aerodynamic body style compared to its predecessor. It had a length of 397 cm (156.3 in), a width of 166 cm (65.2 in), and a height of 142 cm (55.9 in). The car's wheelbase measured 240 cm (94.5 in).
Inside, the Golf Mk2 offered a simple yet functional cabin with a focus on comfort and practicality. It featured cloth or vinyl upholstery, a standard radio cassette player, and an optional Blaupunkt stereo system. Rear seats were split-foldable for increased cargo space.
Safety features included dual front airbags as a rare option, but not widely available until later years. The car's braking system consisted of disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear.
The Volkswagen Golf Mk2 1.8 was available in various trim levels, including the base model, CL (Comfort Line), GTI (High Performance) with a sport-tuned suspension, and the GTD (Diesel). The car's fuel economy varied depending on driving conditions but generally averaged around 7-9 liters per 100 kilometers (30-32 miles per US gallon).
In terms of performance, the Golf Mk2 1.8 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 13 seconds, with a top speed of about 100 mph (160 km/h). It had a towing capacity of around 500 kg (1,102 lbs), making it suitable for light-duty hauling.
Maintenance and repair costs were relatively low for the Golf Mk2, thanks to its straightforward engineering and widespread availability of parts. However, like any vehicle, regular servicing was essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
The Volkswagen Golf Mk2 1.8 was known for its reliability, durability, and decent fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice among commuters and small families in the mid-1980s to early 1990s.
