The Volkswagen Golf Mk5 (codenamed Typ 1K) is a compact car, the fifth generation of the Volkswagen Golf and the successor to the Volkswagen Golf Mk4. Built on the Volkswagen Group A5 (PQ35) platform, it was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in October 2003 and went on sale in Europe one month later. A compact MPV version of the car was produced as the Golf Plus.
The Golf Mk5 was replaced in 2009 by the Volkswagen Golf Mk6.
Features
Design
Suspension changes and careful tuning of the chassis, led to the Mk5 Golf delivering better ride and handling. Also increasing the usable cargo space with the model's minor increase in size over the outgoing model. Its cargo volume is roughly 0.7 cubic feet (20Â L) more.
The interior quality of the previous generation had been lost, and although still of a high standard and ahead of rivals, the Golf no longer matched the in-house Audi A3.
The Golf Mk5 proved expensive to build - largely due to its long 50-hour build time.
Its replacement, the Mk6, was moved forward from the previously stated 2009 in Europe to the autumn of 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, 5-cylinder, and 6-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).
The GTI comes with VW's 4-cylinder 2.0L Turbo Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) which makes 200Â PS (147Â kW; 197Â bhp) and 280Â Nâ‹…m (207Â lbfâ‹…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 1.4Â L petrol engine in twincharger (TSI) configuration, or a 2.0 litre TDI. Both are available as 125Â kW (170Â PS; 168Â bhp) versions; while the diesel also is available as a 140Â PS (103Â kW; 138Â bhp) variant in the UK. The 170Â PS (125Â kW; 168Â hp) diesel has 350Â Nâ‹…m (258Â lbfâ‹…ft) of torque, which is more than the range topping R32.
The new Twincharger (TSI) petrol engine uses Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI), along 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 the pumping efficiency of the supercharger at lower revs and the fuel efficiency of the turbocharger at high revs. This results in more constant power delivery through the rev range, and better fuel efficiency. Both petrol and diesel versions are also available with DSG (Direct-Shift Gearbox). Performance figures for the petrol vehicle are 0-100Â km/h (62Â mph) in 6.9s (6 speed) and 6.9s (DSG), with the diesel taking 8.2s, and both reaching top speed of 220Â km/h (136.7Â mph).
Options in US and Canada
United States and Canada base specification Rabbits use the same 2.5L five-cylinder gasoline engine that powers the Jetta and New Beetle in these markets, making 150Â hp (110Â kW) and 170Â lbâ‹…ft (230Â Nâ‹…m) in 2006-2007 models, and 170Â hp (130Â kW) and 177Â lbâ‹…ft (240Â Nâ‹…m) from 2008 onward. 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.
Volkswagen has no plans to sell the GT version in the US or Canada, though the VR6-powered R32 range-topping model was available.
Models
Mk5 Jetta
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 Mk320 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 chrome grille, similar but not shared with the contemporary Golf R32 (which is finished in a brushed alluminium look). On the other hand, 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.
Volkswagen Eos
There was no Cabriolet (convertible) version of the Golf Mk5, so the Volkswagen Eos coupé convertible (introduced in Spring 2006) was 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.
Mk5 Golf Wagon/Variant
The fifth generation of the Golf Variant, a Golf estate car/wagon, was presented in a world premiere at the International Geneva Motor Show (8â€"18 March 2007). It was sold in the North American markets as the Jetta Sportwagen. It was facelifted in late 2009, with changes including the front clip and interior from the sixth generation Golf. As a result, it was renamed the Golf Wagon and Variant in the Canadian and Mexican market.
Golf Plus
In December 2004, Volkswagen announced the Golf Plus variant of the Golf Mk5. It is 95Â mm (3.74Â in) taller than the standard Golf, and 150Â mm (5.91Â in) shorter than the other compact MPV of the marque, the seven-seater Volkswagen Touran.
At the 2006 Paris Motor Show Volkswagen released the CrossGolf version, which is essentially a version of the Golf Plus with crossover-style body elements. It was developed by the Volkswagen Individual division, which also developed the Golf R32 and the Volkswagen 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 102Â PS (75Â kW; 101Â bhp) to 140Â PS (103Â kW; 138Â bhp). In the UK this model is badged as "Golf Plus Dune" and sold with the 1.9 TDI outputting 105Â PS (77Â kW; 104Â bhp).
In December 2008, the facelifted version was revealed at the Bologna Motor Show, featuring a revised front end, more similar to the Volkswagen Golf Mk6, but retaining a largely similar design of the rear end and the interior.
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.plus a 2.0 (fsi) direct injection petrol engine has 150 bhp. TSI petrol and diesels are available as 125 kW (170 PS; 168 bhp) versions. The 125kW diesel engine has 350 N·m (258 ft·lbf) 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 little 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. However, the power delivery of the petrol TSI engine was criticised as being very jerky by Jeremy Clarkson.
In the UK the GT sport badge was marketed as offering both high power and low emissions, sparking some controversy. The 125Â kW (170Â PS; 168Â bhp) diesel offers 156g/km and returns 47.9 mpg combined with the petrol equivalent offering 175g/km and 38.2 mpg respectively.
Both petrol and diesel versions are also available with Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG). Performance figures for the petrol vehicle are 0-100Â km/h (62Â mph) in 7.9 seconds (6-speed manual) and 7.7 seconds (DSG), with the diesel taking 8.2 seconds, and both reaching top speed of 220Â km/h (136.7Â mph).
The Golf GT features the same brakes as the Golf GTI, with 312Â mm (12.3Â in) ventilated front discs, and 286Â mm (11.3Â in) solid rears. It has also 15Â mm (0.59Â 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
The Golf GTI features a 2.0 litre turbocharged inline 4-cylinder petrol engine with Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) direct-injection technology, which produces 200PS (147Â kW/197Â 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 was eventually made 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 some of which were built in Brazil. The innovative DSG transmission and the 200Â PS (147Â kW; 197Â 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.
This generation marked the only generation in Canada to have the GTI as a separate nameplate rather than a trim of the Golf. When Volkswagen announced the revival of the Golf in the United States & Canada for the 2010 model year, Volkswagen reverted the GTI nameplate as a Golf trim, although the GTI remains a separate nameplate in the United States.
Mk5 R32
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 10Â PS (7Â kW; 10Â bhp) due to a reworked inlet manifold. Maximum power is now 250Â PS (184Â kW; 247Â bhp) at 6,300Â rpm; torque is unchanged at 320Â Nâ‹…m (236Â lbfâ‹…ft). It reaches an electronically governed top speed of 250Â km/h (155.3Â mph). Going from 0 to 100Â km/h (62Â 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 40Â kg (88.2Â lb) heavier. As with the previous R32; there is the Haldex Traction-based 4motion part-time four-wheel drive, now through 18" Zolder 20-spoke alloy wheels. Stopping the R32 comes in the form of blue-painted brake calipers with 345Â mm (13.58Â in) discs at the front and 310Â mm (12.20Â in) disks at the rear.
The Mk5 R32 was released in the US in August 2007.
Special editions
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, with an initial goal of 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). Due to strong demand, 2280 cars were eventually built with a small number continuing into the 2009 model year. 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 '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 0-100Â km/h (62Â mph) coming at 6.8 seconds (6.6 seconds for DSG-equipped models), and a top speed of 245Â km/h (152Â mph) (manual) or 243Â km/h (151Â mph) (DSG).
Fahrenheit Edition
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 Magma 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 in Magma Orange were produced for the US (150 in Canada) and 1200 GLIs in yellow (not available in Canada). US pricing started at $27,665.
Speed Edition
The Speed Edition was a project of VW-trainees in 2006. Only 200 were built: 100 in Lamborghini Orange and 100 in yellow.
Pirelli Edition
This is a special edition GTI, developed by Volkswagen Individual. It was given the 230PS (169Â kW/226Â hp) Edition 30 engine, instead of the 200PS (147Â kW/197Â hp) 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 in "San Remo†microfiber with embossed Pirelli tyre tread pattern down the centre. It also has yellow stitching on the seats, steering wheel and gear shift. There is also a Pirelli logo on the head restraints. The exterior and valences are painted sunflower yellow. Other colours are also available.
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 exist. Unlike most concept cars, it is mechanically functional to the extent that it can be driven. Due to the rushed build time of the car (8 weeks), however, not all of its features function fully. The steering-wheel mounted paddle-shifters are not linked to the transmission, the hazard lights do not function, the stereo system doesn't work, and the heating and air-conditioning system of the car does not function due to the dashboard controls never being linked to the unit.
The car features a 6.0L W12 bi-turbo engine from the Bentley Continental GT delivering 650 PS (478 kW; 641 hp), 720 N⋅m (531 lb⋅ft) of torque, 0-100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.7 seconds, and a top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h). The W12 differs from the standard GTI in several ways. It features 19-inch wheels that resembled the GTI's. It is 70 mm (2.76 in) lower and 160 mm (6.30 in) wider, the rear seats have been removed to accommodate the mid-engine design, and the roof is made from carbon-fibre composite, front brakes are from the Audi RS4, and rear brakes and axle are from a Lamborghini Gallardo. The W12-650 achieved a time of 1:29.6 on BBC Top Gear’s Power Lap feature. Jeremy Clarkson showed that the car had some trouble with high-speed cornering but was extremely fast in the straight sections of the track.
Concepts
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 (55Â kW) three-cylinder TDI engine - probably the 1.4Â litre used in the Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion - mated to a 27 horsepower (20Â 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 69.9Â mpg, and emit 90Â g/km of carbon dioxide, less than the 104Â g/km emitted by the Toyota Prius and 116 emitted by the Honda Civic Hybrid. The TDI Hybrid was expected to be marketed in Europe from mid-2009.
Twin Drive
VW CEO Martin Winterkorn announced Volkswagen Golf Twin Drive plug-in hybrid vehicle based on Mark V Golf, which uses 2.0L 122Â hp (91Â kW) turbodiesel and 82Â hp (61Â kW) electric motor with lithium-ion batteries. The car can run about 50 kilometres on battery power. The combined power is 174Â hp (130Â kW).
Volkswagen never developed the Twin Drive system with 8 German partners and is planning a trial fleet of 20 Golfs outfitted with the system in 2010.
The production version was expected to be based on Mark VI Golf featuring a 1.5L turbodiesel engine and electric motor, with estimated arrival date of 2015.
Engine choices
The engines used are the same as for many other Volkswagen Group cars:
Safety
In 2004, the Mk5 received a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. The 2010 edition of Monash University's Used Car Safety Ratings, found that the Golf Mk5 provides an "excellent" (five out of five stars) level of occupant safety protection in the event of an accident.
Motorsport
In auto racing, APR Motorsport has led two MKV VW GTI's to victory in the Grand-Am KONI Sports Car Challenge and Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Street Tuner (ST) class.
Notes
- In China, the Mk5 was only available as the three door Mk5 GTI.
Awards
- 2009 Car and Driver â€" Among Ten Best of the Year (GTI)
- 2009 Automobile Magazine â€" Among All Stars (GTI)
- 2008 CNN â€" Top Sporty Car (GTI/R32)
- 2008 AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Award (GTI)
- 2008 Consumer Reports â€" Top Hatchback (Golf/Rabbit)
- 2008 Car and Driver â€" Top Ten Urban Vehicle (Golf/Rabbit)
- 2008 Automobile Magazine â€" Among All Stars (GTI)
- 2008 Car and Driver â€" Among Ten Best of the Year (GTI)
- 2008 Drive - Best Performance Car under $60k AUS (GTI)
- 2008 What Car? â€" Best Small Family Car
- 2007 Car and Driver â€" Among Ten Best of the Year (GTI)
- 2007 Automobile Magazine â€" Car of the Year (GTI)
- 2007 Drive â€" Best Performance Car under $60k AUS (GTI)
- 2007 What Car? â€" Best Small Family Car
- 2006 Drive â€" Best Performance Car under $60k AUS (GTI)
- 2006 Australia's Best Cars â€" Best Sports Car (GTI)
- 2005 Australia's Best Cars â€" Best Sports Car under $57,000 (GTI)
- 2005 Auto Express â€" Best Hot Hatch (GTI)
- 2005 Auto Express â€" Best Sporting Car (GTI)
- 2004â€"05 Japan's Import Car of the Year
- 2004 What Car? Car of the Year
- 2004 What Car? Best Small Family Car
- 2004 Winner â€" Auto Express New Car Honours
- 2004 Fifth Gear â€" Car of the Year (GTI)
- 2004 Top Gear â€" 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
- Ecomotive
- Seat León Twin Drive Ecomotive
References
External links
- Golf at Volkswagen International
- Volkswagen Golf at Curlie (based on DMOZ)
- MKV Volkswagen Rabbit