| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1978 |
| Production Years: | 1977 - 1991 discontinued in 1991 |
The FSO Polonez I is a notable hatchback model produced by the Polish automaker Fabryka Samochodów Osobowych (FSO) from 1977 until 1991. Introduced to the market in 1978, this generation marked a significant development in Poland’s automotive industry with its modern design and practical hatchback configuration. The FSO Polonez I was designed to replace the aging Warszawa and represented more contemporary design and improved engineering for compact family transport.
With a production period stretching over 14 years, the Polonez I featured a boxy yet functional shape typical of the late 1970s and 1980s European cars. Though exact dimension data varies based on specific sub-models and year updates, the vehicle typically measured around 4,200 mm (approximately 165 inches) in length, with a width close to 1,660 mm (about 65 inches), and a height near 1,400 mm (around 55 inches). These dimensions positioned the Polonez I as a compact hatchback, ideal for urban and suburban driving conditions. Its hatchback design provided enhanced practicality with a rear door opening upward, allowing easier access to the cargo area compared to traditional sedans.
The car's weight generally ranged around 1,100 to 1,200 kilograms (2,425 to 2,645 pounds), making it relatively lightweight and contributing to its fuel efficiency and maneuverability. The Polonez I's production showcased a reliable front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout, often fitted with various engine options throughout its lifespan, providing a balance between economy and performance.
Overall, the FSO Polonez I stands as an iconic representation of Polish automotive heritage, offering a glimpse into compact hatchback design and size from the late 20th century. Its dimensions and practical hatchback format make it a relevant point of comparison when studying car sizes, especially in the context of Eastern European vehicles from that era.
Discover the standout features that make the 1978 FSO Polonez I a leader in its class
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The FSO Polonez I, which was produced from 1977 to 1991, features overall dimensions that support its classification as a compact hatchback. It measures approximately 4,214 mm (165.9 inches) in length, 1,680 mm (66.1 inches) in width, and stands about 1,430 mm (56.3 inches) tall. These measurements reflect a design optimized for urban and suburban driving environments, providing sufficient interior space while maintaining manageable exterior dimensions for city parking and maneuverability.
The wheelbase of the FSO Polonez I is approximately 2,530 mm (99.6 inches). A moderate wheelbase length like this positively affects the vehicle's ride comfort and handling stability, offering a balance between agility in tight city streets and smoothness on longer drives. Additionally, the wheelbase supports interior roominess, granting passengers reasonable legroom, especially in the front seats, which enhances overall occupant comfort.
The FSO Polonez I typically weighs around 1,080 kg (2,380 lbs), depending on specific trim and engine options. This relatively moderate curb weight contributes to more efficient fuel consumption relative to heavier vehicles in its class. It also impacts vehicle dynamics, granting nimble handling and acceptable acceleration for city and highway driving of that era, while somewhat limiting performance when carrying full loads or navigating steep inclines.
The FSO Polonez I, as a hatchback, offers practical cargo space and seating arrangements. It is designed to accommodate five passengers, with two front seats and a rear bench that can comfortably seat three people. While exact cargo volume figures vary, the rear hatchback allows for a flexible loading area, which can be expanded further by folding rear seats, providing convenience for carrying larger items or increased luggage compared to traditional sedans.
Yes, the FSO Polonez I fits comfortably into a standard single-car garage. Typical single-car garages have dimensions around 2,400 mm (7 feet 10 inches) in width and 4,800 mm (15 feet 9 inches) in length, while the Polonez I measures approximately 1,680 mm (66.1 inches) wide and 4,214 mm (165.9 inches) long. This leaves enough clearance for easy parking and opening car doors in most home garage settings. Its moderate height of 1,430 mm (56.3 inches) also avoids issues with overhead garage doors or storage setups.
Compared to its predecessor, the FSO 125p, the Polonez I presents noticeable dimensional improvements. The Polonez I is longer, measuring roughly 4,214 mm (165.9 inches) as opposed to the FSO 125p's length of about 4,156 mm (163.6 inches). The width of the Polonez I is also slightly greater at 1,680 mm (66.1 inches) compared to the 125p's 1,590 mm (62.6 inches). These increases contributed to better interior space and a more modern hatchback design, though the height remained fairly comparable. This evolution marked a step forward in both comfort and versatility.
When compared to other compact hatchbacks of its time, like the Volkswagen Golf Mk1 or the Ford Escort Mk3, the FSO Polonez I is somewhat larger in length and width. The Polonez I's length of approximately 4,214 mm (165.9 inches) exceeds the Golf Mk1’s roughly 3,940 mm (155 inches) length. Its width of 1,680 mm (66.1 inches) is also wider than many contemporaries, offering more cabin space. However, it maintains a compact height of 1,430 mm (56.3 inches), keeping it practical for urban environments while providing more versatility and interior room than many of its competitors during the period.
The FSO Polonez I is a hatchback vehicle, characterized by a 5-door layout with a rear liftgate that allows easy access to the cargo area. Its design, launched in 1977, featured angular and robust styling, typical of Eastern European cars of the late 1970s. The body emphasized practicality and durability. The hatchback configuration made the car versatile for passenger and cargo needs, marking it as a compact yet spacious offering during its production run from 1977 to 1991.
The FSO Polonez I was equipped with a range of predominantly inline-four engines, mostly carbureted, reflecting technology from the late 1970s and 1980s. Engine displacements included versions from 1.3 to 1.5 liters, providing modest power outputs that suited the car’s compact size and intended urban and suburban use. The performance was balanced with fuel efficiency and reliability, making the Polonez I practical for everyday driving rather than high-speed or sporty performance.
The FSO Polonez I was one of the first Polish cars to focus on improved safety features at the time of its launch. It included basic safety components such as reinforced passenger cabins and front crumple zones, which aimed to mitigate impact in collisions. However, these safety features were basic compared to modern standards, with limited availability of seat belts in all seats during earlier production years and no advanced systems like airbags or ABS initially included. Nevertheless, it was considered a step forward in vehicle safety for its era and region.
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