The Volkswagen Gol (G5) III, specifically the facelifted version introduced in 2013 with the 1.6 Total Flex engine producing 103 horsepower, represents a significant iteration of Volkswagen’s long-running Gol subcompact. Produced from 2013 to 2016, this variant was primarily aimed at the Brazilian and South American markets, where flexible-fuel vehicles capable of running on gasoline and ethanol (or any blend thereof) are highly prevalent. The G5 generation, and this facelift in particular, aimed to modernize the Gol while maintaining its reputation for affordability and practicality. This 1.6L engine and 5-speed manual transmission combination occupied a middle ground in the Gol lineup, offering a balance between economy and performance, positioned above the base models and below the more powerful 1.6L versions.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Gol |
| Generation | Gol (G5) III (facelift 2013) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 Total Flex (103 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2013 |
| End of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / Ethanol – E85 |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 190 km/h (118.06 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.3 kg/Hp, 107.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.3 kg/Nm, 159.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 103 Hp @ 5250 rpm |
| Power per litre | 64.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 153 Nm @ 2500 rpm (112.85 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CCRA |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 76.5 mm (3.01 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86.9 mm (3.42 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 12.1:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 961 kg (2118.64 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 285 l (10.06 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 400 kg (881.85 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 400 kg (881.85 lbs.) |
| Length | 3895 mm (153.35 in.) |
| Width | 1656 mm (65.2 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1893 mm (74.53 in.) |
| Height | 1464 mm (57.64 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2465 mm (97.05 in.) |
| Front track | 1429 mm (56.26 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1417 mm (55.79 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 163 mm (6.42 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.34 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.8 m (35.43 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 175/70 R14; 185/60 R14; 195/55 R15; 195/50 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 5J x 14; 6J x 14; 6J x 15; 6J x 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Gol variant is the EA111 family 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder engine, designated CCRA. This engine is notable for its “Total Flex” capability, meaning it’s designed to run efficiently on gasoline, ethanol, or any mixture of the two. The CCRA utilizes a multi-point fuel injection system, delivering fuel directly into the intake ports. The engine features two valves per cylinder (SOHC) and a relatively high compression ratio of 12.1:1, optimized for both gasoline and ethanol combustion. The 5-speed manual transmission was the standard offering, providing a straightforward and reliable drivetrain. The engine’s design prioritizes fuel efficiency and durability over outright performance, reflecting the needs of the target market.
Driving Characteristics
The 103 hp and 153 Nm (113 lb-ft) of torque produced by the 1.6L engine provide adequate, though not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes approximately 9.8 seconds. In real-world driving, the engine feels responsive enough for city commuting and highway cruising, but overtaking maneuvers require planning. Compared to the higher-output 1.6L versions, this variant offers less power, resulting in slower acceleration. However, it provides better fuel economy. The 5-speed manual transmission is well-matched to the engine’s characteristics, offering a reasonable spread of gear ratios. The gear ratios are tuned for efficiency, prioritizing fuel economy over sporty acceleration. The overall driving experience is comfortable and predictable, making it a suitable choice for everyday transportation.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2013-2016 Gol G5 1.6 Total Flex typically came standard with features such as power steering, air conditioning, and a basic audio system. Safety features included dual front airbags and ABS brakes. Higher trim levels, such as the “Trend” and “Power” models, added features like power windows, power door locks, a more advanced audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, and alloy wheels. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a simple and functional dashboard layout. Optional extras included a sunroof, fog lights, and parking sensors.
Chassis & Braking
The Gol G5 utilizes a McPherson strut front suspension and an independent coil spring rear suspension. This setup provides a comfortable ride quality, absorbing bumps and irregularities in the road surface effectively. The front brakes are ventilated discs, providing adequate stopping power, while the rear brakes are drums, a cost-saving measure common in this segment. The steering is rack and pinion with electric power assistance, offering a light and easy steering feel. Stabilizer bars were included on both axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Gol 1.6 Total Flex was well-received in the Brazilian and South American markets, praised for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and flexible-fuel capability. Critics noted that the performance was adequate but not exceptional. Compared to other trims in the Gol lineup, this variant offered a good balance between price and features. The 1.6L engine provided better fuel economy than the more powerful options, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious buyers. Its reliability was generally considered good, although maintenance costs were comparable to other vehicles in its class.
Legacy
The Volkswagen Gol G5 1.6 Total Flex has proven to be a reliable and durable vehicle, with many examples still on the road today. The EA111 engine is known for its robustness, although regular maintenance is essential to ensure long-term reliability. In the used car market, this variant remains a popular choice due to its affordability and fuel efficiency. Its flexible-fuel capability continues to be a significant advantage in regions where ethanol is readily available and competitively priced. The Gol G5, and this 1.6L variant in particular, solidified Volkswagen’s position as a leading manufacturer of affordable and practical vehicles in South America.
