Body style: Wagon (station wagon, estate, combi, touring)
Segment: Medium
Production years: 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993
Volkswagen introduced the third generation of the Passat at the 1988 Geneva Motor Show, and it was available in two body versions.
With the hatchback axed from the lineup, the Variant version remained the roomiest version from VW stable, apart from the minivans. It was the first Passat built on top of a Volkswagen platform and the first that featured a transverse engine instead of a longitudinally one as on its predecessors.
The Passat competed in the mid-size segment with many other European cars and, in the U.S., with the Japanese and the American carmakers. In station-wagon shape, it had a smaller competition, but the market was also smaller. At the front, the station wagon 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. Its extended roofline towards the back of the car covered the trunk area and ended into a vertical drop on the tailgate.
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, with a folding seatback, which increased the trunk area from a decent 465 liters (16.4 cu-ft) to a respectable 1,500 liters (52.9 cu-ft).
Under the hood, depending on the market, Volkswagen installed a wide engine choice ranged 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: | 100 mph (161 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 16.3 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: | 57.5 in (1461 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.3/55.9 in (1,481/1,420 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 103.1 in (2619 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.3 in (109 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 20.4 cuFT (578 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2550.7 lbs (1157 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3571.5 lbs (1620 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 29.8 mpg US (7.9 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 183 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 1.8L 5MT FWD (107 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1781 cm3 |
Power: | 79 KW @ 5400 RPM 107 HP @ 5400 RPM 106 BHP @ 5400 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: | 114.3 mph (184 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 11.9 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: | 57.5 in (1461 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.7/55.9 in (1,491/1,420 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 103.1 in (2619 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.3 in (109 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 20.4 cuFT (578 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2641.1 lbs (1198 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3659.7 lbs (1660 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 29 mpg US (8.1 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 185 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: | 102.5 mph (165 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 15.8 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: | 57.5 in (1461 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.3/55.9 in (1,481/1,420 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 103.1 in (2619 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.3 in (109 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 20.4 cuFT (578 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2508.9 lbs (1138 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3747.9 lbs (1700 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 29 mpg US (8.1 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 192 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: | 107.5 mph (173 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 14 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: | 57.5 in (1461 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.3/55.9 in (1,481/1,420 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 103.1 in (2619 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.3 in (109 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 20.4 cuFT (578 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2586 lbs (1173 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3747.9 lbs (1700 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 28.7 mpg US (8.2 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 188 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 1.8L G60 5MT AWD (160 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: | 130.5 mph (210 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 9.8 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: | 205/50VR15 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 180.3 in (4580 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 57.5 in (1461 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.3/55.9 in (1,481/1,420 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 103.1 in (2619 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.3 in (109 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 20.4 cuFT (578 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3033.6 lbs (1376 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4100.6 lbs (1860 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 23.5 mpg US (10 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 238 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: | 118.7 mph (191 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 11.5 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: | 57.5 in (1461 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.3/55.9 in (1,481/1,420 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 103.1 in (2619 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.3 in (109 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 20.4 cuFT (578 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2641.1 lbs (1198 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3814 lbs (1730 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 28.3 mpg US (8.3 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 197 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: | 124.3 mph (200 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 10.4 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: | 57.5 in (1461 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.3/55.9 in (1,481/1,420 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 103.1 in (2619 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.3 in (109 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 20.4 cuFT (578 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2821.9 lbs (1280 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3924.2 lbs (1780 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 25.6 mpg US (9.2 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 219 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.8L VR6 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: | 135.5 mph (218 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 8.3 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: | 205/50VR15 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 180.3 in (4580 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 57.5 in (1461 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.3/55.9 in (1,481/1,420 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 103.1 in (2619 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.3 in (109 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 20.4 cuFT (578 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2866 lbs (1300 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4100.6 lbs (1860 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 24 mpg US (9.8 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 233 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: | 101.9 mph (164 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 16.2 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: | 57.5 in (1461 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.3/55.9 in (1,481/1,420 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 103.1 in (2619 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.3 in (109 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 20.4 cuFT (578 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2667.6 lbs (1210 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3880.1 lbs (1760 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 38.6 mpg US (6.1 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 159 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 1.9L D 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: | 96.3 mph (155 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 19.4 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: | 57.5 in (1461 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.3/55.9 in (1,481/1,420 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 103.1 in (2619 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.3 in (109 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 20.4 cuFT (578 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2694 lbs (1222 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3858.1 lbs (1750 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 36.8 mpg US (6.4 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 152 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 1.9L D 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: | 99.4 mph (160 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 18 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: | 57.5 in (1461 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.3/55.9 in (1,481/1,420 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 103.1 in (2619 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.3 in (109 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 20.4 cuFT (578 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2738.1 lbs (1242 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3946.3 lbs (1790 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 36.8 mpg US (6.4 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 152 g/km |