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
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