It doesn’t seem that long ago that Volkswagen introduced the fourth generation Golf, but the reality is six years have passed us by since it was first shown in Frankfurt of 1998. Back then it was lauded for its fit and finish, detailing, materials and standard features - it brought luxury features down into the compact class and forever changed the expectations of consumers as a result... Full Story...

Any idea on what the Jetta is going to look like?

HartmannWheels

I cannot imagine how electronic-mechanical precise, smooth HVAC rings would feel cheaper than the existing all-mechanical HVAC knobs, which feel clunky, non-uniform (different settings requires different amount of force), and loose (especially when you try to set it between the clicks - it feels like it would fall off).

To me the Mk5 one is 10 times better.

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Modified by wolfier at 2:34 AM 11-26-2003

A pair of balls and a pair of Golfs...

I saw a Mazda 3 parked in my complex with Dist. plates, and I could have sworn it was the Golf V at quick glance. The two look very similar.

Was there no mention of the 2.0 TDI for NA?

I don't think so. It looks like from the photos that the front headlights wrap around the sides far enough so that VW could integrate the side markers into the botton of the housing. Let's hope so at least.

Perfect caption for this pic:

"Heh...Earl...check this out! The US doesn't even get HID's. HAHAHAHA"

I don't know if you have been in the Golf V with the dual-zone Climatronic controls (pictured in the article) but the rings that you rotate on the perimeter of the knobs are loose in their mounts which gives it a cheap feeling. With all the things VW has managed to give a nice mechanical feel to, they could have sweated that detail a little more. It is nit picking, but that's the reality.

Quote, originally posted by newflyer22 »

Jamie, there was no mention of TDI offerings in the new platform for our market. I have read conflicting stories from all of the automotive publications. Have they given you the slightest inkling what we might expect for TDIs?

Well at the very least they can carry over the 100hp 1.9l PD-TDI. Because of the proximity of the cars launch to 2006 when new fuel standards go into place, I could also see them waiting a year to bring the new 2.0l over. We'll just have to wait and see what happens.

-jamie

I thought it would feel like the volume knob of Mk IV stereo. If that's the case then it's perfect.

Excellent insight - as always. To clarify: DSG will only be available on higher trim models? Can this be interpreted as no DSG, with any engine, on 4-door Golf V's in the U.S.?

Todd

Just gotta bust your chops for this commentary, Brad. I was one of the critics of the rear quarter treatment chosen for Project X. I still think a window that followed the shape of the supplanted rear door would have said "Jetta" more than what was used. It's nice to know you see this as a VW characteristic in the new car. Fwiw, ProjectX wound up looking pretty nice (even with alcantara on the dash!)

"If one does not fail at times, one has not challenged himself." - Ferdinand Porsche

DSG will be optional in the New Beetle TDIs sometime in 2004. So, I don't see why the DSG would not be also available in the MKV Golf and Jettas - given that all three models will be built in Puebla.

"Not another brick in the wall... " - Pink Floyd

I was purposely vague on the DSG specific offerings in the Golf V platform because it is still up in the air right now.

Very similar to the S40/Mazda 3, but without driving them back to back it would be hard to be more specific. Also, I've only driven the Golf V not the Jetta V (obviously) so a more reasonable comparison with the new S40 would be tough. The Golf V's IRS is a virtual duplicate of the Ford Focus IRS.

The Mini's package is very focused on handling so I would still say the Mini handles better. However there compromises in packaging for this in the Mini (not to mention that Mini is a Polo-class/size vehicle) and interior dimensions don't even compare. Depends on what you are looking for, although to be fair, I'd wait to put a GTI up against the Mini if you are more concerned about straight handling.

I can't emphasize enough though how substantially improved the handling is on the new Golf V platform.

Considering my word doesn't carry nearly as much weight as yours around here, I can afford to be reckless in my predictions

Cool. A GTI vs Mini comparo would be interesting (even though the sizes vary) more due to similar sale price points. The reason I mentioned S40 was due to it's direct competition with the upcoming Jetta, which would share a good bit of traits from the Golf V.

Thanks

"Not another brick in the wall... " - Pink Floyd

Do you think we'll see the 3.2L engine option in the MkV GTI right away at introduction in Canada, or will we only see the 2.0T at first?

I'm glad to hear the MkV is coming at the beginning of 2005 instead of the end.

As for the new commitment to quality and service, GM said the same thing for 20 years - and they're only now starting to improve. So "I'll believe it when I see it" regarding VW

And Brad, take off the VW blinders and look closely: the 2-door VW Golf-V too closely resembles the Honda Civic Si, especially in the rear quarter-panels. If you don't believe me, look at the pics I posted in the Fk Golf-V thread

At least the from the driver's seat, the car's a real improvement

Modified by JWESTinNYC at 7:08 PM 11-27-2003

Modified by JWESTinNYC at 7:12 PM 11-27-2003

No. Any 3.2l VR6 models will come later at this point (at least a year).

Look closely? Well, today at the Essen Motorshow, I was fortunate enough to find a new Civic and a 2-door Golf V parked side by side. So you could certainly say I had a close look, and though there are some rather general similarities between the two shapes, I still think this Golf has more in common with an Alfa or a Peugot...

I was wondering what you guys felt about the steering response. I think the MKIVs are a bit too power-assisted and lack the feel of control... I'm wondering if VW has changed that feel...

Thanks for a great review

1) the HVAC-controls do NOT feel cheap! Yes, I paid special attention to them, and yes, I checked a version with Climatronic. What they feel is different, but defintely not cheap. Usually controls and dials in VW have a certain heavy-set feel to them. But the Climatronic-controls in the new Golf are considerably more "light" in their feel. I liked them. Let me repeat: they did NOT feel cheap. Yes, the dials moved a bit if you pulled them, but in everyday use you would not notice it. I noticed it since I was paying special attention to it. And regardless, they did not feel cheap. The interior is of high quality. If you are used to the high quality of VW-interiors, you will feel right at home in the new Golf.

2) The car looks ALOT better in person!

3) I was able to find a good driving-position relatively easy. That's an accomplishment, considering that I'm about 195cm tall. After I had adjusted the seat to my liking, there wasn't that much space in the back (not enough for a grown man to travel in comfort, but enough for women or children). But just about the only car with "enough" space in my case is Skoda Superb (which has 10cm longer wheelbase than VW Passat does). So in this respect, the new Golf did well, considerably better than some of it's main rivals.

4) The radio/CD is integrated. It's not possible to replace it afterwards and you can't even get the car without it. So if you are planning to replace the radio with an aftermarket mp3-player: forget it! But OTOH you can get an optional 6-disc CD-changer along with the center-console armrest.

Would I buy the new Golf? Hell yes!

It's really nice to see that they are acknowledging one of their weeknesses. This makes me very happy!