Volkswagen Golf Mk5

The fifth generation had revised suspension changes and chassis tuning and increased cargo volume corresponding to a minor increase in size over the outgoing model. Its cargo volume is roughly 0.7 cubic feet (20 L) more.[5] The Mk5 was criticized for its interior and its dash materials.

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.

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 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 125 kW (170 PS; 168 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 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 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.9 seconds (6 speed) and 6.9 seconds (DSG), with the diesel taking 8.2 seconds, and both reaching top speed of 220 km/h (136.7 mph).

Volkswagen Rabbit (USA 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 150 hp (112 kW) and 170 lb⋅ft (230 N⋅m) in 2006-2007 models, and 170 hp (127 kW) and 177 lb⋅ft (240 N⋅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 in US.

Volkswagen marketed the three-box sedan variant of the Mk5 Golf in 2004, as the Jetta in North America and Europe, replacing the "Bora" name of the previous Mk320 Golf saloon. The Jetta name was also introduced to Australia with the Mk5.

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, and its GLI variant has the Golf GTI's front end. Front lights were now shared with the Golf.

In the US market, the Jetta outsells the Golf by a ratio of 4 to 1.[6]

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.

Volkswagen Golf Variant

The fifth generation estate car/wagon debuted at the International Geneva Motor Show (8–18 March 2007) and was marketed as the Golf Variant in the German domestic market and in North America as the Jetta Sportwagen. It was facelifted in late 2009, with changes including the front clip and interior from the sixth generation Golf, remaining based on the Golf Mk V, and was marketed as the Golf Wagon and Variant in the Canadian and Mexican market.

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, and 150 mm (5.91 in) shorter than the other compact MPV of the marque, the seven-seater Volkswagen Touran.[7]

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 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).[7]

In December 2008, the facelifted version was revealed at the Bologna Motor Show,[8] 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.[7]

• 
  Volkswagen Golf Plus (2004–2008)
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  Volkswagen Golf Plus (2004–2008)
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  Volkswagen CrossGolf (2004–2008)
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  Volkswagen CrossGolf (2004–2008)
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  Volkswagen Golf Plus (2008–2014)
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  Volkswagen Golf Plus (2008–2014)
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  Volkswagen CrossGolf (2008-2014) (China)

The Golf Mk5 GT features a choice of either 1.4 L petrol engine in twincharger (TSI) configuration, a 2.0 litre TDI diesel engine or a 2.0 (FSI) direct injection petrol engine. 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.[9]

In the UK the GT sport badge was marketed as offering both high power and low emissions, sparking some controversy.[10][11] The 125 kW (170 PS; 168 bhp) diesel offers 156g/km and returns 47.9 mpg combined[12] with the petrol equivalent offering 175g/km and 38.2 mpg[13] respectively.

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 7.9 seconds (6-speed manual) and 7.7 seconds (DSG), with the diesel taking 8.2 seconds, and both reaching top speed of 220 km/h (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 3-door (UK)

Mk5 GTI 3-door (UK)

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 (147 kW/197 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.[14]

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 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.[15]

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.

In Mexico, it is only sold as a 3-door hatchback. A special edition of the GTI was sold in 170 copies under a "Pirelli" limited edition with a 230 CV engine and only in a black colour.

Golf R32 5-door

Golf R32 5-door

In September 2005, the Mk5 R32 went on sale in Europe. United Kingdom sales began in November that year.[16] 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) due to 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). 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, now 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 with a limited production run of 5000. Each R32 has its production number laser etched on its steering wheel.

In Chile, the Golf Mk5 was only offered in this model. Only the Brazilian-made Mk4 was sold.

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 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.[17]

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).[18]

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 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 with Volkswagen's DSG transmission or 6-speed manual. 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)(600 DSG 600 manual). US pricing started at $27,665.

The Golf Speed study, with its Lamborghini finish colors and many accessories has been causing a stir for months. It comes from young Volkswagen apprentices, who skillfully refined the Golf and with that not only convinced their supervisors. The response from drivers, that have seen the "orange speed" and "yellow speed" colored Golf-studies at trade shows, in the Car city and in the Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, was so overwhelming, that a limited edition of one hundred Golf yellow speed and Golf orange speed each is being manufactured.

Multicolor plays a main role: exclusive colors from our subsidiary Lamborghini ("giallo midas" and "arancio borealis") ensure that the Golf yellow speed and Golf orange speed can be noticed as special members of the Golf family, even from far away. Four-color coats, applied by hand, ensure a one of a kind multi-faceted brilliance, which is particularly emphasized in the sunlight and from different angles.

Additionally, there are almost endless details: just like the Golf R32 the Golf Speed has an exhaust system with a double end pipe in the middle. In the front the shining chrome grille and chrome outside mirrors also stand out. The dynamic overall impression is underlined even more through the rear spoiler and the broadened body colored sillboards as well as the 18" alloy wheels.

The side and rear windows are tinted. The later is additionally cleaned, so for optical reasons the rear windshield wiper with spray nozzle was omitted. Just like with the R32, the rear lights are darker than in the series and stand out in a cherry red from the particular paint color.

The interior has a modified top sport seat system like the GTI, but here with seat covers made of leather and Alcantara. The exquisite leather decor is furnished with coordinated decor stitching, which guarantees an even more exclusive impression. Also taken from the GTI is the sport steering wheel in leather. Next to the decor stitching, the steering wheel clasp is a special eye-catcher, in the respective color the name yellow speed or orange speed as well as the exclusivity guaranteeing production number is engraved.

The black roof liner as well as the aluminum application in the instrument cluster, the footrest and the pedals round off the sporty-exquisite impression of the interior. Furthermore, on the technical side there are a sport chassis lowered by ca. 15 mm, fog lights and heatable front seats that come standard.

The Golf Speed is either powered by a 2,0-FSI-Aggregate FSI with 110 kW / 150 hp or the 2,0 TDI with 103 kW / 140 hp with 6-gear transmission. The turbo-diesel direct-fuel-injection can be ordered optional with the sporty double clutch system DSG.

Volkswagen offers a specialty for pick-up customers. You can see how the Golf Speed is made by hand. In the plant the clients are handed the steering wheel clasp with the corresponding number between 1 and 100. The engraved clasp is installed upon its delivery in the Autostadt, so when a Golf Speed receives its individual identification it is witnessed by its owner.

GTI Mark 5 Pirelli Edition (2007)

This is a special edition GTI, developed by Volkswagen Individual. It was given the 230PS (169 kW/226 hp) Edition 30 engine, instead of the 200PS (147 kW/197 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.[19][20] Other colours are also available.

GTI W12-650 rear view

Volkswagen Golf V 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).[21] 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.

A VW Golf TDI Hybrid concept was shown at the March 2008 Geneva Motor Show.[22] The concept vehicle shown had a 74 hp (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.[23] The TDI Hybrid was expected to be marketed in Europe from mid-2009.[24]

VW CEO Martin Winterkorn announced Volkswagen Golf Twin Drive plug-in hybrid vehicle based on Mark V Golf, which uses 2.0L 122 hp (91 kW) turbodiesel and 82 hp (61 kW) electric motor with lithium-ion batteries. The car could run about 50 kilometres on battery power.[25] The combined power was 174 hp (130 kW).[26]

Volkswagen never developed the Twin Drive system for the Golf. It was planned to be developed with 8 German partners and planned 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.[27]