Volkswagen Gol (BX)

Volkswagen Gol (BX). 1980–96 (prod. n/a). 3-door sedan. F/F, 997, 1588, 1781, 1984 cm³ (I4 OHC), 1285 cm³ (F4 OHV), 1555, 1594 cm³ (I4 OHV). Smart, cheap, and sturdy hatchback for South American markets, starting with Volkswagen Polo I base, but with longitudinal engine. Volkswagen Scirocco I inspired the sloping hatchback. Originally inherited noisy, underpowered, air-cooled Käfer 1·3 engine, earning Gol the nickname of batedeira. More refined and powerful 1·6 in 1981, 1·8 GT with engine from Volkswagen Santana (B2) in 1984 for performance market. Smarter front end from Voyage, with larger lights and turn signals in 1984; more substantial facelift in 1987. Air-cooled 1·3 deleted in 1986. GTS replaced GT in 1987, with GTi arriving at the end of 1988 as a 1989 model, featuring electronic fuel injection (first Brazilian car to have this) and two-litre engine. Autolatina tie-up saw Ford engines inserted into Gol, with 1·0 and 1·6 (1555 cm³) CHT units, dubbed AE1000 and AE1600 in Volkswagen-speak. Another facelift in 1991, before Gol gave way to AB9 model in late 1994. Base model continued for two more years alongside successor. Exported notably to the US as budget-priced Volkswagen Fox in the 1980s.

Manufacturing location: São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil

Marque: Volkswagen | Model: Volkswagen Gol | Predecessor: Volkswagen Brasília | Successor: Volkswagen Gol (AB9)

q.v. Volkswagen Parati (BX), Volkswagen Voyage (BX)

Off-site link

• Best Cars Web Site: Volkswagen Gol development story