The VW concern is clearly planning to capture the “world of state employees” - recently, the German auto giant has already introduced quite a few budget cars (such as the Volkswagen Polo Sedan, Skoda Rapid, Seat Toledo ...). These are different cars, with a similar appearance, equipment and about the same price, but ...
Something was missing in the model range of the Volkswagen brand, and this “something” is obviously a “quite a large state employee” (larger than the Polo Sedan) - the New Santana sedan (which replaced the “old Santana” , built on the platform of the "second Passat" and lasted on the assembly line for more than a quarter of a century) ... only it is offered only for the Chinese market, which is "very disappointing"!
By 2016, the three-volume vehicle underwent modernization (which only affected the design of the exterior and interior, and also added equipment to it).
Volkswagen New Santana, in essence, is very similar to its brother in the concern - "Rapid" ... even very similar. But at the same time, there are differences ... there are a lot of them, and there are quite serious ones: for starters, the Santana is a full-fledged sedan (while the Czech is a liftback), or as it is also called, a notchback (that is, a sedan with a not very protruding trunk).
From the front, this "Chinese-German" car is very similar to the aforementioned "brothers in the concern", but at the same time it still has the signature features inherent in the Volkswagen brand - it looks like the "Jetta" and "Passat".
The silhouette of the three-volume Volkswagen Santana is quite common for sedan cars - there are no original solutions here, however, this is not necessary for a budget sedan (again, in profile, the “German” is similar to the same Skoda Rapid, but only “to the rear wheel ").
Behind the VW Santana is quite individual - the shape of its stern is not similar to either the "Toledo" or the "Rapid", thanks to which the "German" stands out "among its own kind" ... In general, we can say that the car turned out to be very stylish, beautiful and attractive ...
Inside, the Volkswagen Santana has a thoughtful design and ergonomic solutions. At the same time, even "in the base" this sedan has decent equipment: pillows in front and on the sides, air conditioning, and even parking sensors! (for example, Polo Sedan - can not boast of all this in the basic version).
As for the interior design, it is recognizable kinship with the older models of the concern. In general, everything inside is located “in its place”, thanks to which the interior is comfortable and does not require long adaptation.
The instrument panel does not shine with brightness, it is made in a strict, thoughtful style, but it is informative, convenient and well readable. The steering wheel on here can be (optionally) multifunctional: it can control various multimedia and BC functions.
Despite the fact that "Santana" is a relatively small and budget car, but in its "bins" it takes riders with comfort (largely due to the wheelbase of 2603 mm). The driver and passenger in front feel cozy and comfortable, there are enough seat adjustments to adjust the place for themselves. The rear sofa freely accepts three passengers, although only two will be at ease here. In terms of space, the Volkswagen Santana is very good: it is enough in the knees; and above the head; and in the shoulders.
In addition to riders, the VW New Santana can also take on board 480 liters of payload.
If we talk about technical characteristics, then in the Celestial Empire market VW New Santana is offered with two power units to choose from (both petrol):
- The first of the engines is a 1.4-liter, 90-horsepower unit that consumes only 5.9 liters of fuel per hundred ways in the combined cycle.
- The second, more powerful one is a 1.6-liter unit, the return of which is 110 horsepower. It is stated that he needs only 0.1 liters of gasoline more (per 100 km) than a weaker engine.
There are two transmissions: a five-speed manual or a six-speed "automatic" (but it is available only for the "senior" power unit).
The maximum speed of the Santana is just over 180 km / h, and reaching 100 km / h is achieved in 10.8 ~ 12.4 seconds (depending on modification).
Volkswagen New Santana went on sale in the Chinese market in the summer of 2013, and in August 2016 (at the Chengdu Motor Show) a restyled version was presented. In China, this car is offered at a price of 85 ~ 125 thousand yuan (at the exchange rate at the beginning of 2018, this is 765 ~ 1,125 thousand rubles).
Yuri Vetrov lamented that Volkswagen misled him - they promised that the car would also have a sedan version, but in reality it turned out that both Skoda and its twin Seat Toledo would only be five-door liftbacks.
In fact, a four-door has also been developed, but so far it has been decided to sell it only in China. Under the name Volkswagen Santana NF, this car will be produced at the Shanghai-Volkswagen joint venture by the end of the year. The platform of the Polo-sedan (PQ25) is stretched exactly like the Skoda's (the wheelbase is the same at 2603mm), but the Santana is 10mm shorter (4473mm) and 8mm taller (1469mm). The volume of a separate trunk is 480 liters.
In China, Santana NF will be offered with a fairly rich equipment: there is ABS, a stabilization system, six airbags and climate control, and even an electric sunroof. There are two naturally aspirated engines of the new EA211 family to choose from - 1.4 (90 hp) or 1.6 (110 hp), a five-speed "mechanics" or a six-speed "automatic".
The production plan at the plant in the city of Yizhen, Jiangsu province is 220,000 sedans next year.
Santana is a significant name for China: in 1982, the mass penetration of European cars into the Chinese market began with the production of these sedans in Shanghai. The first-generation model based on the Passat B2 platform is still being produced and costs about 50,000 yuan ($8,000); in 2011, 70,000 of these cars were sold. And the circulation for 30 years of production, together with the upgraded version of Santana Vista (Zhijun in Chinese), is approaching 4 million pieces!
Moreover, the old Santana does not retire - the release will continue as long as there is demand (mainly from taxi drivers and government services). Interestingly, in the near future, confusion in the names and generations of Volkswagen models for China will only increase - the FAW-Volkswagen joint venture will launch the production of its own version of the new Santana NF sedan under the name ... Volkswagen Jetta NF. This vehicle will complement the second-generation Jetta (A2) and Sagitar (A5-series Jetta) sedans that FAW-Volkswagen produces today.
The Volkswagen Santana sedan, which debuted in 1981, was just a four-door version of the "" second generation. In Europe (with the exception of Spain), it was decided to abandon this name in 1985, when the car was called Passat, like versions with other body types. But in South America and China, the Santana remained in service for many more years.
The first copies of the Santana model were assembled in China back in 1982, and a few years later mass production of sedans began, which became one of the symbols of the country's motorization. Changes were constantly made to the design of a car equipped with 1.6 or 1.8 liter gasoline engines, and the lineup was replenished with new versions, for example, with a station wagon body.
In 1994, a completely redesigned Volkswagen Santana 2000 was introduced, and ten years later it was replaced by the Santana 3000. The last upgrade was carried out in 2008, the updated model was called Santana Vista. This car was produced in China until early 2013.
In Brazil, two- and four-door sedans, as well as station wagons, the Volkswagen Santana began to be produced in 1984. Engines 1.8 and 2.0 were installed on the car, which could run on both gasoline and ethanol. In 1994 and 1998, the model was restyled, and its production ended only in 2006. In Mexico, this car was called the Volkswagen Corsar, and in Argentina, the Volkswagen Carat.
2nd generation, 2012
The compact Volkswagen Santana sedan has been produced in China since the end of 2012 and is sold only in the local market.
The car was created on the basis of the Skoda Rapid model, but differs from it in front design and body type (sedan instead of liftback). Petrol engines 1.4 or 1.6 are installed on the car, developing 90 and 110 hp. With. respectively. Gearboxes - a five-speed "mechanics" or a six-speed "automatic".
In 2015, the five-door hatchback Volkswagen Gran Santana debuted. At the same time, a 1.4 TSI turbo engine with a capacity of 131 hp appeared in the range of power units. With. and robotic preselective box DSG.
Volkswagen Santana, born in Germany, was able to conquer almost half the world very quickly. In different countries, he was known under many different names, but one thing remained unchanged - the German quality. This is probably why the car has, in fact, gone through several reincarnations - they can’t refuse the Volkswagen Santana.
Overview of the range
Volkswagen Santana is the younger brother of the second generation Passat (B2). The car was first presented to the public in 1981, and in 1984 its mass production began.
The car was intended primarily for the South American and Asian market. It is noteworthy that in different countries he received different names. So, in the USA and Canada it was known as Quantum, in Mexico - as Corsar, in Argentina - Carat, and only in Brazil and a number of countries in South America it was remembered exactly as Volkswagen Santana. Until 1985, such a name existed in Europe, but then it was decided to abandon it in favor of the Passat.
Volkswagen Santana (China)
In China, "Santana" gained, perhaps, the greatest popularity, and this happened very rapidly: in 1983, the first such car was assembled here, and already in 1984, a joint German-Chinese venture Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive was created.
Initially, the unpretentious sedan was produced with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine; since 1987, the line of engines has been replenished with a 1.8-liter unit, also gasoline. Such motors worked in tandem with a four-speed gearbox. Cars with a 1.6-liter engine were distinguished by increased reliability and performance, and therefore were very fond of taxi drivers. In these modifications, the car was available until 2006.
Despite the remoteness from the German homeland, where all the technical miracles of that time were performed, the Chinese Santanas boasted many innovations, including the Bosch electronic injection system and ABS with electronic brake force distribution.
In 1991, the Santana 2000 arrived in China, and mass production began in 1995. Around the same time, she reached Brazil. The Chinese "Santana" differed from the Brazilian "sister" in a longer - 2,656 mm - wheelbase.
In 2004, the Santana 3000 appeared. The car is distinguished from its predecessors by generally smoother lines; at the same time, the volume of the rear part has increased - the trunk looks more massive; hatch appeared. The car was initially available with the same 1.6 and 1.8 liter petrol engines; in 2006, a two-liter unit appeared.
In 2008, "Santana" "reincarnated" in the Volkswagen Vista - it can be recognized by the mesh grille, chrome moldings and taillights with circular elements.
Table: Volkswagen Santana specifications for China
Nissan Santana (Japan)
In Japan, the German automaker found a reliable friend in the person of the president of Nissan, Takashi Ishihara, and in 1984 the island country began production of Santana - albeit under the Nissan brand. The Nissan Santana was available with three engine options - 1.8 and 2.0 petrol, generating 100 and 110 hp. respectively, as well as with a 1.6 turbodiesel with 72 hp. All engines worked with a five-speed “mechanics”, and a three-speed “automatic” was available for gasoline units.
Externally, the Japanese "Santana" was distinguished by a special grille and headlights. In addition, the Nissan Santana was 5mm narrower than its German counterparts to avoid the Japanese tax on vehicles over 1690mm wide.
In May 1985, an Autobahn version of the Xi5 was added to the lineup, gaining sports seats, sunroofs and 14" alloy wheels. In January 1987, a facelift was carried out, due to which Santana received more massive bumpers.
The production of Nissan Santana cars in Japan ceased in 1991 - the German auto giant "changed" Nissan with Toyota.
Volkswagen Santana (Brazil)
The German car reached Brazil in 1984. Here it was presented in a large number of modifications - a sedan with four and two doors, as well as a Quantum station wagon. Brazilian Santanas were equipped with 1.8 or 2 liter engines that could run on gasoline or ethanol (!). At first, all power units were paired with a four-speed manual gearbox; since 1987, modifications with a five-speed gearbox have become available.
Table: Volkswagen Santana Specifications for Brazil
In 1991, the Brazilian division of Volkswagen launched a joint venture with Ford. However, instead of developing a radical new replacement for the Passat (B2), it was decided to take the path of less resistance and rebuild the Santana. The body frame, trunk line, etc. were changed, which allowed the car to acquire a more modern look. The new Santana was sold in Brazil as the Ford Versailles and as the Ford Galaxy in Argentina.
Production of "Santana" in Brazil was finally curtailed in 2002.
Volkswagen Corsar (Mexico)
Santana, which received the name Corsair in the new homeland, arrived in the Mexican market in 1984. In Mexico, the Corsair was intended to be an affordable luxury and compete not with mid-range models, but with luxury like the Chrysler LeBaron "K", Chevrolet Celebrity, Ford Grand Marquis.
The Corsair was equipped with a 1.8-liter engine with 85 hp, paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Outwardly, the “Mexican” looked more like its European counterpart than American models. Externally, the "Corsair" was distinguished by four square headlights, 13-inch alloy wheels; the interior was upholstered in blue or gray velor; there was a cassette player, alarm system, power steering.
In 1986, the Corsair was updated - the radiator grille changed, electric mirrors and a black leather interior became available as an option. On the technical side, a five-speed manual transmission was added.
In 1988, the production of "Corsairs" in Mexico stopped in sync with the suspension of production of the "Santana" model in Europe. However, in the Latin American country people still enjoy driving the Corsairs, noting that this is not only a reliable, but also a status car.
Volkswagen Carat (Argentina)
Santana received a new incarnation in Argentina, where she reached in 1987; here she became known as "Karat". Here, as in most American markets, it was equipped with a 1.8 or 2-liter gasoline engine, which was paired with a five-speed “mechanics”. Of the technical innovations, the Karat had an independent front suspension, air conditioning, power windows. However, car production in Argentina ended in 1991.
Table: characteristics of the Volkswagen Santana (Carat) modification for Argentina
New Santana
October 29, 2012 in Wolfsburg, Germany, the Volkswagen New Santana was introduced, designed for the Chinese market and designed to compete with Skoda Rapid, Seat Toledo and Volkswagen Jetta.
Silhouette, especially in profile to the trunk, the new "Santana" is similar to the "Skoda Rapid". The interior of the new "Santana" is distinguished by thoughtful design and ergonomics. In addition, even in the base, the car has airbags, not only in front, but also on the sides, air conditioning and even parking sensors.
The new "Santana" is available with two options for gasoline engines - 1.4 and 1.6 liters, power - 90 and 110 hp. respectively. It is noteworthy that the younger engine consumes only 5.9 liters of fuel per 100 km in mixed mode, and the older one - 6 liters. Both are paired with a five-speed manual transmission.
Tuning Volkswagen Santana
In fact, there are no spare parts directly for Volkswagen Santana on the Russian market - only spare parts from parsing. "Santana", as they say, "collective farms", using for this purpose suitable spare parts from the third "Golf" or "Passat" (B3).
The most common tuning option is an understatement. The average price of suspension springs is 15 thousand rubles. Also on the car you can install spoilers, dual exhaust, "glasses" on the front lights.
Video: tuning "Volkswagen Santana"
Connoisseurs lean towards retro tuning, perhaps updating the image of the car with chrome moldings, etc.
For the new Santana, there are more tuning options - these are “cilia” linings on the headlights, an air intake on the hood, alternative taillights and mirrors, and much more.
Prices
In Russia, the old "Santana" remained mainly in small towns. Initially, a rather rare car, the Santana is not in special demand on the main car sales sites - as of January 2018, only half a dozen of these cars are sold throughout the country. Average price for a car 1982–1984 with a mileage of 150 to 250 thousand km - about 30-50 thousand rubles. It is noteworthy that most of the cars are still running.
Volkswagen Santana, born in Germany, was able to conquer almost half the world very quickly. In different countries, he was known under many different names, but one thing remained unchanged - the German quality. This is probably why the car has, in fact, gone through several reincarnations - they can’t refuse the Volkswagen Santana.
Overview of the range
Volkswagen Santana is the younger brother of the second generation Passat (B2). The car was first presented to the public in 1981, and in 1984 its mass production began.
The car was intended primarily for the South American and Asian market. It is noteworthy that in different countries he received different names. So, in the USA and Canada it was known as Quantum, in Mexico - as Corsar, in Argentina - Carat, and only in Brazil and a number of countries in South America it was remembered exactly as Volkswagen Santana. Until 1985, such a name existed in Europe, but then it was decided to abandon it in favor of the Passat.
Volkswagen Santana (China)
In China, "Santana" gained, perhaps, the greatest popularity, and this happened very rapidly: in 1983, the first such car was assembled here, and already in 1984, a joint German-Chinese venture Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive was created.
Initially, the unpretentious sedan was produced with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine; since 1987, the line of engines has been replenished with a 1.8-liter unit, also gasoline. Such motors worked in tandem with a four-speed gearbox. Cars with a 1.6-liter engine were distinguished by increased reliability and performance, and therefore were very fond of taxi drivers. In these modifications, the car was available until 2006.
Despite the remoteness from the German homeland, where all the technical miracles of that time were performed, the Chinese Santanas boasted many innovations, including the Bosch electronic injection system and ABS with electronic brake force distribution.
In 1991, the Santana 2000 arrived in China, and mass production began in 1995. Around the same time, she reached Brazil. The Chinese "Santana" differed from the Brazilian "sister" in a longer - 2,656 mm - wheelbase.
In 2004, the Santana 3000 appeared. The car is distinguished from its predecessors by generally smoother lines; at the same time, the volume of the rear part has increased - the trunk looks more massive; hatch appeared. The car was initially available with the same 1.6 and 1.8 liter petrol engines; in 2006, a two-liter unit appeared.
In 2008, "Santana" "reincarnated" in the Volkswagen Vista - it can be recognized by the mesh grille, chrome moldings and taillights with circular elements.
Table: Volkswagen Santana specifications for China
Nissan Santana (Japan)
In Japan, the German automaker found a reliable friend in the person of the president of Nissan, Takashi Ishihara, and in 1984 the island country began production of Santana - albeit under the Nissan brand. The Nissan Santana was available with three engine options - 1.8 and 2.0 petrol, generating 100 and 110 hp. respectively, as well as with a 1.6 turbodiesel with 72 hp. All engines worked with a five-speed “mechanics”, and a three-speed “automatic” was available for gasoline units.
Externally, the Japanese "Santana" was distinguished by a special grille and headlights. In addition, the Nissan Santana was 5mm narrower than its German counterparts to avoid the Japanese tax on vehicles over 1690mm wide.
In May 1985, an Autobahn version of the Xi5 was added to the lineup, gaining sports seats, sunroofs and 14" alloy wheels. In January 1987, a facelift was carried out, due to which Santana received more massive bumpers.
The production of Nissan Santana cars in Japan ceased in 1991 - the German auto giant "changed" Nissan with Toyota.
Volkswagen Santana (Brazil)
The German car reached Brazil in 1984. Here it was presented in a large number of modifications - a sedan with four and two doors, as well as a Quantum station wagon. Brazilian Santanas were equipped with 1.8 or 2 liter engines that could run on gasoline or ethanol (!). At first, all power units were paired with a four-speed manual gearbox; since 1987, modifications with a five-speed gearbox have become available.
Table: Volkswagen Santana Specifications for Brazil
In 1991, the Brazilian division of Volkswagen launched a joint venture with Ford. However, instead of developing a radical new replacement for the Passat (B2), it was decided to take the path of less resistance and rebuild the Santana. The body frame, trunk line, etc. were changed, which allowed the car to acquire a more modern look. The new Santana was sold in Brazil as the Ford Versailles and as the Ford Galaxy in Argentina.
Production of "Santana" in Brazil was finally curtailed in 2002.
Volkswagen Corsar (Mexico)
Santana, which received the name Corsair in the new homeland, arrived in the Mexican market in 1984. In Mexico, the Corsair was intended to be an affordable luxury and compete not with mid-range models, but with luxury like the Chrysler LeBaron "K", Chevrolet Celebrity, Ford Grand Marquis.
The Corsair was equipped with a 1.8-liter engine with 85 hp, paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Outwardly, the “Mexican” looked more like its European counterpart than American models. Externally, the "Corsair" was distinguished by four square headlights, 13-inch alloy wheels; the interior was upholstered in blue or gray velor; there was a cassette player, alarm system, power steering.
In 1986, the Corsair was updated - the radiator grille changed, electric mirrors and a black leather interior became available as an option. On the technical side, a five-speed manual transmission was added.
In 1988, the production of "Corsairs" in Mexico stopped in sync with the suspension of production of the "Santana" model in Europe. However, in the Latin American country people still enjoy driving the Corsairs, noting that this is not only a reliable, but also a status car.
Volkswagen Carat (Argentina)
Santana received a new incarnation in Argentina, where she reached in 1987; here she became known as "Karat". Here, as in most American markets, it was equipped with a 1.8 or 2-liter gasoline engine, which was paired with a five-speed “mechanics”. Of the technical innovations, the Karat had an independent front suspension, air conditioning, power windows. However, car production in Argentina ended in 1991.
Table: characteristics of the Volkswagen Santana (Carat) modification for Argentina
New Santana
October 29, 2012 in Wolfsburg, Germany, the Volkswagen New Santana was introduced, designed for the Chinese market and designed to compete with Skoda Rapid, Seat Toledo and Volkswagen Jetta.
Silhouette, especially in profile to the trunk, the new "Santana" is similar to the "Skoda Rapid". The interior of the new "Santana" is distinguished by thoughtful design and ergonomics. In addition, even in the base, the car has airbags, not only in front, but also on the sides, air conditioning and even parking sensors.
The new "Santana" is available with two options for gasoline engines - 1.4 and 1.6 liters, power - 90 and 110 hp. respectively. It is noteworthy that the younger engine consumes only 5.9 liters of fuel per 100 km in mixed mode, and the older one - 6 liters. Both are paired with a five-speed manual transmission.
Tuning Volkswagen Santana
In fact, there are no spare parts directly for Volkswagen Santana on the Russian market - only spare parts from parsing. "Santana", as they say, "collective farms", using for this purpose suitable spare parts from the third "Golf" or "Passat" (B3).
The most common tuning option is an understatement. The average price of suspension springs is 15 thousand rubles. Also on the car you can install spoilers, dual exhaust, "glasses" on the front lights.
Video: tuning "Volkswagen Santana"
Connoisseurs lean towards retro tuning, perhaps updating the image of the car with chrome moldings, etc.
For the new Santana, there are more tuning options - these are “cilia” linings on the headlights, an air intake on the hood, alternative taillights and mirrors, and much more.
Prices
In Russia, the old "Santana" remained mainly in small towns. Initially, a rather rare car, the Santana is not in special demand on the main car sales sites - as of January 2018, only half a dozen of these cars are sold throughout the country. Average price for a car 1982–1984 with a mileage of 150 to 250 thousand km - about 30-50 thousand rubles. It is noteworthy that most of the cars are still running.
