Europe’s mid-90s roads were full of practical, well-built Volkswagens that appealed to families, tradespeople and enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re researching for restoration, buying a classic, or just curious about model variety, 1996 is a useful snapshot of VW’s lineup.
There are 11 1996 Volkswagen Car Models, ranging from the Alhambra to the Transporter T4. For each model you’ll find below Body style,Market(s),Common trims/engine (L),Description (30-50 words) to make comparisons quick and practical—you’ll find the full list and details below.
How much did models differ by market in 1996?
Volkswagen tailored equipment, trims and sometimes engine options to local regulations and buyer tastes, so a model sold in Germany can have different engines, emissions gear and standard features than one in the UK or Brazil; always check the VIN and local spec sheets when evaluating a specific car.
Are replacement parts and service information still available?
Yes — many mechanical parts, service manuals and aftermarket components remain available through VW specialists, online retailers and salvage yards, though body panels or rare trim may need sourcing from breakers or specialty suppliers; VIN, engine code and trim details speed the search.
1996 Volkswagen Car Models
| Model | Body style | Market(s) | Common trims/engine (L) | Description (30-50 words) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polo | hatchback | EU,LATAM,select Asia | 1.0 L,1.3 L,1.4 L,1.6 L,1.9 L diesel | The Polo in 1996 was Volkswagen’s subcompact hatchback (Mk3/6N) sold widely in Europe and other markets, offering economical 1.0–1.6 L petrol and 1.4–1.9 L diesel engines. Practical, affordable city car with multiple trims and a Caddy commercial sibling. |
| Golf | hatchback | Global (EU,US,LATAM,Asia) | 1.4 L–2.8 L petrol,1.9 L diesel/TDI; GTI,VR6 | The Golf Mk3 in 1996 was VW’s compact mainstay, sold worldwide with hatchback and estate variants plus sporty GTI and VR6 versions. Engines ranged from economical 1.4–2.8 L petrol to 1.9 L diesel/TDI, balancing practicality, performance and strong resale appeal. |
| Jetta | sedan | US,EU,LATAM | 1.6 L–2.0 L petrol,1.9 L diesel/TDI; GL,GLX | The Jetta sedan (Mk3) was Volkswagen’s compact four-door sold as Jetta in North America and as Vento in Europe in 1996. Offered with 1.6–2.0 L petrol and 1.9 L diesel engines, it targeted buyers wanting a conventional sedan profile. |
| Passat | sedan/wagon | EU,LATAM,select Asia | 1.8 L–2.8 L petrol,1.9 L diesel/TDI | The Passat in 1996 was VW’s mid-size family car (B4 generation) sold mainly in Europe and other markets, offering sedans and estates with 1.8–2.8 L petrol choices and 1.9 L diesels. Comfortable, well-equipped alternative to executive rivals. |
| Santana | sedan | China,LATAM | 1.6 L,1.8 L,2.0 L petrol | The Santana continued as a Volkswagen-branded compact/mid-size sedan in several markets in 1996, notably in China and Latin America, largely based on older Passat platforms. It offered durable 1.6–2.0 L petrol engines and remained popular in fleet and taxi use. |
| Beetle | coupe | Mexico,LATAM | 1.6 L air-cooled petrol | The classic Beetle remained in production in 1996 in Mexico and parts of Latin America, sold as an affordable, straightforward small car. Simple 1.6 L air-cooled petrol engines and minimalist features kept it popular for low-cost transport and cultural icon status. |
| Caddy | van | EU,select LATAM | 1.4 L,1.6 L,1.9 L diesel | The Caddy small light commercial van (based on Polo underpinnings) was sold in 1996 as a compact panel van and people-carrier in Europe and other markets. Engines typically ranged 1.4–1.9 L petrol and diesel, prized for load flexibility and economy. |
| Transporter T4 | van | EU,AU,LATAM (select) | 1.9 L–2.5 L diesel,2.0 L–2.8 L petrol | The Transporter T4 was Volkswagen’s mid-size van in 1996, sold as panel van, kombi, and passenger Caravelle/Multivan versions across Europe, Australia, and selected markets. Engines spanned 1.9–2.5 L diesels and 2.0–2.8 L petrols, used for trade and families. |
| LT | van | EU,export markets | 2.4 L–2.8 L diesel | The Volkswagen LT large light-commercial van continued in 1996 for heavier cargo and conversions, sold across Europe and export markets. Offered with diesel engines from 2.4–2.8 L, it sat above the Transporter for larger load-carrying requirements. |
| Sharan | van | EU,select export | 1.8 L–2.8 L petrol,1.9 L diesel | The Sharan MPV, co-developed with Ford, was sold in 1996 across Europe and some other markets as a roomy family people-carrier. Engines ranged 1.8–2.8 L petrol and 1.9 L diesel, featuring flexible seating and sliding doors. |
| Alhambra | van | EU | 1.8 L–2.8 L petrol,1.9 L diesel | The Alhambra launched in 1996 as Volkswagen’s large MPV sibling to the Sharan, initially sold in Europe with flexible seven-seat layout. Shared underpinnings with Sharan/Galaxy and offered with 1.8–2.8 L petrol and 1.9 L diesel engines. |
Images and Descriptions
Polo
The Polo in 1996 was Volkswagen’s subcompact hatchback (Mk3/6N) sold widely in Europe and other markets, offering economical 1.0–1.6 L petrol and 1.4–1.9 L diesel engines. Practical, affordable city car with multiple trims and a Caddy commercial sibling.
Golf
The Golf Mk3 in 1996 was VW’s compact mainstay, sold worldwide with hatchback and estate variants plus sporty GTI and VR6 versions. Engines ranged from economical 1.4–2.8 L petrol to 1.9 L diesel/TDI, balancing practicality, performance and strong resale appeal.
Jetta
The Jetta sedan (Mk3) was Volkswagen’s compact four-door sold as Jetta in North America and as Vento in Europe in 1996. Offered with 1.6–2.0 L petrol and 1.9 L diesel engines, it targeted buyers wanting a conventional sedan profile.
Passat
The Passat in 1996 was VW’s mid-size family car (B4 generation) sold mainly in Europe and other markets, offering sedans and estates with 1.8–2.8 L petrol choices and 1.9 L diesels. Comfortable, well-equipped alternative to executive rivals.
Santana
The Santana continued as a Volkswagen-branded compact/mid-size sedan in several markets in 1996, notably in China and Latin America, largely based on older Passat platforms. It offered durable 1.6–2.0 L petrol engines and remained popular in fleet and taxi use.
Beetle
The classic Beetle remained in production in 1996 in Mexico and parts of Latin America, sold as an affordable, straightforward small car. Simple 1.6 L air-cooled petrol engines and minimalist features kept it popular for low-cost transport and cultural icon status.
Caddy
The Caddy small light commercial van (based on Polo underpinnings) was sold in 1996 as a compact panel van and people-carrier in Europe and other markets. Engines typically ranged 1.4–1.9 L petrol and diesel, prized for load flexibility and economy.
Transporter T4
The Transporter T4 was Volkswagen’s mid-size van in 1996, sold as panel van, kombi, and passenger Caravelle/Multivan versions across Europe, Australia, and selected markets. Engines spanned 1.9–2.5 L diesels and 2.0–2.8 L petrols, used for trade and families.
LT
The Volkswagen LT large light-commercial van continued in 1996 for heavier cargo and conversions, sold across Europe and export markets. Offered with diesel engines from 2.4–2.8 L, it sat above the Transporter for larger load-carrying requirements.
Sharan
The Sharan MPV, co-developed with Ford, was sold in 1996 across Europe and some other markets as a roomy family people-carrier. Engines ranged 1.8–2.8 L petrol and 1.9 L diesel, featuring flexible seating and sliding doors.
Alhambra
The Alhambra launched in 1996 as Volkswagen’s large MPV sibling to the Sharan, initially sold in Europe with flexible seven-seat layout. Shared underpinnings with Sharan/Galaxy and offered with 1.8–2.8 L petrol and 1.9 L diesel engines.
