The booted version of the B2 Passat was meant to be Volkswagen’s ‘World Car’. Assembled in Spain, built by Nissan in Japan and produced from kits in China, hopes were high that it would broaden VW’s links around the globe. Sadly, it didn’t quite meet expectations…
Us Brits have never been too bothered about booted saloons and while we liked the Jetta and Derby, the idea of splashing out on a more luxurious take on the booted Passat was probably a step too far.
The Santana, launched in 1981, was meant as a direct competitor to the Audi 80. It was known as the Quantum in the US, the Corsar in Mexico and the Carat in Argentina. There were two versions available here; the LX with a 90bhp four-cylinder 1781cc engine and the sportier GX5 with the 1921cc five-cylinder lump from the Audi Coupé, which was good for 114mph and could do the 0-60mph sprint in 10.8 seconds.
As well as sprightly performance, the Santana’s handling wasn’t too shabby, either; the front heavy design prompted natural understeer but otherwise it was sure-footed with a firm yet refined ride typical of that era German executive express. Economy from the five-pot was a not too ruinous at 27.6mpg, while the four-cylinder version managed considerably more.
As you might expect, spec levels were good with the range-topping GX5 getting alloys, velour upholstery, deep pile carpet and the luxury of central locking as standard. Meanwhile, factory options included a steel sunroof, tinted glass, auto transmission in place of the 4+E manual, and electric windows.
Alas, despite its many assets the Santana was never a big hit and European production drew to a close in 1988. Today, it’s basically unfashionable. While you do see the odd early Audi 80 at shows, you rarely see a Santana. Which is a shame because as Q-cars go, the sumptuous Santana GX5 has to be one of the most overlooked. Moreover, ones that do come up for sale are likely to be laughably cheap.
And here’s the funny thing. Up until 2012 the original German designed Santana (albeit the facelifted version) was still being bolted together in China!
As a piece of marketing theory that didn’t quite work, it’s a part of VW’s history that it would probably rather forget. That’s that shouldn’t take anything away from the Santana because it’s cool bit of retro kit that’s sure to have its day sometime soon. In fact, if you see a good one grab it quick!
Ian
The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of VW Heritage
I have a 1995 Santana Quantum (Estate version, here in Brazil). 2 liter engine, multipoint digital injection, ABS, metal sunroof, 8 speaker sound system, Recaro seats… Rides very well, I love it.
I’ve got a 1983 santana LX that’s on air ride and goes around the shows for the last 3-4 years now. The cars been featured in Performance VW magazine, airlift performance feature and won at a few shows over the years like Edition 38, vw action, players classic and others
If anyone has any information on the UK rhd ’81 ’82 gx5 on carburettors or even part sourcing please drop me a email benjamin.lyon96@gmail.com
I have a 1984 Santana GX5 parked in my garage since 1996. Love that hunk of metal. Restore coming soon.
I had one of these, a ‘B’ registered 1984 model. 4 door saloon. Silver with 4 + E gearbox. Most had the 1921cc 5 cylinder engine, this one had the 1984cc, or was it 1998cc, 5 cylinder engine –the one then about to be fitted to the Audi 100. Rare at the time, – I recall that at purchase, at Bedford Car Auction, about 1986 or early ’87, she was not listed with this engine in Parkers Guide of the day and was bought for not much. But it was original fitment on the production run out. A great car for family cruising. More Audi than VW.