Description
The Volkswagen Brasilia was a compact car produced by Volkswagen do Brasil, the Brazilian subsidiary of Volkswagen, from 1973 to 1982. Here’s a historical summary of the Volkswagen Brasilia:
- Introduction: The Volkswagen Brasilia was introduced in 1973 as a compact car designed specifically for the Brazilian market. It was based on the platform of the Volkswagen Type 3, a model that was not available in Brazil, and featured a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, similar to the iconic VW Beetle.
- Design and Features: The Brasilia featured a distinctive design with a fastback rear profile, a sloping roofline, and large rear glass, giving it a unique and modern appearance. It had a compact size with a length of around 4 meters (13 feet) and a seating capacity for up to five passengers. The Brasilia had a simple and functional interior, with basic features and amenities, such as seating options, a dashboard with instrumentation, and a modest cargo space.
- Powertrain: The Brasilia was initially offered with an air-cooled 1.6-liter flat-four engine, which was similar to the engine used in the VW Beetle. This engine produced around 65 horsepower and was paired with a manual transmission. Later versions of the Brasilia introduced a water-cooled engine for improved performance and emissions.
- Market Reception: The Brasilia was well-received in the Brazilian market and gained popularity as a reliable and affordable family car. It was particularly popular among young families and as a taxi cab due to its compact size, ease of maintenance, and durability. The Brasilia was also exported to other countries in South America and Africa, although it was not sold in other major markets.
- Updates and Variants: The Brasilia received updates and revisions over its production years, including changes to its design, features, and powertrain options. Different trim levels and variants were also introduced, offering varying levels of equipment and options, such as a sports version and a station wagon variant called the Variant II.
- Discontinuation: The production of the Volkswagen Brasilia was discontinued in 1982, as Volkswagen do Brasil shifted its focus towards other models and market demands changed. The Brasilia was eventually replaced by other Volkswagen models in the Brazilian market, such as the VW Gol, which became a best-seller in Brazil and is still produced today.
It’s important to note that the specifications, features, and availability of the Volkswagen Brasilia may vary depending on the specific model year, market, and other factors. For accurate and up-to-date information, it’s best to refer to official Volkswagen sources or consult with Volkswagen dealers in the specific market.
