VW Golf Chico 1.6

The VW golf has been with us since 1974 and still today, South Africa produces the Chico and the Citigolf in its various forms.  But there is a problem, because Germany stopped producing the original car in 1983, yet S.A. still continues to manufacture them. Essentially the Mk1 golf possesses technology from the 80’s and thus the driving experience is a bit different to what we have come accustomed to over the last decade or so. Yes, today we find fuel injected versions however, the under floor structure is still the same, various trim pieces and engines may have changed today but other than that, it’s still a M.K.1 Golf. South Africa decided to carry on manufacturing the golf because it is a very attainable car. Today there are thousands and thousands of golf’s everywhere you look and they continue to be popular as spares are very accessible, it’s easy to fix, maintenance costs you a fiver, and the fuel economy is good. However ABS, airbags, traction control, and side impact protection beams are not present in the golf, thus in an accident they tend to be biodegradable.

The Chico 1.6 is a carburetor model with the original dash layout from the earliest of Golf’s which ages the car dramatically even though they were produced as late as 2002. The 1.6 inline OHC inline 4 has 60kw’s of power and around 110nm’s of torque which is not a lot but golf’s only weigh around 700-800 Kg’s so the motor does move you along adequately. The cars 0-100km/h time is quoted at 12 seconds and it has a top speed of 170km/h. Performance isn’t explosive but remember to keep in mind when this car first went into production. Unfortunately the Marie biscuit tires and soft suspension provide huge amounts of body roll and very very indirect steering through any corner. However, potholes and speed bumps are a breeze. The car also doesn’t have power steering which makes it hard to maneuver at low speed and the gearbox takes a long time to master. It is very easy to engage reverse or 3rd when wanting 1st which doesn’t help in traffic or quick getaways. Brakes are hydraulic but not power assisted and the clutch is also very heavy to push in. You actually have to rather fit and strong to drive this car.

Inside you get a radio/tape player, air vents and a fuel gauge, door handles and a few windows, which isn’t bad and it’s possible to seat 4 fairly easily. There is adequate boot space but at the end of the day this car serves its purpose to the fullest. It is cheap transport that is very accessible to the South African public in many ways. Obviously motoring on a budget has some sacrifices but in all honesty the golf, although very unsafe, will offer problem free motoring for many many miles indeed. Today, as there are so many golf’s, many ricers and racers alike use the golf to upgrade and turn into street demons, in every auto shop there will be an abundance of spares and sometimes that’s the most important aspect to consider when buying a cheap car. Although the Chico golf may seem to lack many standard luxuries, it nevertheless performs very well for what is was intended for.

Pros:
Cheap
Reliable
Practical

Cons:
Hijack target
Unsafe

Ewen Cameron