Wednesday 14 March 2007
MY VW Golf IV generation
that's my "PIMPED" ride.
model:
Golf IV generation
1.4 16v 55kw/75hp
ABT body kit
Golf V (2003–present)
-------------------------------------
The fifth generation Golf (VW Typ 1K) was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in October of 2003 and went on sale in Europe one month later. To commemorate this, Wolfsburg was renamed "Golfsburg" for a week. It reached North American markets in June 2006 rebadged with the revived Rabbit nameplate.[2] Most print ads for the Rabbit show the old badge (a running rabbit) with the phrase "It's back, at $14,990." TV ads show Rabbits chasing after each other with their numbers increasing until they fill the streets of a city, a sort of double entendre on the phrase "multiplying like rabbits".
[edit] Design and engineering
Mark 5 GTI in Rome
Mark 5 GTI in Rome
While the interior quality of the previous model startled rivals and led most of them to up their game in revised/replacement models, the astonishing chassis and all round ability of the Mark 1 Ford Focus startled Volkswagen (and indeed other rivals). In order to counter criticisms of the average dynamics of the previous model, it is widely reputed that Volkswagen poached from Ford the engineering team who designed the multi-link 'control blade' rear suspension system of the Ford Focus, widely regarded as the class benchmark for ride and handling. Indeed, the rear suspension of Golf 5 (a modified wishbone arrangement) bears an uncanny resemblance to that of the Focus.
The suspension changes, along with careful tuning of the chassis, led to the Mark 5 Golf delivering road manners which challenged the Ford Focus, and although the chassis ability was only just short of the Focus', the overall ability of the rest of the car led to the Mark 5 Golf being the best car in its class until the Mark 2 Ford Focus arrived in 2004.
North American Spec 2006 MK5 Golf GTI
North American Spec 2006 MK5 Golf GTI
The bulletproof interior quality of the previous generation appears to have been lost, and although still of a very high standard and ahead of other rivals the Golf no longer matches its in-house rival, the Audi A3. Many believe the reason for this step back in quality, also seen in the Mark 5 Passat of 2005, is to allow daylight between the marketing and price positioning of Audi and Volkswagen products. The previous generation Volkswagens were on a par with their Audi cousins.
The Golf 5 has proven expensive to build - largely due to its uncommonly long 50-hour build time. According to multiple reports in the European press, its replacement is thus likely to be rolled out in 2008, a good two years earlier than originally scheduled. This means that the production run of the U.S. version of the Mark 5, introduced only in 2006 two years after its world debut - is likely to have an uncommonly short production run.
Awards
* 2007 Car and Driver - Among Ten Best of the Year (GTI)
* 2007 Automobile Magazine - Car of the Year (GTI)
* 2005 Auto Express - Best Hot Hatch (Golf GTI)
* 2005 Auto Express - Best Sporting Car (Golf GTI)
* 2004 WhatCar? Car of the Year
* 2004 WhatCar? Best Small Family Car
* 2004 Winner - AutoExpress New Car Honours
* 2004 Best Hatch - BBC Top Gear Magazine Awards
[edit] Engines
Options for engines and transmissions vary from country to country, but the Golf is available with a gasoline 4-cylinder and a new PD diesel unit-injector TDI engine. Transmission options include manual, automatic, Tiptronic, and direct-shift gearbox (DSG).
North American-spec Rabbits will use the same 150 hp 2.5 L five-cylinder gasoline engine that powers the Jetta and New Beetle in these markets. The GTI will come with VW's 2.0L turbo 4 which makes 200HP and 207 lb/torque. North American transmission choices will include a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic with Tiptronic for the Rabbit. While North American GTIs receive a 6-Speed manual or 6-speed DSG.
All of the Golf's engines, including the VR6, have the engine mounting points in the same place, making it possible to remove one engine and replace it with another while making few other modifications to the car.
[edit] Mark 5 Jetta
VW Golf Plus
VW Golf Plus
A trunked version of the Mark 5 Golf was spawned in 2004 and, as with previous incarnations of the Golf, it maintained its own identity, a practice long abandoned by most rivals. While the Jetta name has always remained in North America, the name made a return to Europe replacing the Bora name of the previous Golf saloon. The Jetta name was also introduced to Australia with the Mark 5, the Mark 4 Bora being a slow seller there.
As with its predecessor the Jetta featured unique front wings and rear doors, but the front doors were also unique so the only external panel shared with the Golf was the bonnet. As with all Golf saloons, the Jetta featured a unique grille which is only shared with the contemporary Golf R32 (although the GLI variant has the Golf GTI's front end). Unlike all previous saloon variants however, the front lights were now shared with the Golf.
As with the previous Jetta/Bora, Volkswagen is again trying to market the car as a rival to mainstream large family cars, such as the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall/Opel/Holden/Chevrolet Vectra, leaving the Passat to compete against the premium marques. The smaller Jetta, though, is still a Golf saloon whose true rivals are the Ford Focus, Vauxhall/Holden/Opel Astra, etc.
Mark 5 marks the return of the Rabbit name in the United States. Volkswagen has stated that the change in name was due to Golf not being as important in the US and it allows for creative marketing in hope to make the car more competitive. Because of the preference for sedans in the US market, the Jetta outsells the Golf 10 to 1.
Golf Plus 2004-Present
Golf Plus (rear view) 2004-Present
CrossGolf 2006-Present
In December 2004, Volkswagen announced the Golf Plus variant of the Golf 5. It is 9.5 cm taller than the standard Golf, but 15 cm shorter than the other compact MPV of the marque, the seven-seater Touran. The Plus would replace the Variant station wagon in the Golf lineup, although a Variant may yet be released.
There will be no convertible version of the Golf 5, as the Eos coupé convertible (introduced in Spring 2006) will be marketed as a separate model and the New Beetle convertible makes a droptop Golf redundant. The Eos does not share body panels with any other Volkswagen model, although it is based on the Jetta/Golf platform.
At the 2006 Paris Motor Show Volkswagen released the new CrossGolf compact MPV, which is essencially an off-road version of the Golf Plus. It was developed by VW Individual brand which developed the Golf R32 and CrossPolo. The CrossGolf is only available in front-wheel drive configuration (like the CrossPolo) and is powered by two petrol engines 1.6 & 1.4 TSI and two Diesel engines, 1.9 TDI & 2.0 TDI with output ranging from 75 kW / 102 PS to 103 kW / 140 PS.
[edit] Performance models
Mk V GTI with 18" wheels
Mk V GTI with 18" wheels
The Golf 5 GTI is hailed as a return-to-form for the progenitor of the genre. The Golf GTI features a 2.0 litre turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine with FSI (Fuel Stratified Injection) direct-injection technology, which produces 200 bhp. It is available in both 3-door and 5-door hatchback body shapes, and comes with a choice of either 6-speed manual or a 6-speed DSG gearbox which greatly reduces shift time to only 8ms.[2] The concept GTI was first shown to the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2003. The first production model was initially unveiled at the Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris in September 2004 and went on sale around the world shortly thereafter. At the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006 the GTI made its long awaited North American debut in 3-door guise (a 5-door variant has since become available), where it is marketed solely under the 'GTI' moniker, with no reference to the Rabbit. The new GTI has a considerable price increase over the previous model, mainly due to the features mentioned above and the fact that the exterior itself had not seen such a dramatic design change in years. The price is further raised due to the fact that it is built in Germany, unlike the MK4 which was built in Brazil. The innovative DSG transmission and the 200bhp engine all helped raise the retail price of the car. The Mark V GTI named Automobile of the Year by Automobile Magazine, in December 2006.
The initial American ad campaign for the GTI featured the "fast", which Volkswagen says is the feeling and force inside you that likes driving and encourages your driving passion, with the tagline "Make friends with your fast". However, recently those ads were replaced with a series of ads starring Peter Stormare as a "German engineer" hired to "un-pimp ze auto" by taking tuner cars and smashing them, giving their owners a GTI instead. The slogan for the campaign is "Pre-tuned by German engineers", however it has been Stormare's lines of "VDub: representing Deutschland!" and "V-Dub: German, engineering, in da haus!", delivered with a stilted German accent and coupled with a "VDub" hand motion, that have popularized the ads.
Golf Mk5 R32 (2006)
Golf Mk5 R32 (2006)
In late September 2005, the Mk5 R32 went on sale in Europe. It features the same 3.2-liter unit fitted to the previous version, but with an extra 10bhp courtesy of a reworked inlet manifold. Maximum power is now 247bhp at 6,300rpm; torque is unchanged at 236lb ft but comes in 300rpm lower down the rev range. It reaches an electronically-governed top speed of 250 km/h (154mph). Going from 0 to 100 km/h will take a brisk 6.5 s, reduced to 6.2 s with the direct-shift gearbox. As with the previous R32; there is 4MOTION all wheel drive through 18" Zolder 20-spoke alloy wheels. Stopping the R32 comes in the form of blue-painted brake calipers with 345 mm discs at the front and 310 mm disks at the rear.
In September 2005, the Golf 5 GT was announced, which featured a choice of either 1.4 L petrol engine in twincharger configuration or a 2.0 liter Turbo Diesel. Both are available as 125 kW (170 PS, 168 bhp) versions; while the diesel also is available as a 140 PS variant in the UK. The 170 PS diesel has 350 Nm (258 lb ft) of torque which is more than the range topping R32. The petrol offering contains the new TSI engine, which is based on the recent FSI, but with a pair of chargers forcing the induction of the air. The chargers are a single supercharger that disengages after a specified rev-range, at which point charging of the air is handled by a single turbocharger. This system could benefit from both of the efficiency of the supercharger in the lower rev ranges, with the longevity of the turbocharger higher in the rev range. This results in no turbo lag, constant power delivery along the rev range, and better fuel efficiency than similarly powered V6 2.4 L due to its small size. Both petrol and diesel versions are also available with DSG (direct-shift gearbox). Performance figures for the petrol vehicle are 0-100km/h (62mph) in 7.0s (6 speed) and 6.8s (DSG) with the diesel taking 8.2s, and both reaching top speed of 220km/h (137mph).
[edit] GTI Edition 30
To mark the GTI's 30th anniversary, Volkswagen produced a limited edition Golf GTI. Changes over the standard model include a modified engine, producing 30bhp more than the standard GTI. Slight changes to the body work include modified spoilers and body colored bumpers, with a return for the golf ball shaped gear stick knob inside. The seats are also decked out in a distinctive leather and Interlagos fabric mix, with red stitching added to the leather-covered steering wheel. Finally, 18-inch 'Pescara' alloy wheels finish off the car's unique features.
[edit] Fahrenheit Edition
GTI Mk5 Fahrenheit Edition (2007)
GTI Mk5 Fahrenheit Edition (2007)
In October 2006, Volkswagen debuted a new Fahrenheit Edition of their GTI and GLI models at the Playboy Mansion. These new models are the first special-edition versions of the GTI and GLI made available in North America, and the first of the new models arrived in dealers in the early spring of 2007. Fahrenheit models of the GTI are distinguished by their Fahrenheit Orange paint job, special Fahrenheit badging, a commemorative plate placed on the steering wheel, body-colored interior pannels, orange stitching on the seats, DSG boot, steering wheel, floor mats, and break handle, as well as special 18-inch "Charleston" wheels that are nearly black in color. Only 1200 Fahrenheit models will be produced in the form of the GTI (1200 more for the GLI). Pricing starts at $27,665 in the United States.
[edit] Safety
In Australia, 1982-2004 Volkswagen Golfs were assessed in the Used Car Safety Ratings 2006.
* (1982-1994) - "worse than average" level of occupant protection
* (1995-1998) - "average"
* (1999-2004) - "significantly better than average"
The fifth generation Golf (VW Typ 1K) was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in October of 2003 and went on sale in Europe one month later. To commemorate this, Wolfsburg was renamed "Golfsburg" for a week. It reached North American markets in June 2006 rebadged with the revived Rabbit nameplate.[2] Most print ads for the Rabbit show the old badge (a running rabbit) with the phrase "It's back, at $14,990." TV ads show Rabbits chasing after each other with their numbers increasing until they fill the streets of a city, a sort of double entendre on the phrase "multiplying like rabbits".
[edit] Design and engineering
Mark 5 GTI in Rome
Mark 5 GTI in Rome
While the interior quality of the previous model startled rivals and led most of them to up their game in revised/replacement models, the astonishing chassis and all round ability of the Mark 1 Ford Focus startled Volkswagen (and indeed other rivals). In order to counter criticisms of the average dynamics of the previous model, it is widely reputed that Volkswagen poached from Ford the engineering team who designed the multi-link 'control blade' rear suspension system of the Ford Focus, widely regarded as the class benchmark for ride and handling. Indeed, the rear suspension of Golf 5 (a modified wishbone arrangement) bears an uncanny resemblance to that of the Focus.
The suspension changes, along with careful tuning of the chassis, led to the Mark 5 Golf delivering road manners which challenged the Ford Focus, and although the chassis ability was only just short of the Focus', the overall ability of the rest of the car led to the Mark 5 Golf being the best car in its class until the Mark 2 Ford Focus arrived in 2004.
North American Spec 2006 MK5 Golf GTI
North American Spec 2006 MK5 Golf GTI
The bulletproof interior quality of the previous generation appears to have been lost, and although still of a very high standard and ahead of other rivals the Golf no longer matches its in-house rival, the Audi A3. Many believe the reason for this step back in quality, also seen in the Mark 5 Passat of 2005, is to allow daylight between the marketing and price positioning of Audi and Volkswagen products. The previous generation Volkswagens were on a par with their Audi cousins.
The Golf 5 has proven expensive to build - largely due to its uncommonly long 50-hour build time. According to multiple reports in the European press, its replacement is thus likely to be rolled out in 2008, a good two years earlier than originally scheduled. This means that the production run of the U.S. version of the Mark 5, introduced only in 2006 two years after its world debut - is likely to have an uncommonly short production run.
Awards
* 2007 Car and Driver - Among Ten Best of the Year (GTI)
* 2007 Automobile Magazine - Car of the Year (GTI)
* 2005 Auto Express - Best Hot Hatch (Golf GTI)
* 2005 Auto Express - Best Sporting Car (Golf GTI)
* 2004 WhatCar? Car of the Year
* 2004 WhatCar? Best Small Family Car
* 2004 Winner - AutoExpress New Car Honours
* 2004 Best Hatch - BBC Top Gear Magazine Awards
[edit] Engines
Options for engines and transmissions vary from country to country, but the Golf is available with a gasoline 4-cylinder and a new PD diesel unit-injector TDI engine. Transmission options include manual, automatic, Tiptronic, and direct-shift gearbox (DSG).
North American-spec Rabbits will use the same 150 hp 2.5 L five-cylinder gasoline engine that powers the Jetta and New Beetle in these markets. The GTI will come with VW's 2.0L turbo 4 which makes 200HP and 207 lb/torque. North American transmission choices will include a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic with Tiptronic for the Rabbit. While North American GTIs receive a 6-Speed manual or 6-speed DSG.
All of the Golf's engines, including the VR6, have the engine mounting points in the same place, making it possible to remove one engine and replace it with another while making few other modifications to the car.
[edit] Mark 5 Jetta
VW Golf Plus
VW Golf Plus
A trunked version of the Mark 5 Golf was spawned in 2004 and, as with previous incarnations of the Golf, it maintained its own identity, a practice long abandoned by most rivals. While the Jetta name has always remained in North America, the name made a return to Europe replacing the Bora name of the previous Golf saloon. The Jetta name was also introduced to Australia with the Mark 5, the Mark 4 Bora being a slow seller there.
As with its predecessor the Jetta featured unique front wings and rear doors, but the front doors were also unique so the only external panel shared with the Golf was the bonnet. As with all Golf saloons, the Jetta featured a unique grille which is only shared with the contemporary Golf R32 (although the GLI variant has the Golf GTI's front end). Unlike all previous saloon variants however, the front lights were now shared with the Golf.
As with the previous Jetta/Bora, Volkswagen is again trying to market the car as a rival to mainstream large family cars, such as the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall/Opel/Holden/Chevrolet Vectra, leaving the Passat to compete against the premium marques. The smaller Jetta, though, is still a Golf saloon whose true rivals are the Ford Focus, Vauxhall/Holden/Opel Astra, etc.
Mark 5 marks the return of the Rabbit name in the United States. Volkswagen has stated that the change in name was due to Golf not being as important in the US and it allows for creative marketing in hope to make the car more competitive. Because of the preference for sedans in the US market, the Jetta outsells the Golf 10 to 1.
Golf Plus 2004-Present
Golf Plus (rear view) 2004-Present
CrossGolf 2006-Present
In December 2004, Volkswagen announced the Golf Plus variant of the Golf 5. It is 9.5 cm taller than the standard Golf, but 15 cm shorter than the other compact MPV of the marque, the seven-seater Touran. The Plus would replace the Variant station wagon in the Golf lineup, although a Variant may yet be released.
There will be no convertible version of the Golf 5, as the Eos coupé convertible (introduced in Spring 2006) will be marketed as a separate model and the New Beetle convertible makes a droptop Golf redundant. The Eos does not share body panels with any other Volkswagen model, although it is based on the Jetta/Golf platform.
At the 2006 Paris Motor Show Volkswagen released the new CrossGolf compact MPV, which is essencially an off-road version of the Golf Plus. It was developed by VW Individual brand which developed the Golf R32 and CrossPolo. The CrossGolf is only available in front-wheel drive configuration (like the CrossPolo) and is powered by two petrol engines 1.6 & 1.4 TSI and two Diesel engines, 1.9 TDI & 2.0 TDI with output ranging from 75 kW / 102 PS to 103 kW / 140 PS.
[edit] Performance models
Mk V GTI with 18" wheels
Mk V GTI with 18" wheels
The Golf 5 GTI is hailed as a return-to-form for the progenitor of the genre. The Golf GTI features a 2.0 litre turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine with FSI (Fuel Stratified Injection) direct-injection technology, which produces 200 bhp. It is available in both 3-door and 5-door hatchback body shapes, and comes with a choice of either 6-speed manual or a 6-speed DSG gearbox which greatly reduces shift time to only 8ms.[2] The concept GTI was first shown to the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2003. The first production model was initially unveiled at the Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris in September 2004 and went on sale around the world shortly thereafter. At the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006 the GTI made its long awaited North American debut in 3-door guise (a 5-door variant has since become available), where it is marketed solely under the 'GTI' moniker, with no reference to the Rabbit. The new GTI has a considerable price increase over the previous model, mainly due to the features mentioned above and the fact that the exterior itself had not seen such a dramatic design change in years. The price is further raised due to the fact that it is built in Germany, unlike the MK4 which was built in Brazil. The innovative DSG transmission and the 200bhp engine all helped raise the retail price of the car. The Mark V GTI named Automobile of the Year by Automobile Magazine, in December 2006.
The initial American ad campaign for the GTI featured the "fast", which Volkswagen says is the feeling and force inside you that likes driving and encourages your driving passion, with the tagline "Make friends with your fast". However, recently those ads were replaced with a series of ads starring Peter Stormare as a "German engineer" hired to "un-pimp ze auto" by taking tuner cars and smashing them, giving their owners a GTI instead. The slogan for the campaign is "Pre-tuned by German engineers", however it has been Stormare's lines of "VDub: representing Deutschland!" and "V-Dub: German, engineering, in da haus!", delivered with a stilted German accent and coupled with a "VDub" hand motion, that have popularized the ads.
Golf Mk5 R32 (2006)
Golf Mk5 R32 (2006)
In late September 2005, the Mk5 R32 went on sale in Europe. It features the same 3.2-liter unit fitted to the previous version, but with an extra 10bhp courtesy of a reworked inlet manifold. Maximum power is now 247bhp at 6,300rpm; torque is unchanged at 236lb ft but comes in 300rpm lower down the rev range. It reaches an electronically-governed top speed of 250 km/h (154mph). Going from 0 to 100 km/h will take a brisk 6.5 s, reduced to 6.2 s with the direct-shift gearbox. As with the previous R32; there is 4MOTION all wheel drive through 18" Zolder 20-spoke alloy wheels. Stopping the R32 comes in the form of blue-painted brake calipers with 345 mm discs at the front and 310 mm disks at the rear.
In September 2005, the Golf 5 GT was announced, which featured a choice of either 1.4 L petrol engine in twincharger configuration or a 2.0 liter Turbo Diesel. Both are available as 125 kW (170 PS, 168 bhp) versions; while the diesel also is available as a 140 PS variant in the UK. The 170 PS diesel has 350 Nm (258 lb ft) of torque which is more than the range topping R32. The petrol offering contains the new TSI engine, which is based on the recent FSI, but with a pair of chargers forcing the induction of the air. The chargers are a single supercharger that disengages after a specified rev-range, at which point charging of the air is handled by a single turbocharger. This system could benefit from both of the efficiency of the supercharger in the lower rev ranges, with the longevity of the turbocharger higher in the rev range. This results in no turbo lag, constant power delivery along the rev range, and better fuel efficiency than similarly powered V6 2.4 L due to its small size. Both petrol and diesel versions are also available with DSG (direct-shift gearbox). Performance figures for the petrol vehicle are 0-100km/h (62mph) in 7.0s (6 speed) and 6.8s (DSG) with the diesel taking 8.2s, and both reaching top speed of 220km/h (137mph).
[edit] GTI Edition 30
To mark the GTI's 30th anniversary, Volkswagen produced a limited edition Golf GTI. Changes over the standard model include a modified engine, producing 30bhp more than the standard GTI. Slight changes to the body work include modified spoilers and body colored bumpers, with a return for the golf ball shaped gear stick knob inside. The seats are also decked out in a distinctive leather and Interlagos fabric mix, with red stitching added to the leather-covered steering wheel. Finally, 18-inch 'Pescara' alloy wheels finish off the car's unique features.
[edit] Fahrenheit Edition
GTI Mk5 Fahrenheit Edition (2007)
GTI Mk5 Fahrenheit Edition (2007)
In October 2006, Volkswagen debuted a new Fahrenheit Edition of their GTI and GLI models at the Playboy Mansion. These new models are the first special-edition versions of the GTI and GLI made available in North America, and the first of the new models arrived in dealers in the early spring of 2007. Fahrenheit models of the GTI are distinguished by their Fahrenheit Orange paint job, special Fahrenheit badging, a commemorative plate placed on the steering wheel, body-colored interior pannels, orange stitching on the seats, DSG boot, steering wheel, floor mats, and break handle, as well as special 18-inch "Charleston" wheels that are nearly black in color. Only 1200 Fahrenheit models will be produced in the form of the GTI (1200 more for the GLI). Pricing starts at $27,665 in the United States.
[edit] Safety
In Australia, 1982-2004 Volkswagen Golfs were assessed in the Used Car Safety Ratings 2006.
* (1982-1994) - "worse than average" level of occupant protection
* (1995-1998) - "average"
* (1999-2004) - "significantly better than average"
Golf IV (1999–2005)
Launched in 1997, the Golf 4 (or VW Typ 1J) became the biggest selling car in Europe at one point. It was a deliberate attempt to take the Golf further upmarket, with a high-quality interior and higher equipment levels. Overall the level of maturity of the design and its target audience were also evident — the humorous plays on the game of golf which resulted in special edition models of the three earlier generations being called "Golf Ryder", "Golf Driver", not to mention the GTI's "golf ball" gearlever knob were dropped, and replaced with a more subtly styled golf ball knob.
[edit] Design and engineering
As with the B4 Passat the year before, the Golf Mark 4 was a very significant car in its class. As with its big brother, not only was it the first step of VW moving its products upmarket to plug a gap between the mainstream machines and the premium cars, with SEAT and Škoda taking over as the mainstream brands in the Volkswagen Group; it also brought in a new level of interior quality and sophistication never seen before from a mainstream brand in the class. In fact, the quality of the Golf was on a par with its sister Audi A3 from the year before. Although costing slightly more than its rivals, the price difference showed when it came to luxury and upmarket feel. Rivals launched beforehand now appeared cheap, while, famously, Ford engineers and designers were so far advanced with the yet-to-be-launched Mark 1 Focus, they were unable to react to the Golf, and could only make minor changes to the Focus' interior, which Ford initially felt would be ahead of rivals.[citation needed]
However, the advent of the Mark 4 Golf meant that many mainstream rivals in the class had to raise their game with interior quality to the point where there are now virtually no differences in quality levels between some mainstream and premium cars in the class. Only the budget brands in the class have not kept pace, but this is reflected in their prices. More telling, though, is that the quality of the Mk IV was not repeated 100% in its replacement.
The latest model remained faithful to the Golf concept but included some of the new "arched" styling themes first seen on the Mark 4 Passat. The overall effect was considered to be far more pleasing than the previous model.
However, the upgrade of the vehicle's interior materials and exterior details appeared to have been done at the expense of the vehicle's chassis, which was average. Although the ride and handling was inferior to that of the Mark A Vauxhall Astra / Mark 2 Opel Astra the average dynamics were reasonably well concealed in daily driving, though, and the car's reputation was unscathed until the Ford Focus was launched a year later. The chassis ability of the Ford was to have a profound effect on the Mark 4 Golf's replacement.
2000 Golf Cabrio Facelift
2000 Golf Cabrio Facelift
As with the Golf 2, a convertible version of the Golf 4 was never made. Instead, the Golf 3 Cabrio was facelifted to give it the frontal styling of the Golf 4 hatchbacks.
[edit] Volkswagen Bora / Mark 4 Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen Jetta
A saloon version of the Mark 4 Golf was spawned. As with previous incarnations of the Golf, it had its own identity, and this time was called the Volkswagen Bora although the name Jetta remained in North America. Unlike its predecessors, the Bora/Jetta featured unique rear doors, front wings and bonnet. The front doors were the only body panels shared with the Golf. The interior, though, was identical to the Golf, featuring none of the very minor styling changes found on its predecessor.
The Golf 4 were made in Germany, South Africa, Slovakia, Brazil, Mexico, Belgium, and China. The Golf 4 was also made in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in Vogošća (near Sarajevo) in TAS, where Mark 1 and Mark 2 models were also made. This Bosnian Mark 4 was for local market only and achieved great popularity.
Engine choices included 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, 2.3, 2.8 and 3.2 litre petrol engines, and a 1.9 litre turbodiesel, with power ranging from 68 to 150 PS (50 to 110 kW).
A choice of three and five-door hatchback or a five-door station wagon was available. The European Golf wagon was not identical to the North American Jetta wagon; the Golf wagon is shorter than the American Jetta wagon.
VW Bora Variant Euro version
VW Bora Variant Euro version
The Golf 4 was introduced to North America in mid-1999. Available engines for the Golf at its introduction to the American market were a 2.0 L gasoline engine, and a thrifty (48mpg) 1.9 L TDI engine. The latter soon developed a reputation for good low-speed torque and fuel economy, and can operate on alternative biofuels. In 2004 the updated 1.9L TDI PD or "Pumpe-Düse" engine was installed in the Golf and Jetta's. The "Pumpe-Düse" or Pump Nozzle was a Robert Bosch extreme high pressure fuel injection system for direct cylinder injection. A 1.8 L turbocharged gas engine was introduced in 2000, along with the 12-valve 2.8 L VR6. The 2.0 L gasoline engine was the base engine in the sportier GTI only as a 1999.5 model. For 2000, Volkswagen opted for the relatively new 1.8 L turbocharged gasoline engine as a base engine for the GTI. The top-of-the-line GLX model was equipped with Volkswagen's torquey 2.8 L VR6, which put out an impressive 174 hp. The VR6 engine, with its narrow 15-degree Vee design, was unique to Volkswagen. This engine is shorter and lighter than other V6 engines (featuring a single cylinder head) which benefits the handling characteristics of this front-wheel drive car. For the 2002.5 model year Volkswagen introduced a 24-valve version of its VR6 engine. This engine had the same torque characteristics of the older 12-valve version, with an extra 26 hp. This engine featured the first 6-speed manual available in the Mark 4 platform.
The 1.8T and VR6 models continued until 2005, when the Mark 4 platform came to an end.
The Golf TDI PD (from Brazil)was sold in Canada due to its popularity as a full 2006 models in base, GL and GLS trim levels for the full model year as there were no diesel engine versions for the North American 2007 Mark 5 Golf (Rabbit).
In Europe, trim levels were country-specific, although some markets got E, S, SE, GTI and V5/V6/V6 4MOTION versions.
Awards
* 2000 CAP Used Car of the Year Awards - Best Small Hatch
* 2000 Diesel Car 2000 Awards - Best Hatchback
* 1999 Used Car Buyer Greatest Used Buy Awards - Best Small Family Car
* 1998 What Car? Car of the Year Awards - Best Small Hatch
* 1998 Top Gear Magazine Top Cars - Best Family Car
[edit] GTI 337 edition (2002)
The GTI 337 was officially introduced at the New York Auto Show and made it to dealers by late May 2002. The price of the GTI 337 was $22,225 in the U.S. and $32,900 in Canada. Only 1,500 units were produced for the US market with an additional 250 for the Canadian market. This model only came in Reflex Silver.
"The 337 name comes from the code name for the Golf model back in the early 1970s," said Frank Maguire, vice president in charge of sales and marketing at Volkswagen of America, Inc. "The GTI is the sport version of the Golf and since we didn't begin selling the GTI here until 1983, the name 337 seemed like a nice way to recognize the history of this vehicle and make it meaningful to our most enthusiastic drivers. This is a very unique [sic] car for the Volkswagen lover."
Starting with a 180 hp 1.8T GTI GLS, the following extra equipment and changes have been made:
18" BBS RC Wheels with 225/40-ZR18 High-Performance Summer Tires; greatly improved sport suspension and 1" lower overall ride height; Votex body kit with front valance, side skirts, rear hatch wing and rear valance with 3" chromed exhaust tip; 315 mm (12.3") diameter vented front and 256 mm (10") rear vented brakes with red powder coated calipers; all-new six-speed MQ350 transmission; Recaro front seats in special "Le Mans" red and black cloth with custom GTI embroidery; brushed aluminum interior trim accents; red stitching on steering wheel, shift boot, handbrake knob and seats; special golf ball shift knob; aluminum pedals with rubber inserts; stainless steel exhaust with mild sound tuning; red trimmed floor mats; special exterior retro GTI badging; Monsoon sound system (U.S. only); and more.
[edit] 20th anniversary edition (2003)
Due to the popularity of a commemorative 25th anniversary edition GTI produced in Europe in 2001 (GTI 337 edition in North America), Volkswagen of America produced 4,200 so-branded "20th Anniversary Edition" GTIs and 4000 were shipped to the United States and 200 to Canada. This event, in 2003, marked the 20th anniversary of the GTI's first introduction to the U.S. and Canada. Several special features distinguish this new GTI from the rest of the pack.
On the outside, the 20th came with throwback red-lettered GTI logos on the left front and right rear. The rear was also accompanied by a vintage-look chrome rabbit. Blackened headlights and dark-tinted tail lights added a distinctive look, while Votex front, rear, and side skirts along with a hatch spoiler and special edition 18" OZ Aristo alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sports complete the exterior transformation. These models were produced only in three colors: Imola Yellow, Jazz Blue and Black Magic Pearl. Distribution of production was 50% Black magic pearl, 25% Jazz Blue and 25% Imola Yellow.
Inside, a few accents were noticeable. Unlike other models, there were no options offered. The only true option was ESP, Volkswagen's stability control feature. All 20ths had a sunroof, black headliner, golf ball shift knob, black leather steering wheel with silver stitching, black leather shifter boot with silver stitching, preforated leather covered hand brake handle, and sporty black cloth Recaro bucket seats with silver stitching accents and red GTI emblems embroidered in the middle of the back rests. Aluminum trim came standard, complete with a numbered nameplate above the center console identifying the exact production number (US production only) of the vehicle. Volkswagen's premier 8-speaker Monsoon(tm) stereo system was also standard.
Mechanically, the 20th Anniversary Edition GTI is nearly identical to the GTI 337 Edition. A 6-speed manual MQ350 transmission marked the most notable departure from the norm, and upgraded suspension stiffened up the ride and lowered the car approximately 30 mm (uprated springs and shocks, increased sway bar diameters, and revised bushings in the rear). Upgraded disc brakes front (12.3" vented rotors) and rear (10.3" vented rotors) helped bring things to a stop, while red powder-coated calipers added a bit of flair to the package.
[edit] R32 (2004)
In 2002, Volkswagen produced the Golf R32 in Europe as a 2003 model. Due to unexpected popularity, Volkswagen (through Volkswagen of America and in no small part convinced by the vwvortex community) decided to sell the car in the United States as the 2004 Volkswagen R32. Billed as the pinnacle of the Golf IV platform, the R32 included every performance, safety, and luxury feature VW had to offer including the all new 3.2 L VR6 engine producing a claimed 241 bhp and 234 lb ft of torque (it is commonly thought the U.S. R32 received the higher output Audi TT motor producing 250 bhp), AWD, a new 6-speed manual transmission, independent rear suspension, automatic climate control, sport seats from Koenig, 18" OZ Aristo wheels, Electronic Stability Programme, massive (334 mm) brakes, sunroof, and model specific bodywork. The vehicle was available in only four colors: Black Magic Pearl, Deep Blue Pearl, Reflex Silver, and Tornado Red.
The distribution of colors were as follows:
Deep Blue Pearl: 40%
Reflex Silver: 35%
Black Magic Pearl: 15%
Tornado Red: 10%
Although the R32 shared a similar appearance with the 20th Anniversary GTI, the R32 shared the vast majority of its major components with the 3.2 L Audi TT, most notably, the engine, all wheel drive system, and both front and rear suspension geometries. Five thousand cars were produced and intended to be sold over a two-year period, but the entire line was sold out within 13 months.
The Golf R32's competitors (at the time of production) were the Subaru Impreza WRX STi and the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII, although, unlike these cars, the R32 was not sponsored by Volkswagen in rally competitions. Instead of testing the car by participating in WRC Rally Racing, VW focused on the stability and drivability in everyday conditions, creating a car that cannot be compared to the Subaru Impreza WRX STi or Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII.
The R32 remains the quickest car that Volkswagen has imported to the U.S., capable of 60 mph in only 5.8 seconds, and clearing the quarter mile in only 14.1 seconds at 99.2 mph (Faster even than the new 2008 R32 destined to hit showrooms August 2007). The R32 edges out its fastest sibling, the top-of-the-line limousine Phaeton 6.0 litre W12 (414 bhp), by a tenth of a second at the 1320 foot mark.
It also has a surprisingly high resale and used-car value; the Kelley Blue Book used car retail price (the price an individual might expect to pay for one from a dealer) for a model in excellent condition with low mileage actually exceeds the original retail price of the car in many cases, making it one of a few recent cars that have actually approached an increase in value over time. This premium can be explained mostly due to scarcity, both of the cars themselves due to low production and importation, and especially ones that still have extremely low mileage.
[edit] Mark 4 "City" Golf in Canada and Bora HS in China
In Canada, the Golf 4 is now (as of October 2006) sold as the City Golf alongside the Mark 5 model badged as the Rabbit. It is not marketed in the United States. It has a base price of C$14,900. As an entry-level alternative to the Rabbit, it offers only one engine: the 2.0L SOHC with 115 horsepower. It is not related to the South African Volkswagen Citi Golf, despite the similarity in name. Similarly, the Mark 4 Jetta has been reintroduced for the 2007 model year in Canada as the City Jetta.
In China, FAW-VW will launch a new Golf IV, with FAW-VW's Bora facelift front, at the Beijing International Automobile Exhibition in November 2006. It is named Bora HS to compliment the Bora Mark IV range, as the Golf name will be reserved for the Golf V soon to manufactured by FAW-VW.
The Golf Mark 4 also continues to be sold in countries like Brazil and Mexico. However, in Mexico the range is available with 1.6- and 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol, or a 1.9-litre 130bhp turbodiesel.
In Brazil, the Mk4 Golf has a 1.6 (with Volkwagen Totalflex system which accepts both gasoline or alcohool), 1.8 Turbocharged engine and 2.0-litre engine, and comes in many trim level only.Brazilian Volkswagen is preparing a major restyling of this IV generation. It will be sold in most Latin America countries, since it is produced in Brazil. The front will look like the new Volkswagen Polo and the back of the car is inspired by the current european version.
[edit] Marketing
In Venezuela the Golf is marketed as a 'hot hatch'; the line-up is available with just the 1.8-litre 150bhp 20-valve turbo and 2.0 130bhp 4-cylinder engines; trim levels are GTi (1.8T 20V) and Highline (2.0);[1] the 1.4 75bhp and 1.6 100bhp petrols, and the 1.9 TDi turbodiesels are not marketed there.
For Australia and New Zealand it competes with the Holden Astra and is marketed as a family car; it had 1.6/100bhp and 2.0/130bhp 4-cylinder petrol, or 1.9 turbodiesel engines. There were also 2.3 V5 and 2.8 V6 petrol engines too; the Volkswagen Golf GTi was also available there too.
model :
Also called Volkswagen City Golf (Canada, 2006-present)
Production 1997–present
Assembly Wolfsburg, Germany
Curitiba, Brazil
Body style 3-door hatchback
5-door station wagon
5-door hatchback
Engine 1.9L 90 hp I4
2.0L 115 hp I4
1.8L 150 hp I4
Transmission 4-speed automatic
5-speed manual
Wheelbase 98.90 in
Length 163.30 in
Width 68.30 in
Height 56.70 in
Similar Ford Focus
Kia Spectra
Suzuki Aerio/Liana
Golf III (1991–1999)
The third-generation Golf (given the internal designation Typ 1H) was launched in November of 1991, although it did not appear in North America until the spring of 1993. The delay in North America was due to Volkswagen's decision to supply U.S. and Canadian dealerships with Mark 3 Golfs (and Mark 3 Jettas) from the VW plant in Puebla, Mexico. Quality control problems led Volkswagen of America to reject Golfs and Jettas from Mexico; shortly thereafter, labor unrest at the plant delayed production there even further. The third-generation Golf and Jetta finally made it to North America, first as 1993 models in the San Diego, California area, then in the fall in the rest of North America as 1994 models. Three-door Golfs of this generation were mostly only available in North America in GTI form. The 1993 through 1995 Golfs were called "Golf III" in North America to make it clear that they were different from the previous generation. The second-generation Golfs had increased insurance premiums, due in part to stereo systems that could easily be stolen, and the third-generation models were meant to correct that situation. Once the badge distinction was no longer necessary for insurance purposes, the Mark 3 Golf lost its Roman numerals suffix for 1996.
The third-generation Golf was elected Car of the Year in 1992. For the first time a station wagon derivative was produced. The GTI variants (especially with the straight-four 4 cylinder engine) are considered to be the poorest of the performance Golfs, with significantly increased weight, but with minimal power increases. A "best of breed" VR6 variant exists which was available in a well regarded "Highline" trim; this 2.8 L VR6 engine gave a significant boost in power to 174 PS (128 kW/172 hp) for the Mark 3, a car weighing only about 1285 kg (2836 lb). Compare that to the Mark II GTI that weighed 285 kg (629 lb) less but had only 139 PS (102 kW/137 hp) and a much smaller engine to tune (1.8 L). A convertible version of the Golf Mark 3 was launched as the Cabrio (Typ 1E).
A 16-valve version of the third-generation Golf GTI was introduced in 1993. This model was greeted with a muted sense of disenchantment by the motoring press. The engine was enlarged to 2.0 L, with power now reaching 150 PS (110 kW/148 hp). While underpowered compared to the VR6, it was still relatively popular with driving enthusiasts in Europe (North America didn't get the proper GTI version, but had the name applied to the VR6 engine). Once again the Golf Driver version took its place as the official GTI-look-alike but with a more humble single-point injected 1.8 L engine.
The Golf Mark 3 was also the predecessor of the diesel craze that swept through Europe in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when Volkswagen introduced the direct-injection system with the 90 PS Golf TDI in 1993. The 1996 TDI, at 110 PS (81 kW/108 hp) for a 1.9 L engine, wasn't the first diesel engine installed in a road car to achieve over 50 hp/L, but it showed the public that diesel engines could be powered without losing their fuel efficiency, while also retaining massive amounts of low-end torque, in the TDI's case, 235 N·m (173 lbf·ft) at 1900 rpm.
1998 Volkswagen Cabrio GLS
1998 Volkswagen Cabrio GLS
Economical variety for diesel lovers was a 47kW, 65PS atmospheric diesel engine well known for its durability.
During the 1990s, Volkswagen sponsored three high-profile rock bands' European tours, and issued a special-edition Golf, with distinctive exterior markings, for each: the Golf Pink Floyd Edition (1994), the Golf Rolling Stones Edition (1995), and the Golf Bon Jovi Edition (1996).
In 1996 Volkswagen produced a limited 1000 special-edition 3-door "20th Anniversary" GTI models. These had the usual GTI specification but came with chequered Recaro sport seats bearing a GTI logo, red seat belts, half-chrome golf ball gear knob, red stitching on the steering wheel and on the handbrake gaiter and silver instrument dials. The red theme continued externally with a red striping on the bumpers and red brake calipers, the wheels were 16" split rim BBS alloys, visually similar to the 15" that were found on VR6 model. Brush stainless steel rear twin tailpipes on the exhaust and smoked front fog and indicator lamps to match the rear lamps. 3 optional extras were made available; electric sunroof, air conditioning and metallic black paintwork. Insurance was based on the standard GTI which made this version a very desirable model. The edition was sold in only 6 colour schemes and the 1000 number figures that were produced was as follows; 600 8 valve models, 150 16 valve models and 250 TDI models. The diesel model was only produced for the European market and wasn't sold in the UK. Together with the "colour concept" version that was produced during the final months before the production of the Mark IV version, the 20th Anniversary model will probably be seen as the one of the rarest Mark III models. The Golf Mark 3 was also available in "Ecomatic" Form. It was powered with a diesel engine and a clutchless manual transmission. The engine was switched off after 1.5 seconds of inactivity, whether by stopping or coasting. Re-starting the engine simply required depressing the accelerator pedal. VW had previously pioneered similar technology in the VW Polo "Formel E" in the 1980s.
As had happened with the Mark 1 and Mark 2, the Mark 3 remained available in North America for a year after it was discontinued in Europe.
Awards :
* 1997 Which? Magazine best buys: best family car
model :
lso called Volkswagen Cabrio
Production 1993–1999.5
Assembly Wolfsburg, Germany
Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
Body style 3-door hatchback
5-door station wagon
5-door hatchback
2-door convertible
Engine 1.8L 90hp I4
1.9L 75hp I4 Turbo Diesel
2.0L 115 hp I4 Petrol
2.8L 180 hp I6 Petrol
Transmission 4-speed automatic
5-speed manual
Wheelbase 97.4 in
Length 160.4 in
Width 66.7 in
Height 56.2 in
Similar Ford Escort
Honda Civic
Toyota Corolla
Golf II (1983-1992)
The second-generation Golf (also known as the Typ 19 until the 1989 model year, or Typ 1G thereafter) was launched in Europe at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1983 (it debuted in 1984 in the UK, and it was introduced as a 1985 model in the US), and it featured a larger bodyshell and a wider range of engine options, including a GTD (In euro markets, using the 1.6 "umwelt" diesel engine), a DOHC 1781 cc (1.8) 16-valve version of the straight-four GTI (as well as the tried and tested 1781 cc (1.8) 8v GTI), the supercharged 8v "G60" with front- and four-wheel drive options, and a racing homologated variant of this, the "Rallye".
This Golf was marketed for the first time with that name in the United States and Canada. The Rabbit name used on the Mark 1 was meant to give a car a cuddly image, but with the eighties redesign of the car, Carl Hahn, the former Volkswagen of America president who was now chairman of the whole company, dictated that Volkswagen model names be standardized globally. James Fuller, head of the Volkswagen brand in North America, concurred in using the Golf name to stress the car's Teutonic character. The GTI body kit became available on a non-injection Golf and was sold as the "Driver" trim level in Europe. While the GTI remained a trim level in the Golf lineup in Europe, in North America it was (and continues to be) marketed as a separate model line.
A very limited edition hand-built Golf Mark 2 variant exists, including all of the best features available at the time. Designed and built by the Volkswagen Motorsport division, only 71 of these "G60 Limited" models exist; featuring a unique number and plaque, the G60 supercharger was combined with the 16-valve GTI engine, mated to a sports transmission and Syncro four wheel drive mechanism. All of these special edition models came in black, with four doors (except two, built with three doors), a plain two-headlight grille (not the usual GTI quad-headlights) and a unique blue grille detail (not red, as the GTI) and motorsport badges. It is rumored that two examples were built with air conditioning. In 1989, these cars cost in the region of £25,000 (about US$41,250 at the time) each and were primarily sold to Volkswagen-Audi Group executives and management, although a few were known to survive in Britain, as of 2005. These cars produced 212 bhp, making them the most powerful VW Golfs ever produced, until the introduction of the Mark 5 Golf R32 in 2005.
Volkswagen Golf Country
Volkswagen Golf Country
There was also a version called Golf Country, designed for light off-road driving. It had more suspension travel, four-wheel drive, bullbars (generally over a single headlight grill), a skidplate for protecting the engine area, and a spare wheel mounted externally on the back. In Europe it was offered with the acclaimed 114 bhp 1.8 8v petrol engine, and in smaller numbers, the 75 hp 1.6 GTD turbo diesel engine. The Golf Country was particularly popular in Alpine regions in central Europe. [citation needed]
During the life of the Golf 2, there were a number of external style revisions. The most notable was the introduction of so called "Big Bumpers", which were introduced in the European market with an August 1989 facelift. Other notable changes to the looks of the Golf 2 include the removal of quarterlight windows in the front doors, and the introduction of larger grill slats with the August 1987 facelift.
As with the North American Rabbit, the second-generation Golf was produced for North America in Pennsylvania. When sales in North America failed to live up to expectations and with increasing productions costs, the Westmoreland plant was closed in July 1988. Subsequent Golfs sold in North America came from Germany and Mexico. The Mark 2 Golf was discontinued in Europe in 1991, but Mexican-made Mark 2 models remained available in North America for another year.
In its first year on sale in North America, 1985, the Golf 2 maintained sealed-beam square headlights, while the GTI bore flush headlights. All Golfs gained flush "aerolamps" in 1987 after a design freshening to move it more upscale in the wake of the introduction of the Brazilian-built Fox (Voyage in Brazil) in North America. The 1985 U.S. models are easy to distinguish from subsequent models due to the absence of a high-mounted brakelight; these became required of all cars sold in the U.S. for 1986.
The GTI was Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year for 1985, as well as VWVortex's "Best Golf of all time". The Mark 2 GTI failed to make the same waves as the Mark 1, and failed to win back the Golf GTI's fanbase which had adopted the Peugeot 205 GTI. In North America, where Peugeot did not sell the 205 in any guise, Volkswagen faced tough competition from the Honda Civic S (later Si).
In its first year on sale in the U.S., Golf sales were eight percent below those of the 1984 Rabbit. Sales of the all-new 1985 Jetta, by contrast, sky-rocketed compared with the 1984 model. In 1986, the Jetta became VW's bestseller in North America, a position it has held ever since.
As with the Mark 1, there was a "warm hatch" version known as the Golf Driver. Introduced in 1988, it featured the GTI's exterior styling, namely the twin front headlamps, and wheelarch spoilers but with a standard 1.6 L engine. For the last year of production, the Driver was given a carburetted version of the GTI's 1781 cc engine. A Golf "GT" model was also briefly available in North America.
Model:
Production 1984–1992
Assembly Wolfsburg, Germany
New Stanton, Pennsylvania
Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
Body style 3-door hatchback
5-door hatchback
Engine 1.8L 112 hp I4
1.8L 112 hp I4 N/A N/A Std.
Transmission 3-speed automatic
5-speed manual
Wheelbase 97.3 in
Length 158.0 in
Width 66.1 in
Height 55.7 in
Similar Dodge Omni
Mazda 323
Toyota Corolla
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