Volkswagen Golf Mk5

Volkswagen Golf Mk5
Overview
Also called	Volkswagen Golf V, Volkswagen Rabbit
Production	2003–2009
Assembly	Wolfsburg, Germany; Uitenhage, South Africa
Body and chassis
Body style	3-dr hatchback, 5-dr hatchback, 5-dr estate/wagon
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive / 4motion four-wheel drive
Platform	Volkswagen Group A5 (PQ35) platform
Related	Audi A3, Audi TT, Volkswagen Touran, Volkswagen Jetta, Volkswagen Golf Plus, Volkswagen Eos, Volkswagen Passat, Volkswagen Tiguan, Škoda Octavia
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol engines: 1.4L 55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) I4 1.4L 59 kW (80 PS) I4 1.6L 75 kW (102 PS) I4 1.6L 85 kW (116 PS) FSI I4 1.4L 90 kW (122 PS) TSI I4 1.4L 103 kW (140 PS) TSI I4 2.0L 110 kW (150 PS) FSI I4 2.5L 110 kW (150 PS) I5 (North America only) 2.5L 125 kW (170 PS) I5 (North America only) 1.4L 125 kW (170 PS) TSI I4 2.0L 147 kW (200 PS) Turbo FSI I4 (GTI) 2.0L 169 kW (230 PS) Turbo FSI I4 (Ed30) 3.2L 184 kW (250 PS) VR6 (R32) Diesel engines: 1.9L 66 kW (90 PS) TDI I4 1.9L 77 kW (105 PS) TDI I4 2.0L 55 kW (75 PS) SDI I4 2.0L 103 kW (140 PS) TDI I4 2.0L 125 kW (170 PS) TDI I4
Transmission	5-sp manual, 6-sp manual, 6-sp tiptronic automatic, 6-sp DSG
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,578 mm (101.5 in)
Length	Golf/Rabbit: 4,204 mm (165.5 in), GTI: 4,216 mm (166.0 in) R32: 4,246 mm (167.2 in)
Width	1,759 mm (69.3 in)
Height	Golf/Rabbit: 1,479 mm (58.2 in), GTI: 1,469 mm (57.8 in) R32: 1,465 mm (57.7 in)
Kerb weight	1,323 kg (2,917 lb) to 1,617 kg (3,565 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	Volkswagen Golf Mk4
Successor	Volkswagen Golf Mk6

The fifth generation Volkswagen Golf Mk5 (VW Typ 1K), built on the Volkswagen Group A5 (PQ35) platform was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in October 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. 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 take on the cliche "multiplying like rabbits".

In North America, where SEAT and Škoda are not marketed, Volkswagen sought to revive their image on that continent as a value brand, and the pricing of the new Rabbit was a part of that strategy.

There will be no Cabriolet (convertible) version of the Golf Mk5, as the Volkswagen Eos coupé convertible (introduced in Spring 2006) will be marketed as a separate model, and the New Beetle convertible makes a Golf Cabrio redundant. The Eos does not share body panels with any other Volkswagen model, although it is based on the A5 Golf/Jetta platform.

The Mk5 is due to be replaced in 2009 by the Mk6 in Europe and the UK mainly caused by expensive production. The U.S. may expect to see the Mk6 by 2011.

Design and engineering

While the interior quality of the previous Volkswagen Golf Mk4 startled rivals, and led most of them to up their game in revised/replacement models, the astonishing chassis and all round ability of the Mk1 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 independent rear suspension system, widely the class benchmark for ride and handling. The suspension changes, along with careful tuning of the chassis, led to the Mk5 Golf delivering better road manners. However, this also sacrificed usable cargo space; despite this model's considerable increase in size over the outgoing model, its hatch volume is roughly 3 cubic feet less.

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 Mk5 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. Its replacement has been moved forward from the the previously stated 2009 in Europe to Autumn 2008, right after its official premiere at the Paris Motor Show in September 2008.

Powertrain

Options for engines and transmissions vary from country to country, but the Golf Mk5 is available with 4-cylinder petrol engines, and a new Pumpe Duse unit injector Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) diesel engine. Transmission options include manual, automatic, Tiptronic, and Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG).

North American-spec Rabbits use the same 2.5L five-cylinder gasoline engine that powers the Jetta and New Beetle in these markets (however, for 2008 this engine receives a power increase of 20 hp (15 kW) and Template:Auto ft.lbf of torque, bringing the numbers to 170 and 177, respectively). North American transmission choices include a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic with Tiptronic for the Rabbit. Diesel engines have been unavailable on Rabbits, though they were offered through 2006 on the Jetta until tightening emissions regulations in the U.S. led to their temporary unavailability.

The GTI comes with VW's 4-cylinder 2.0L Turbo Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) which makes 200 PS (147 kW; 197 bhp) and 280 N⋅m (207 lbf⋅ft) torque. Transmissions include a 6-speed manual or 6-speed DSG.

In September 2005, the Golf Mk5 GT was announced, which featured a choice of either 1.4 L petrol engine in twincharger (TSI) configuration, or a 2.0 litre TDI. Both are available as 170 kW (230 PS; 230 bhp) versions; while the diesel also is available as a 140 PS (103 kW; 138 bhp) variant in the UK. The 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) diesel has 350 N⋅m (258 lbf⋅ft) of torque, which is more than the range topping R32. The petrol engined offering contains the new Twincharger (TSI) engine, which is based on the recent Fuel Stratified Injection (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 benefits 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 engine 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 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.9s (6 speed) and 7.7s (DSG), with the diesel taking 8.2s, and both reaching top speed of 220 km/h (136.7 mph). Volkswagen has no plans to sell the GT version in the US or Canada.

Mk5 Jetta

Main article: Volkswagen Jetta § Fifth generation

A booted/trunked version of the Mk5 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 Mk4 Golf saloon. The Jetta name was also introduced to Australia with the Mk5, the Mk4 Bora being a slow seller there.

As with its predecessor the Mk5 Jetta features unique front wings, front doors and rear doors, so the only external panel shared with the Golf hatchback is the bonnet. As with all Golf-based saloons, the Jetta features 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.

Because of the preference for sedans in the US market, the Jetta outsells the Golf by a ratio of 4 to 1.

Mk5 Golf Variant

The latest generation of the Golf Variant, a Golf estate car/wagon, was presented in a world premiere at the International Geneva Motor Show (8-18 March 2007). It is to be sold in the North American markets as the Jetta Sportwagen.

Golf Plus

In December 2004, Volkswagen announced the Golf Plus variant of the Golf Mk5. It is 95 mm (3.74 in) taller than the standard Golf, but 150 mm (5.91 in) shorter than the other compact MPV of the marque, the seven-seater Volkswagen Touran.

At the 2006 Paris Motor Show Volkswagen released the new CrossGolf compact MPV, which is essentially an off-road version of the Golf Plus. It was developed by VW Individual division, 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, and 1.4 TSI, and two diesel engines, 1.9 TDI and 2.0 TDI, with outputs ranging from 102 PS (75 kW; 101 bhp) to 140 PS (103 kW; 138 bhp). In the UK this model is badged as "Golf Plus Dune" and sold with the 1.9 TDI outputting 105 PS (77 kW; 104 bhp).

• 
  Golf Plus 2004-Present
• 
  Golf Plus (rear view) 2004-Present
• 
  CrossGolf 2006-Present

Performance models

Mk5 GT

The Golf Mk5 GT features a choice of either 1.4 L petrol engine in twincharger (TSI) configuration, or a 2.0 litre TDI diesel engine. Both petrol and diesels are available as 125 kW (170 PS; 168 bhp) versions. The 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) diesel has 950 N⋅m (700 lbf⋅ft) of torque, which is more than the range topping R32. The petrol engined offering contains the new TSI engine, which is based on the recent Fuel Stratified Injection (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 benefits 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 2.4 L V6 engine due to its small size.

Both petrol and diesel versions are also available with Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG). Performance figures for the petrol vehicle are 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.9s (6-speed manual) and 7.7s (DSG), with the diesel taking 8.2s, and both reaching top speed of 220 km/h (136.7 mph) (136.7 mph).

The Golf GT features the same brakes as the Golf GTI, with 312 mm (12.3 in) ventilated front discs, and 286 mm (11.3 in) solid rears. It has also 15 mm (0.59 in) lowered suspension, which lowers its centre of gravity, it borrows the GTI's suspension/damper settings, uses 7Jx17" "ClassiXs" alloy wheels fitted with wide 225/45 R17 tyres, and has twin exhaust outlets.

Mk5 GTI

Mk5 GTI 3-door

Mk5 GTI 5-door

The Golf Mk5 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 petrol engine with Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) direct-injection technology, which produces 200 PS (150 kW; 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 Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG) which greatly reduces shift time to only 8ms.

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 because it is built in Germany, unlike the Mk4 which was built in Brazil. The innovative DSG transmission and the 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) TFSI engine all helped raise the retail price of the car. The Mk5 GTI was named 2007 Automobile of the Year by Automobile Magazine, in December 2006.

Mk5 R32

Golf Mk5 R32 (2006)

In late September 2005, the Mk5 R32 went on sale in Europe. It features an updated 3.2-litre VR6 engine of that fitted to the previous Mk4 version, with an extra 10 PS (7 kW; 10 bhp) courtesy of a reworked inlet manifold. Maximum power is now 250 PS (184 kW; 247 bhp) at 6,300 rpm; torque is unchanged at 320 N⋅m (236 lbf⋅ft) but comes in 300 rpm lower down the rev range at 2800 rpm. It reaches an electronically-governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.3 mph). Going from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) will take 6.5 s, reduced to 6.2 s with the Direct-Shift Gearbox.

Compared with the previous Mk4 R32, it is 0.1 seconds faster for the manual version, while the newer R32 is about 40 kg (88.2 lb) heavier. As with the previous R32; there is the Haldex Traction-based 4motion part-time four-wheel drive through 18" Zolder 20-spoke alloy wheels. Stopping the R32 comes in the form of blue-painted brake calipers with 345 mm (13.58 in) discs at the front and 310 mm (12.20 in) disks at the rear.

The Mk5 R32 was released in the US in August 2007.

GTI Edition 30

Following Volkswagen's successful 20th anniversary edition GTI (1996 in Europe, and 2003 for the North American market), and the 25th anniversary GTI (in 2001 for Europe only) models, Volkswagen marked the GTI's 30th anniversary by producing the GTI Edition 30.

Going on sale in November 2006 from £22,295 RRP, initially with a limited production run of only 1500 (Europe models), the Edition 30 was available in 6 colours; Tornado Red, Black, Candy White, Reflex Silver (Metallic), Steel Grey (Metallic) and finally Diamond Black (Pearl). The changes over the standard production model included a modified engine that produced an extra 30 PS (22 kW; 30 bhp) more than the standard 200 PS (150 kW; 200 bhp) version, raising the output to 230 PS (170 kW; 230 bhp), giving rumour that it was faster in the dry and more powerful than the R32. Slight changes to the body work included body coloured side skirts and Votex front spoiler, colour-keyed rear bumper and tinted rear lights from the R32. Changes to the interior included a return for the golf ball shaped gear knob and silver "Edition 30" logo'd sill plates. Edition 30 seats were also decked out in the distinctive red stitching on the 'Vienna' leather and 'Interlagos' fabric mix. Red stitching was also added to the leather-covered steering wheel. Finally, dependent on the market and the options available the Edition 30 was available with 18" BBS originated 'Pescara' alloy wheels, or black versions of the 18" 'Monza II' alloy wheels.

Performance was marginally improved: with 0-100 km/h (62 mph) coming at 6.8 seconds (6.6 seconds for DSG-equipped models), and a top speed of 245 km/h (152 mph) (manual) or 243 km/h (151 mph) (DSG).

Fahrenheit Edition

GTI Mark 5 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 were 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 March 2007.

Fahrenheit models of the GTI were distinguished by their Lamborghini Gallardo Orange paint job, special Fahrenheit badging, a commemorative plate placed on the steering wheel, body-coloured interior panels, orange stitching on the DSG boot, steering wheel, park brake handle and floor mats (from which the red GTI logo had been removed), as well as special gunmetal-colored 18" "Charleston" wheels. The Fahrenheit also came with a European tuned suspension.

The Fahrenheit GTI was available only with Volkswagen's DSG transmission. Only 1200 Fahrenheit GTI models were produced for the US (150 in Canada) and 1,200 GLIs (not available in Canada). US pricing started at $27,665.

Pirelli Edition

This is a special edition GTI, developed by Volkswagen Individual, and destined only for the European market. It was given the 230 PS (170 kW; 230 bhp) Edition 30 engine, instead of the 200 PS (150 kW; 200 bhp) in the standard Mk5 GTI. It is equipped with 225/40R18 Pirelli P-Zero tyres on titanium colored alloy wheels. It is available in 6-speed manual or an optional DSG gearbox.

It features leather sport seats with tyre tread marks down the centre. There is also a Pirelli logo on the steering wheel and head restraints. The exterior and valences are painted sunflower yellow.

GTI W12-650

Volkswagen unveiled the GTI W12-650 at the GTI Festival in Wörthersee, Austria, in May 2007. It was designed as a concept car and only one is known to be in existence. Unlike most concept cars, it is mechanically functional to the extent that it can be driven, however, due to the rushed build time of the car not all of its features are fully-functioning. The steering-wheel mounted paddle-shifters are not linked to the transmission, the emergency indicators are not functioning, and the heating and air-conditioning system of the car is not functioning due to the dashboard controls never being linked to the unit.

The car features a 6.0L W12 bi-turbo engine delivering Template:Auto PS, Template:Auto Nm of torque, 0-Template:Auto km/h in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of Template:Auto km/h. Physically, the W12 differs from the standard GTI. It is Template:Auto mm lower and Template:Auto mm wider, the rear seats have been removed to accommodate the mid-engine design and the roof is made from carbon-fibre. The W12-650 achieved a time of 1:29.6 on BBC Top Gear’s Power Lap feature. Going to be in Production in 2010.

Future developments

TDI Hybrid

A VW Golf TDI Hybrid concept was shown at the March 2008 Geneva motor show. The concept vehicle shown had a 74 horsepower (55 kW) three-cylinder TDI engine - probably the 1.4 litre used in the Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion - mated to a 27 horsepower (20 kW) electric motor, and a seven-speed double-clutch DSG transmission. The electric power system is a Nickel-metal hydride battery in the boot, and a regenerative braking system. An "energy monitor" display on the dashboard keeps tabs on what the powertrain is doing, and provides both a stop/start capability and a full-electric mode at low speed. The design also includes concepts introduced via BlueMotion, with smaller grill and thinner low-resistance tyres. According to Germany's Auto Bild, the car will get 69.9 mpg, and emit 90 g/km of carbon dioxide, less than the 104 g/km emitted by the Toyota Prius and 116 emitted by the Honda Civic Hybrid. The TDI Hybrid is expected to be marketed in Europe from mid-2009.

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"

In 2004 the Mk5 received a 5-star Euro NCAP rating.

Notes

• In Mexico the Mk5 is only available as the three door Mk5 GTI.

Awards

• 2008 CNN - Top Sporty Car (GTI/R32)
• 2008 AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Award (GTI)
• 2008 Consumer Reports - Top Hatchback (Golf/Rabbit)
• 2008 Car and Driver - Top Ten Urban Vehicle (Golf/Rabbit)
• 2008 Automobile Magazine - Among All Stars (GTI)
• 2008 Car and Driver - Among Ten Best of the Year (GTI)
• 2007 Car and Driver - Among Ten Best of the Year (GTI)
• 2007 Automobile Magazine - Car of the Year (GTI)
• 2006 Drive - Best Performance Car under $60k AUS (GTI)
• 2006 Australia's Best Cars - Best Sports Car (GTI)
• 2005 Australia's Best Cars - Best Sports Car (GTI)
• 2005 Auto Express - Best Hot Hatch (GTI)
• 2005 Auto Express - Best Sporting Car (GTI)
• 2004 WhatCar? Car of the Year
• 2004 WhatCar? Best Small Family Car
• 2004 Winner - AutoExpress New Car Honours
• 2004 Fifth Gear - Car of the Year (GTI)
• 2004 BBC Top Gear - Car of the Year (GTI)

See also

• Volkswagen Group A platform
• Volkswagen Golf - for an overview of all generations of Volkswagen Golf
• VDub
• list of Volkswagen Group petrol engines
• list of Volkswagen Group diesel engines
• Hot hatch

External links

• Golf at Volkswagen International
• GolfMkV.com GTI/Golf/Rabbit Enthusiast Site
• VW GTI VW GTI
• VW Rabbit VW Rabbit Owners
• VW GTI History of the GTI
• GolfGTIforum UK Golf GTI forum, Mk5 section