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Body style: Hatchback
Segment: Medium
Production years: 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987

VOLKSWAGEN Passat Hatchback 1981-1987 5 Photos
VOLKSWAGEN Passat Hatchback (1981-1987)VOLKSWAGEN Passat Hatchback (1981-1987)VOLKSWAGEN Passat Hatchback (1981-1987)VOLKSWAGEN Passat Hatchback (1981-1987)VOLKSWAGEN Passat Hatchback (1981-1987)

The second generation of the Passat made its appearance in 1981, and it was available in three body-shapes: sedan, hatchback, and station wagon.

While the first generation was a shy temptation to open the doors for a new era, the second generation of the Passat established the vehicle's place on the market dominated by French and Italian carmakers.

Its angular lines, the big rectangular headlights, and the plastic bumper were a fresh look on the market. The sloped back made the car both practical and fuel-efficient due to its better aerodynamic than the regular three-box sedans or the station-wagons. Its overall look was sporty, the way the four-doors coupe were seen two decades later.

Inside, the Passat was roomy, with ample legroom and headroom for up to five passengers. The folding rear bench seatback allowed the trunk to be extended from 388 liters (13.7 cu-ft) to 1500 liters (53 cu-ft). Volkswagen installed two large dials for the speedometer and tachometer in the angular instrument cluster, and two smaller gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature. There was an area with ten lights for turn-signals, hazard, oil-pressure, parking brakes, and a few other important warning lights in the middle.

The Passat hatchback was offered with a wide choice of engines, both diesel, and gasoline. Its long-range autonomy, of over 1000 km (623 miles), made it one of the most cost-effective cars on the market. Its reliability and low running costs increased over the years.

VOLKSWAGEN Passat Hatchback 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987
  8 gasoline engines
  • 1.3L 4MT FWD (60 HP)
  • 1.6L 4MT FWD (72 HP)
  • 1.6L 4MT FWD (75 HP)
  • 1.8L 5MT FWD (90 HP)
  • 1.8L 5MT FWD (90 HP)
  • 2.0L 5MT FWD (116 HP)
  • 2.2L 5MT FWD (116 HP)
  • 2.2L 5MT FWD (136 HP)
  2 diesel engines
  • 1.6L D 4MT FWD (60 HP)
  • 1.6L TD 5MT FWD (69 HP)

VOLKSWAGEN Passat Hatchback
1.3L 4MT FWD (60 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 1.3L 4MT FWD (60 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1297 cm3
Power:44 KW @ 5600 RPM
60 HP @ 5600 RPM
59 BHP @ 5600 RPM
Torque:74 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM
100 Nm @ 3500 RPM
Fuel System:Carburetor
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:15.9 gallons (60.2 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:94.4 mph (152 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):16.8 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:165SR13
DIMENSIONS
Length:174 in (4420 mm)
Width:67.3 in (1709 mm)
Height:54.3 in (1379 mm)
Front/rear Track:55.5/55.9 in (1,410/1,420 mm)
Wheelbase:100.4 in (2550 mm)
Cargo Volume:13.7 cuFT (388 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2127.5 lbs (965 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3130.5 lbs (1420 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
Combined:33.6 mpg US (7 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:166 g/km

VOLKSWAGEN Passat Hatchback
1.6L 4MT FWD (72 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 1.6L 4MT FWD (72 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1595 cm3
Power:53 KW @ 5200 RPM
72 HP @ 5200 RPM
71 BHP @ 5200 RPM
Torque:89 lb-ft @ 2700 RPM
120 Nm @ 2700 RPM
Fuel System:Carburetor
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:15.9 gallons (60.2 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:100.7 mph (162 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):14.1 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:165SR13
DIMENSIONS
Length:174 in (4420 mm)
Width:67.3 in (1709 mm)
Height:54.3 in (1379 mm)
Front/rear Track:55.5/55.9 in (1,410/1,420 mm)
Wheelbase:100.4 in (2550 mm)
Cargo Volume:13.7 cuFT (388 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2187 lbs (992 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3218.8 lbs (1460 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
Combined:28 mpg US (8.4 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:200 g/km

VOLKSWAGEN Passat Hatchback
1.6L 4MT FWD (75 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 1.6L 4MT FWD (75 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1595 cm3
Power:55 KW @ 5000 RPM
75 HP @ 5000 RPM
74 BHP @ 5000 RPM
Torque:92 lb-ft @ 2500 RPM
125 Nm @ 2500 RPM
Fuel System:Carburetor
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:15.9 gallons (60.2 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:101.9 mph (164 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):13.6 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:165SR13
DIMENSIONS
Length:174 in (4420 mm)
Width:67.3 in (1709 mm)
Height:54.3 in (1379 mm)
Front/rear Track:55.5/55.9 in (1,410/1,420 mm)
Wheelbase:100.4 in (2550 mm)
Cargo Volume:13.7 cuFT (388 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2167.1 lbs (983 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3218.8 lbs (1460 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
Combined:28.3 mpg US (8.3 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:197 g/km

VOLKSWAGEN Passat Hatchback
1.8L 5MT FWD (90 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 1.8L 5MT FWD (90 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1781 cm3
Power:66 KW @ 5200 RPM
90 HP @ 5200 RPM
89 BHP @ 5200 RPM
Torque:107 lb-ft @ 3300 RPM
145 Nm @ 3300 RPM
Fuel System:Carburetor
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:15.9 gallons (60.2 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:107.5 mph (173 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):11.5 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:185/70SR13
DIMENSIONS
Length:174 in (4420 mm)
Width:67.3 in (1709 mm)
Height:54.3 in (1379 mm)
Front/rear Track:55.5/55.9 in (1,410/1,420 mm)
Wheelbase:100.4 in (2550 mm)
Cargo Volume:13.7 cuFT (388 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2159 lbs (979 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3219 lbs (1460 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
Combined:31.4 mpg US (7.5 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:176 g/km

VOLKSWAGEN Passat Hatchback
1.8L 5MT FWD (90 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 1.8L 5MT FWD (90 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1781 cm3
Power:66 KW @ 5500 RPM
90 HP @ 5500 RPM
89 BHP @ 5500 RPM
Torque:101 lb-ft @ 3250 RPM
137 Nm @ 3250 RPM
Fuel System:Monopoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:15.9 gallons (60.2 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:107.5 mph (173 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):11.8 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:185/70SR13
DIMENSIONS
Length:174 in (4420 mm)
Width:67.3 in (1709 mm)
Height:54.3 in (1379 mm)
Front/rear Track:55.5/55.9 in (1,410/1,420 mm)
Wheelbase:100.4 in (2550 mm)
Cargo Volume:13.7 cuFT (388 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2154 lbs (977 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3219 lbs (1460 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
Combined:27.7 mpg US (8.5 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:202 g/km

VOLKSWAGEN Passat Hatchback
2.0L 5MT FWD (116 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 2.0L 5MT FWD (116 HP)
Cylinders:L5
Displacement:1994 cm3
Power:85 KW @ 5400 RPM
116 HP @ 5400 RPM
114 BHP @ 5400 RPM
Torque:122 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM
165 Nm @ 3200 RPM
Fuel System:Monopoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:15.9 gallons (60.2 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:116.8 mph (188 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):10.5 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:185/70SR13
DIMENSIONS
Length:174 in (4420 mm)
Width:67.3 in (1709 mm)
Height:54.3 in (1379 mm)
Front/rear Track:55.5/55.9 in (1,410/1,420 mm)
Wheelbase:100.4 in (2550 mm)
Cargo Volume:13.7 cuFT (388 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2376.6 lbs (1078 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3483.3 lbs (1580 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
Combined:29.4 mpg US (8 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:190 g/km

VOLKSWAGEN Passat Hatchback
2.2L 5MT FWD (116 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 2.2L 5MT FWD (116 HP)
Cylinders:L5
Displacement:2226 cm3
Power:85 KW @ 5500 RPM
116 HP @ 5500 RPM
114 BHP @ 5500 RPM
Torque:122 lb-ft @ 2500 RPM
165 Nm @ 2500 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:118.8 mph (191 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):10.6 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:195/60HR14
DIMENSIONS
Length:174 in (4420 mm)
Width:67.3 in (1709 mm)
Height:54.3 in (1379 mm)
Front/rear Track:55.5/55.9 in (1,410/1,420 mm)
Wheelbase:100.4 in (2550 mm)
Cargo Volume:13.7 cuFT (388 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2374.4 lbs (1077 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3483.3 lbs (1580 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
Combined:22.8 mpg US (10.3 L/100Km)

VOLKSWAGEN Passat Hatchback
2.2L 5MT FWD (136 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 2.2L 5MT FWD (136 HP)
Cylinders:L5
Displacement:2226 cm3
Power:100 KW @ 5700 RPM
136 HP @ 5700 RPM
134 BHP @ 5700 RPM
Torque:136 lb-ft @ 3550 RPM
184 Nm @ 3550 RPM
Fuel System:Monopoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:15.9 gallons (60.2 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:122.4 mph (197 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):9.5 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:195/60HR14
DIMENSIONS
Length:174 in (4420 mm)
Width:67.3 in (1709 mm)
Height:54.3 in (1379 mm)
Front/rear Track:55.5/55.9 in (1,410/1,420 mm)
Wheelbase:100.4 in (2550 mm)
Cargo Volume:13.7 cuFT (388 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2416.3 lbs (1096 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3483.3 lbs (1580 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
Combined:26.1 mpg US (9 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:214 g/km

VOLKSWAGEN Passat Hatchback
1.6L D 4MT FWD (60 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 1.6L D 4MT FWD (60 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1588 cm3
Power:40 KW @ 4800 RPM
54 HP @ 4800 RPM
54 BHP @ 4800 RPM
Torque:74 lb-ft @ 2300 RPM
100 Nm @ 2300 RPM
Fuel System:Indirect Injection
Fuel:Diesel
Fuel capacity:15.9 gallons (60.2 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:88.9 mph (143 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):20.3 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:165SR13
DIMENSIONS
Length:174 in (4420 mm)
Width:67.3 in (1709 mm)
Height:54.3 in (1379 mm)
Front/rear Track:55.5/55.9 in (1,410/1,420 mm)
Wheelbase:100.4 in (2550 mm)
Cargo Volume:13.7 cuFT (388 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2182.6 lbs (990 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3307 lbs (1500 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
Combined:37.3 mpg US (6.3 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:167 g/km

VOLKSWAGEN Passat Hatchback
1.6L TD 5MT FWD (69 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 1.6L TD 5MT FWD (69 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1588 cm3
Power:51 KW @ 4500 RPM
69 HP @ 4500 RPM
68 BHP @ 4500 RPM
Torque:98 lb-ft @ 2500 RPM
133 Nm @ 2500 RPM
Fuel System:Indirect Injection
Fuel:Diesel
Fuel capacity:15.9 gallons (60.2 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:97.6 mph (157 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):15.6 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:165SR13
DIMENSIONS
Length:174 in (4420 mm)
Width:67.3 in (1709 mm)
Height:54.3 in (1379 mm)
Front/rear Track:55.5/55.9 in (1,410/1,420 mm)
Wheelbase:100.4 in (2550 mm)
Cargo Volume:13.7 cuFT (388 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2273 lbs (1031 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3395.1 lbs (1540 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
Combined:39.2 mpg US (6 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:153 g/km
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