Volkswagen Santana
Encyclopedia
The Volkswagen Santana is a three-box
sedan, based on the second generation Volkswagen Passat
(B2). It was first introduced in 1981 and is scheduled to remain in production (in China) until 2012.
In North America
, it was also known as the Volkswagen Quantum. In South America
, it was named the Volkswagen Corsar, Carat or Quantum. In Europe
, the Santana name was dropped in 1985 and the car was sold as a Passat. European production ended in 1988.
to form the Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive
joint venture
in October 1984. The first assembly line of the Santana started in October 1985. In September 1986, the 10,000th Santana was built in China. The car and venture laid the ground-works for China's mass motorization. The drive to fully localize production became the impetus for the Chinese auto parts industry: In 1986, the quota of made-in-China parts was below six percent. In 1995, the local content quota stood at 89 percent.
Initially launched with a 1.6 litre petrol engine
, the Santana was updated with a 1.8 litre petrol in 1987, first available in the Santana Variant station wagon introduced by Shanghai in 1986. The first Santanas were all originally equipped with 4-speed manual transmission. The 1.6 remained available in the sedan until as late as 2006.
The Santana has had a number of updated features added since the original 1985 model. Some updated features the Santana has been include with are Bosch
electronic fuel injection system, a 5-speed manual, a third brake light, improved back seats, hydraulic clutch, MP3
and CD compatible radios, ABS
brakes with electronic brake distribution.
In 1991 the Santana 2000 was put into development for China with the aid of Volkswagen do Brasil
. It was introduced in 1994 and started mass production in 1995 with a longer wheelbase 2656 mm (104.6 in) and rear doors than its Brazilian counterpart.
In 2004, the Santana 3000 succeeded the Santana 2000. It was the first design that the Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive
joint venture designers had undertaken by themselves. The Santana 3000 was also the first in the Chinese developed Santana series to be available with optional ABS brakes with electronic brake distribution, electronic differential system, a multi function display system, and a sunroof designed by the German Webasto company. The 2.0 litre engine was added to the range in June 2006.
In 2008, Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive
released the Santana Vista (Zhijun) and Santana Vista (Changda) (Taxi model) in January with front and rear visual updates and minor chassis updates.
the original German designed Santana (both sedan and Variant versions) was still sold in China alongside the updated Santana Vista, and are still popular with taxi and police fleets, as well as with private buyers. A 1.6 litre version of the Santana Vista (1,595 cc, 70 kW) has been added to the bottom of the lineup to further boost sales. Nonetheless, Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive has decided to discontinue the Santana in 2012. There were 3,213,710 units made since CKD production began in 1983 up until May 2009.
plant in Kanagawa, Japan. The Nissan Santana received the internal model code M30. The price of the Nissan Santana was considerably lower than of imported Volkswagens.
At introduction, the Nissan Santana was available with three different engines: A 100 PS 1,781 cc four (Li, Gi), a 110 PS 1,994 cc five (Gi5, Xi5) and a 72 PS 1,588 cc turbodiesel four (Lt, Gt Diesel Turbo). All came with a five-speed manual transmission as standard, while the gasoline engines were also available with a three-speed automatic. The Nissan Santana was 5 mm narrower than its German counterparts, so as to avoid a massive Japanese tax on cars wider than 1690 mm. Additionally, the grille and headlights were unique to the M30 Santana.
In May 1985 the Xi5 Autobahn version was added to the lineup, offering velour sports seats, electric sunroof and 14-inch alloy wheels. In January 1987 the Santana received a facelift, with a new fascia and new larger bumpers. The Turbodiesel was discontinued, leaving only gasoline-engined versions. The 1.8-litre Gi version was down to 91 PS, while the Li and Gi5 equipment grades were dropped. The Xi5 Autobahn was now available with a new engine, however, as a DOHC version of the 2-litre five appeared with 140 PS. With sales, originally aimed at 4,000-5,000 per month, only having reached 50,000 over seven years, Nissan ended production in May, 1990. Instead of renewing the production license, they began selling the new third generation Volkswagen Passat through their dealer network. As Volkswagen and Toyota began cooperating in 1991, sales of Volkswagens through Nissan dealers ended.
named Santana Quantum (later simply Quantum) was launched in July 1985.
The engine range consisted of two version of the familiar 1.8 litre Volkswagen EA827 engine, running on ethanol or petrol. In late 1987, for the 1988 model run, it gained the option of a 2.0 litre engine (petrol or ethanol). Thus equipped they were known as Santana/Quantum 2000. Transmissions included a 4-speed manual (for the first two years), 5-speed manual (first as an option but made standard in 1987), and for the top line CD (later GLS) a 3-speed automatic.
In 1991, Volkswagen do Brasil
then engaged in a joint venture
with Ford called AutoLatina
, decided to retain the Passat (B2) shaped saloon and wagon instead of building the newer third generation Passat (B3). Thorough changes to the bodyshell, boot line, front and rear guards, meant it looked considerably more modern than its predecessor, if not quite at par with the B3. Under the terms of AutoLatina, this "new" Santana was also marketed as the Ford Versailles
in Brazil and as the Ford Galaxy in Argentina. The station wagon was sold as the Ford Royale
.
It received a small face-lift for 1994, and another more extensive one in 1998. In 2002, the Quantum was taken out of production, and then, after more than two decades and years of dropping sales, the Santana was retired from the range in June 2006. It sold 548,494 units during its production run.
The Santana 4-door saloon was introduced in Mexico in February 1984 as the Corsar CD. It was assembled in the Puebla plant with most German components. The only engine available for the whole Corsar lineup was the 1.8 litre 85 hp with carburettor. For 1984 and 1985, the Corsar CD was only in one trim available. It had 13” alloy wheels, 185/70 R 13 tires, velour upholstery (1984 was grey only, and from 1985 it was grey or blue), 4 headrests, AM/FM stereo cassette Radio with 4 speakers, tachometer, power steering. It was sold with 4 speed manual transmission
or 3 speed automatic
. The only option was air conditioning. Colors for 1984 were: Mars Red, Alpine White, Jade Green Metallic, Cosmos Silver Metallic and Graphite Metallic. For 1984 and 1985, the Corsar CD had the American Quantum GL looks.
For the 1986 model year, the Corsar CD received new colors, upholsteries, and the 1985 European Passat 4-door sedan's looks. A new 5-speed manual gearbox replaced the previous 4-speed one. The Corsar also had new optional equipment such as power windows, power door locks, and black leather upholstery. In March 1986, the station wagon body, known as the Corsar Variant (Quantum Wagon in the USA, Quantum in Brasil, and Passat Variant in Europe) was introduced sharing trim levels and engine/transmissions with the Corsar CD saloon. In 1987, the alloy wheels became optional, and the series wheels were steel made with full covers. The Corsar continued mostly unchanged until 1988. By mid-1988, a limited-edition appeared, with double-tone painting (black and silver), black leather upholstery and top equipment available on both the Corsar CD and Corsar Variant. The Corsar was discontinued from the Mexican market by the end of the 1988 model year, since production stopped in Germany (most parts came from Germany), and Volkswagen required its assembly lines to produce the A2 Golf/Jetta for USA and Canada exports. The Corsar lineup is remembered in Mexico with excellent reputation.
, Buenos Aires Province
). Production ended in 1991.
Three-box styling
Three-box design is a broad automotive styling term describing a coupé, sedan, notchback or hatchback where — when viewed in profile — principal volumes are articulated into three separate compartments or boxes: engine, passenger and cargo....
sedan, based on the second generation Volkswagen Passat
Volkswagen Passat
The Volkswagen Passat is a large family car marketed by Volkswagen Passenger Cars through six design generations since 1973. Between the Volkswagen Golf / Volkswagen Jetta and the Volkswagen Phaeton in the current Volkswagen line-up, the Passat and its derivatives have been badged variously as...
(B2). It was first introduced in 1981 and is scheduled to remain in production (in China) until 2012.
In North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
, it was also known as the Volkswagen Quantum. In South America
South America
South America is a continent situated in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. The continent is also considered a subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east...
, it was named the Volkswagen Corsar, Carat or Quantum. In Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
, the Santana name was dropped in 1985 and the car was sold as a Passat. European production ended in 1988.
Santana (China)
The Santana's biggest success was in China. The Santana (B2) had been built in China on a small scale trial basis by the Shanghai Tractor Automobile Corporation (STAC), predecessor of the SAIC group, since 1982. The first 100 cars were built from CKD kits delivered from Germany. In 1984, Volkswagen signed a contract with STAC, along with the China National Automotive Industry Corporation (CNAIC) and the Bank of ChinaBank of China
Bank of China Limited is one of the big four state-owned commercial banks of the People's Republic of China. It was founded in 1912 by the Government of the Republic of China, to replace the Government Bank of Imperial China. It is the oldest bank in China...
to form the Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive
Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive
Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive Co., Ltd. is a joint venture company between Volkswagen Group and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation established in 1984...
joint venture
Joint venture
A joint venture is a business agreement in which parties agree to develop, for a finite time, a new entity and new assets by contributing equity. They exercise control over the enterprise and consequently share revenues, expenses and assets...
in October 1984. The first assembly line of the Santana started in October 1985. In September 1986, the 10,000th Santana was built in China. The car and venture laid the ground-works for China's mass motorization. The drive to fully localize production became the impetus for the Chinese auto parts industry: In 1986, the quota of made-in-China parts was below six percent. In 1995, the local content quota stood at 89 percent.
Initially launched with a 1.6 litre petrol engine
Petrol engine
A petrol engine is an internal combustion engine with spark-ignition, designed to run on petrol and similar volatile fuels....
, the Santana was updated with a 1.8 litre petrol in 1987, first available in the Santana Variant station wagon introduced by Shanghai in 1986. The first Santanas were all originally equipped with 4-speed manual transmission. The 1.6 remained available in the sedan until as late as 2006.
The Santana has had a number of updated features added since the original 1985 model. Some updated features the Santana has been include with are Bosch
Robert Bosch GmbH
Robert Bosch GmbH is a multinational engineering and electronics company headquartered in Gerlingen, near Stuttgart, Germany. It is the world's largest supplier of automotive components...
electronic fuel injection system, a 5-speed manual, a third brake light, improved back seats, hydraulic clutch, MP3
MP3
MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 Audio Layer III, more commonly referred to as MP3, is a patented digital audio encoding format using a form of lossy data compression...
and CD compatible radios, ABS
Anti-lock braking system
An anti-lock braking system is a safety system that allows the wheels on a motor vehicle to continue interacting tractively with the road surface as directed by driver steering inputs while braking, preventing the wheels from locking up and therefore avoiding skidding.An ABS generally offers...
brakes with electronic brake distribution.
Volkswagen do Brasil
Volkswagen do Brasil Ltda. is a subsidiary arm of Volkswagen Group, established in 1953.-Brazilian developed Volkswagens:Many of its models were designed especially for Brazil:*Brasilia*SP1 & SP2*1500/Variant/Variant II*Karmann Ghia TC...
. It was introduced in 1994 and started mass production in 1995 with a longer wheelbase 2656 mm (104.6 in) and rear doors than its Brazilian counterpart.
In 2004, the Santana 3000 succeeded the Santana 2000. It was the first design that the Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive
Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive
Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive Co., Ltd. is a joint venture company between Volkswagen Group and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation established in 1984...
joint venture designers had undertaken by themselves. The Santana 3000 was also the first in the Chinese developed Santana series to be available with optional ABS brakes with electronic brake distribution, electronic differential system, a multi function display system, and a sunroof designed by the German Webasto company. The 2.0 litre engine was added to the range in June 2006.
In 2008, Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive
Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive
Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive Co., Ltd. is a joint venture company between Volkswagen Group and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation established in 1984...
released the Santana Vista (Zhijun) and Santana Vista (Changda) (Taxi model) in January with front and rear visual updates and minor chassis updates.
the original German designed Santana (both sedan and Variant versions) was still sold in China alongside the updated Santana Vista, and are still popular with taxi and police fleets, as well as with private buyers. A 1.6 litre version of the Santana Vista (1,595 cc, 70 kW) has been added to the bottom of the lineup to further boost sales. Nonetheless, Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive has decided to discontinue the Santana in 2012. There were 3,213,710 units made since CKD production began in 1983 up until May 2009.
| Santana 1.6 | Santana Variant | Santana 2000 | Santana 3000 1.8 | Santana 3000 Vista 2.0 | Santana Vista 1.6 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2006 | 2007 | 1997 | 2007 | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body style | 4-door sedan | 5-door estate | 4-door sedan | |||
| Engine | 4-stroke, SOHC Inline 4 | |||||
| Layout | Front, mounted longitudinally at 20º forward angle Front-wheel drive Front-wheel drive Front-wheel drive is a form of engine/transmission layout used in motor vehicles, where the engine drives the front wheels only. Most modern front-wheel drive vehicles feature a transverse engine, rather than the conventional longitudinal engine arrangement generally found in rear-wheel drive and... |
|||||
| Engine size | 1,598 cc | 1,781 cc | 1,984 cc | 1,595 cc | ||
| Max power | 64 kW at 5,200 rpm | 70 kW at 5,400 rpm | 72 kW at 5,400 rpm | 74 kW at 5,200 rpm | 80 kW at 5,000 rpm | 70 kW at 5,200 rpm |
| Torque | 128 newton metre at 3,000 rpm | 145 newton metre at 3,000 rpm | 138 newton metre at 3,800 rpm | 155 newton metre at 3,800 rpm | 168 newton metre at 3,800 rpm | 140 newton metre at 3,800 rpm |
| Wheelbase | 2548 mm (100.3 in) | 2656 mm (104.6 in) | ||||
| Length/width/height (mm) (in) |
4546/1690/1427 179.0/66.5/56.2 |
4546/1710/1427 179.0/67.3/56.2 |
4680/1700/1423 184.3/66.9/56.0 |
4687/1700/1450 184.5/66.9/57.1 |
||
| Unladen Weight | 1030 kg (2,271 lb) | 1100 kg (2,425 lb) | 1120 kg (2,469 lb) | 1220–1248 kg (2,689.6–2,751.4 lb) | 1228–1263 kg (2,707.3–2,784.4 lb) | 1210 kg (2,668 lb) |
| Transmission | 5 MT | 4 MT | 5 MT/4 AT | 5 MT | ||
| Top Speed | 161 kilometre per hour | 165 kilometre per hour | 172 kilometre per hour | 178 kilometre per hour | 185 kilometre per hour | 181 kilometre per hour |
Santana (Japan)
Aiming at a full partnership with Volkswagen, Nissan's then President Takashi Ishihara decided that producing the Santana for the Japanese market would be a good stepping stone. Negotiations began in 1981, and by February 1984, Nissan begun license production of the Santana at its ZamaZama, Kanagawa
is a city located in central Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The city is also home to the United States' Camp Zama Army base. As of 128,989, the city had an estimated population of 128,989 and a density of 7,320 persons per km². The total area was 17.58 km²....
plant in Kanagawa, Japan. The Nissan Santana received the internal model code M30. The price of the Nissan Santana was considerably lower than of imported Volkswagens.
At introduction, the Nissan Santana was available with three different engines: A 100 PS 1,781 cc four (Li, Gi), a 110 PS 1,994 cc five (Gi5, Xi5) and a 72 PS 1,588 cc turbodiesel four (Lt, Gt Diesel Turbo). All came with a five-speed manual transmission as standard, while the gasoline engines were also available with a three-speed automatic. The Nissan Santana was 5 mm narrower than its German counterparts, so as to avoid a massive Japanese tax on cars wider than 1690 mm. Additionally, the grille and headlights were unique to the M30 Santana.
In May 1985 the Xi5 Autobahn version was added to the lineup, offering velour sports seats, electric sunroof and 14-inch alloy wheels. In January 1987 the Santana received a facelift, with a new fascia and new larger bumpers. The Turbodiesel was discontinued, leaving only gasoline-engined versions. The 1.8-litre Gi version was down to 91 PS, while the Li and Gi5 equipment grades were dropped. The Xi5 Autobahn was now available with a new engine, however, as a DOHC version of the 2-litre five appeared with 140 PS. With sales, originally aimed at 4,000-5,000 per month, only having reached 50,000 over seven years, Nissan ended production in May, 1990. Instead of renewing the production license, they began selling the new third generation Volkswagen Passat through their dealer network. As Volkswagen and Toyota began cooperating in 1991, sales of Volkswagens through Nissan dealers ended.
Santana (Brazil)
The Santana entered production in Brazil in June, 1984. It was originally sold as a 4-door and 2-door saloon, but a station wagonStation wagon
A station wagon is a body style variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door , instead of a trunk lid...
named Santana Quantum (later simply Quantum) was launched in July 1985.
In 1991, Volkswagen do Brasil
Volkswagen do Brasil
Volkswagen do Brasil Ltda. is a subsidiary arm of Volkswagen Group, established in 1953.-Brazilian developed Volkswagens:Many of its models were designed especially for Brazil:*Brasilia*SP1 & SP2*1500/Variant/Variant II*Karmann Ghia TC...
then engaged in a joint venture
Joint venture
A joint venture is a business agreement in which parties agree to develop, for a finite time, a new entity and new assets by contributing equity. They exercise control over the enterprise and consequently share revenues, expenses and assets...
with Ford called AutoLatina
Autolatina
AutoLatina was the name of a joint venture between Volkswagen Group subsidiary Volkswagen do Brasil and Ford Motor Company subsidiary Ford do Brasil in South America...
, decided to retain the Passat (B2) shaped saloon and wagon instead of building the newer third generation Passat (B3). Thorough changes to the bodyshell, boot line, front and rear guards, meant it looked considerably more modern than its predecessor, if not quite at par with the B3. Under the terms of AutoLatina, this "new" Santana was also marketed as the Ford Versailles
Ford Versailles
The Ford Versailles is an automobile. Two different vehicles have been sold as the Ford Versailles:* 1954-1957 in France* 1992-1996 in Brazil-France:...
in Brazil and as the Ford Galaxy in Argentina. The station wagon was sold as the Ford Royale
Ford Royale
The Ford Royale was a 4-door estate car, manufactured by Ford. The Royale was also available as a 3-door hatchback, as well as a 4-door estate. It was essentially a rebadged Volkswagen Quantum, though it was available in 2-door form, which was a body style not available on the Royale.The vehicle...
.
It received a small face-lift for 1994, and another more extensive one in 1998. In 2002, the Quantum was taken out of production, and then, after more than two decades and years of dropping sales, the Santana was retired from the range in June 2006. It sold 548,494 units during its production run.
| Engine | 2.0L 8v I4 (VW EA827/ AP-2000) |
| Layout | Front engine, Front-wheel drive |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Power | 113 hp @ 5250 rpm |
| Length | 4600 mm (181.1 in) |
| Width | 1700 mm (66.9 in) |
| Height | 1420 mm (55.9 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2550 mm (100.4 in) |
| Weight | 1160 kg (2,557 lb) |
| Acceleraton 0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) | 9.9 sec |
| Top speed | 191 kilometre per hour |
Corsar (Mexico)
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
or 3 speed automatic
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
. The only option was air conditioning. Colors for 1984 were: Mars Red, Alpine White, Jade Green Metallic, Cosmos Silver Metallic and Graphite Metallic. For 1984 and 1985, the Corsar CD had the American Quantum GL looks.
For the 1986 model year, the Corsar CD received new colors, upholsteries, and the 1985 European Passat 4-door sedan's looks. A new 5-speed manual gearbox replaced the previous 4-speed one. The Corsar also had new optional equipment such as power windows, power door locks, and black leather upholstery. In March 1986, the station wagon body, known as the Corsar Variant (Quantum Wagon in the USA, Quantum in Brasil, and Passat Variant in Europe) was introduced sharing trim levels and engine/transmissions with the Corsar CD saloon. In 1987, the alloy wheels became optional, and the series wheels were steel made with full covers. The Corsar continued mostly unchanged until 1988. By mid-1988, a limited-edition appeared, with double-tone painting (black and silver), black leather upholstery and top equipment available on both the Corsar CD and Corsar Variant. The Corsar was discontinued from the Mexican market by the end of the 1988 model year, since production stopped in Germany (most parts came from Germany), and Volkswagen required its assembly lines to produce the A2 Golf/Jetta for USA and Canada exports. The Corsar lineup is remembered in Mexico with excellent reputation.
Carat (Argentina)
The Santana 4-door sedan started production in Argentina in June, 1987 as the Carat, manufactured by Volkswagen Argentina S.A. (San Justo/General PachecoGeneral Pacheco
General Pacheco is a city in Tigre Partido, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. The city's position inside Tigre significantly sums up to its importance inside the partido...
, Buenos Aires Province
Buenos Aires Province
The Province of Buenos Aires is the largest and most populous province of Argentina. It takes the name from the city of Buenos Aires, which used to be the provincial capital until it was federalized in 1880...
). Production ended in 1991.
| Model | GS 1.8/CD | CD 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Introduced | 1987 (GS: 1989) | 1989 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door sedan | |
| Engine | Volkswagen-Audi 827 AP 1,8/2.0 4-stroke, SOHC Inline 4 |
|
| Layout | Front, mounted longitudinally at 20º forward angle Front-wheel drive Front-wheel drive Front-wheel drive is a form of engine/transmission layout used in motor vehicles, where the engine drives the front wheels only. Most modern front-wheel drive vehicles feature a transverse engine, rather than the conventional longitudinal engine arrangement generally found in rear-wheel drive and... |
|
| Transmission | Five-speed manual | |
| Final drive ratio | 5.140:1 | 4.111:1 |
| Cooling | Water (6.1 liters) | |
| Fuel Type | Super gasoline | |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2550 | |
| Track front/rear (mm) | 1414/1422 | |
| Length/Width/Height (mm) | 4527/1708/1395 | |
| Weight (kg) | 1081 | |
| Fuel Capacity (l) | 75 | |
| Steering | Rack and pinion, 3.9 turns lock to lock | |
| Brakes front/rear | disc/drum, servo | |
| Front suspension | Independent, by McPherson, wishbones, coil springs/telescopic damper struts, anti-roll bar | |
| Rear suspension | Self-stabilizing axle with v-shaped profile, longitudinal arms, coil springs, telescopic dampers | |
| Tires/wheels | 185/70 MR 13, 5.5" wide rims | |
| Alternator | 12V 55A | |
| Displacement (cc) | 1781 | 1984 |
| Bore/stroke (mm) | 81.0 x 86.4 | 82.5 x 92.8 |
| Compression | 9.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Peak power | 70.5 kW | 73.5 kW |
| at rpm | 5,500 | 5,200 |
| Peak torque | 14.6 kgm | 16.2 newton metre |
| at rpm | 2,600 | 3,400 |
| Fuel system | Pierburg Brosol 2E7 twin barrel downdraught carburator | |
| Fuel consumption | 10 kilometres per litre | 11.2 kilometres per litre |
| Acceleration 0–100 km/h | 12.9 s | 12.4 s |
| Top speed (km/h) | 168 | 171 |
| Equipment | Air conditioning, power locks, power windows | |