Segment: Medium
Production years: 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993
The third generation of the Passat was introduced at the 1988 Geneva Motor Show, and it was available as a sedan or a station wagon named Variant.
Volkswagen focused on these two bodyworks and axed the hatchback version. The sedan was suitable for families and even middle-management executives. It was the first Volkswagen built on top of a proprietary platform fitted with a transversely-mounted engine instead of a longitudinally one, like its predecessors.
The Passat was considered a mid-sized vehicle in Europe. Its main competitors came from Opel, Fiat, and the French automakers. At the front, the vehicle featured a flat panel that covered the area between the squared headlights. Volkswagen relied only on the bumper-mounted grille to cool the engine. The overall clean design had nothing to impress and nothing to bother. Behind the rear doors, it installed the third row of windows, thus creating a brighter interior and also increasing the driver's visibility. At the back, the raised deck for the trunk was available with a small wing as an option.
Inside, the dashboard was improved and featured a wide instrument cluster extended over the center stack. It included the center vents as well. The German engineers considered placing the sound system above the climate control system. Unlike most cars on the market, the Passat was available with an automatic climate control system named Climatronic (EU-spec only). The carmaker installed two seats at the front and a wide bench for three in the back. Depending on the trim level and options, the car featured power windows for all four doors.
Under the hood, depending on the market, Volkswagen installed a wide engine choice ranging between 68 hp and 174 hp. The standard transmission for the entire range was a five-speed manual, while a four-speed automatic was available on specific versions.
ENGINE SPECS - 1.6L 5MT FWD (72 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1595 cm3 |
Power: | 53 KW @ 5200 RPM 72 HP @ 5200 RPM 71 BHP @ 5200 RPM |
Torque: | 92 lb-ft @ 2750 RPM 125 Nm @ 2750 RPM |
Fuel System: | Monopoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 18.5 gallons (70.0 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 105 mph (169 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 16.1 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 165/70SR14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 180.3 in (4580 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 56.3 in (1430 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.3/55.9 in (1,481/1,420 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 103.1 in (2619 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.7 in (119 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 20.4 cuFT (578 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2438.3 lbs (1106 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3571.5 lbs (1620 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 30.5 mpg US (7.7 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 137 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 1.8L 5MT FWD (107 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1781 cm3 |
Power: | 79 KW @ 5700 RPM 107 HP @ 5700 RPM 106 BHP @ 5700 RPM |
Torque: | 114 lb-ft @ 3800 RPM 154 Nm @ 3800 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 18.5 gallons (70.0 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 118.1 mph (190 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 11.7 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 185/65HR14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 180.3 in (4580 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 56.3 in (1430 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.3/55.9 in (1,481/1,420 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 103.1 in (2619 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.7 in (119 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 20.4 cuFT (578 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2612.5 lbs (1185 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3659.7 lbs (1660 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 30.2 mpg US (7.8 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 187 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 1.8L 5MT FWD (75 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1781 cm3 |
Power: | 55 KW @ 5000 RPM 75 HP @ 5000 RPM 74 BHP @ 5000 RPM |
Torque: | 103 lb-ft @ 2500 RPM 140 Nm @ 2500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Monopoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 18.5 gallons (70.0 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 106.3 mph (171 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 15.5 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 185/65TR14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 180.3 in (4580 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 56.3 in (1430 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.3/55.9 in (1,481/1,420 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 103.1 in (2619 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.7 in (119 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 20.4 cuFT (578 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2453.7 lbs (1113 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3747.9 lbs (1700 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 29.4 mpg US (8 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 190 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 1.8L 5MT FWD (90 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1781 cm3 |
Power: | 66 KW @ 5400 RPM 90 HP @ 5400 RPM 89 BHP @ 5400 RPM |
Torque: | 105 lb-ft @ 2600 RPM 142 Nm @ 2600 RPM |
Fuel System: | Monopoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 18.5 gallons (70.0 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 110 mph (177 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 13.7 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 185/65TR14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 180.3 in (4580 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 56.3 in (1430 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.3/55.9 in (1,481/1,420 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 103.1 in (2619 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.7 in (119 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 20.4 cuFT (578 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2530.9 lbs (1148 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3747.9 lbs (1700 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 29.8 mpg US (7.9 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 188 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 1.8L G60 5MT FWD (120 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1781 cm3 |
Power: | 118 KW @ 5600 RPM 160 HP @ 5600 RPM 158 BHP @ 5600 RPM |
Torque: | 166 lb-ft @ 3800 RPM 225 Nm @ 3800 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 18.5 gallons (70.0 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 133.6 mph (215 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 9.6 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 195/55VR15 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 180.3 in (4580 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 56.3 in (1430 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.3/55.9 in (1,481/1,420 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 103.1 in (2619 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.7 in (119 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 20.4 cuFT (578 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2989.5 lbs (1356 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4056.5 lbs (1840 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 23.8 mpg US (9.9 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 235 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.0L 5MT FWD (116 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1984 cm3 |
Power: | 85 KW @ 5400 RPM 116 HP @ 5400 RPM 114 BHP @ 5400 RPM |
Torque: | 122 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM 166 Nm @ 3200 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 18.5 gallons (70.0 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 121.2 mph (195 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 11.3 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 185/65HR14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 180.3 in (4580 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 56.3 in (1430 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.3/55.9 in (1,481/1,420 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 103.1 in (2619 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.7 in (119 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 20.4 cuFT (578 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2577.2 lbs (1169 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3814 lbs (1730 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 19.1 mpg US (12.3 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 37.3 mpg US (6.3 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 29 mpg US (8.1 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 195 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.0L 5MT FWD (136 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1984 cm3 |
Power: | 100 KW @ 5800 RPM 136 HP @ 5800 RPM 134 BHP @ 5800 RPM |
Torque: | 133 lb-ft @ 4400 RPM 180 Nm @ 4400 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 18.5 gallons (70.0 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 128 mph (206 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 10.2 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 195/60VR14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 180.3 in (4580 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 56.3 in (1430 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.3/55.9 in (1,481/1,420 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 103.1 in (2619 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.7 in (119 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 20.4 cuFT (578 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2709.5 lbs (1229 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3924.2 lbs (1780 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 19.1 mpg US (12.3 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 37.3 mpg US (6.3 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 29 mpg US (8.1 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 211.8 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.8L V6 5MT FWD (174 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V6 |
Displacement: | 2792 cm3 |
Power: | 128 KW @ 5800 RPM 174 HP @ 5800 RPM 172 BHP @ 5800 RPM |
Torque: | 177 lb-ft @ 4200 RPM 240 Nm @ 4200 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 18.5 gallons (70.0 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 139.2 mph (224 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 8.2 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 205/50VR15 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 180.3 in (4580 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 56.3 in (1430 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.3/55.9 in (1,481/1,420 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 103.1 in (2619 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.7 in (119 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 20.4 cuFT (578 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2821.9 lbs (1280 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4100.6 lbs (1860 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 24.5 mpg US (9.6 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 228.5 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 1.6L TD 5MT FWD (80 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1588 cm3 |
Power: | 59 KW @ 4500 RPM 80 HP @ 4500 RPM 79 BHP @ 4500 RPM |
Torque: | 114 lb-ft @ 2750 RPM 155 Nm @ 2750 RPM |
Fuel System: | Indirect Injection |
Fuel: | Diesel |
Fuel capacity: | 18.5 gallons (70.0 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 105.6 mph (170 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 16 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 185/65TR14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 180.3 in (4580 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 56.3 in (1430 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.3/55.9 in (1,481/1,420 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 103.1 in (2619 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.7 in (119 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 20.4 cuFT (578 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2627.9 lbs (1192 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3880.1 lbs (1760 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 33.6 mpg US (7 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 52.3 mpg US (4.5 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 36.2 mpg US (6.5 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 159 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 1.9d 5MT FWD (68 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1896 cm3 |
Power: | 50 KW @ 4400 RPM 68 HP @ 4400 RPM 67 BHP @ 4400 RPM |
Torque: | 94 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM 127 Nm @ 2400 RPM |
Fuel System: | Indirect Injection |
Fuel: | Diesel |
Fuel capacity: | 18.5 gallons (70.0 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 99.4 mph (160 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 19 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 185/65TR14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 180.3 in (4580 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 56.3 in (1430 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.3/55.9 in (1,481/1,420 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 103.1 in (2619 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.7 in (119 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 20.4 cuFT (578 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2610.3 lbs (1184 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3858.1 lbs (1750 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 31.8 mpg US (7.4 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 52.3 mpg US (4.5 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 37.3 mpg US (6.3 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 167 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 1.9d 5MT FWD (75 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1896 cm3 |
Power: | 55 KW @ 4200 RPM 75 HP @ 4200 RPM 74 BHP @ 4200 RPM |
Torque: | 103 lb-ft @ 2200 RPM 140 Nm @ 2200 RPM |
Fuel System: | Indirect Injection |
Fuel: | Diesel |
Fuel capacity: | 18.5 gallons (70.0 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 102.5 mph (165 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 17.7 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 185/65TR14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 180.3 in (4580 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 56.3 in (1430 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.3/55.9 in (1,481/1,420 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 103.1 in (2619 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.7 in (119 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 20.4 cuFT (578 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2683 lbs (1217 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3946.3 lbs (1790 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 30.9 mpg US (7.6 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 50 mpg US (4.7 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 36.2 mpg US (6.5 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 167 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.8L V6 4AT FWD (174 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1588 cm3 |
Power: | 59 KW @ 4500 RPM 80 HP @ 4500 RPM 79 BHP @ 4500 RPM |
Torque: | 114 lb-ft @ 2750 RPM 155 Nm @ 2750 RPM |
Fuel System: | Indirect Injection |
Fuel: | Diesel |
Fuel capacity: | 18.5 gallons (70.0 L) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-Speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 185/65TR14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 180.3 in (4580 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 56.3 in (1430 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.3/55.9 in (1,481/1,420 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 103.1 in (2619 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.7 in (119 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 20.4 cuFT (578 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2627.9 lbs (1192 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4101 lbs (1860 kg) |