Volkswagen Santana - Corsar (Mexico)

Corsar (Mexico)

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 (63 kW) with carburettor. For 1984 and 1985, the Corsar CD was only in one trim available. It had 13” alloy wheels, 185/70 R 13 tyres, 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. Colours 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 Volkswagen Quantum GL looks.

For the 1986 model year, the Corsar CD received new colours, 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.