Volkswagen Golf 4: A Compact Car with a High-Quality Interior and Higher Equipment Levels
If you are looking for a compact car that offers a high-quality interior, higher equipment levels, and a range of engine options, you might want to consider the Volkswagen Golf 4. The Volkswagen Golf 4 is the fourth generation of the Volkswagen Golf, one of the most popular and successful car models in Europe. It was launched in October 1997 for the 1998 model year, and it was replaced in 2003 by the Volkswagen Golf Mk5 in European markets. However, it continued to be manufactured in South America and China for developing markets until 2014.
In this article, we will give you an overview of the Volkswagen Golf 4, its main features and specifications, its advantages and disadvantages, and how it compares to its competitors and successors. We will also tell you where you can find and buy a Volkswagen Golf 4, if you are interested in owning one.
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Introduction
What is the Volkswagen Golf 4?
The Volkswagen Golf 4 (or VW Type 1J) is a compact car that belongs to the C segment of the European car classification. It is the fourth generation of the Volkswagen Golf, which was first introduced in 1974 as a successor to the iconic Volkswagen Beetle. The Volkswagen Golf series has been one of the best-selling car models in Europe for decades, with over 35 million units sold worldwide as of June 2020.
The Volkswagen Golf 4 was a deliberate attempt by Volkswagen to take the Golf series further upmarket, with a high-quality interior and higher equipment levels. It was also designed to be more aerodynamic, more spacious, more comfortable, and more safe than its predecessor, the Volkswagen Golf Mk3. It was based on the same platform as other VW Group models, such as the Audi A3 Mk1, Audi TT Mk1, SEAT Leon Mk1, SEAT Toledo Mk2, Škoda Octavia Mk1, and Volkswagen New Beetle.
What are the main features and specifications of the Volkswagen Golf 4?
The Volkswagen Golf 4 has many features and specifications that make it a desirable compact car. Some of them are:
It has a variety of body styles, including a three-door hatchback, a five-door hatchback, a five-door station wagon (also known as Variant or Estate), and a four-door sedan (also known as Bora or Jetta).
It has a variety of engine options, including petrol, diesel, petrol-CNG (compressed natural gas), and petrol-electric hybrid engines. The petrol engines range from a 1.4 L EA111 I4 with 75 hp to a 3.2 L EA390 VR6 with 240 hp (in the R32 model). The diesel engines range from a 1.9 L EA180 SDI I4 with 68 hp to a 1.9 L EA188 TDI PD I4 with 150 hp.
It has a variety of transmission options, including four-speed automatic, five-speed tiptronic automatic, five-speed manual, six-speed manual, and six-speed DSG (direct-shift gearbox) transmissions.
It has a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. It also has a four-wheel-drive option (known as 4motion or syncro) for some models.
It has a wheelbase of 2511 mm, a length of 4149 mm (hatchback) or 4376 mm (sedan), a width of 1735 mm, and a height of 1439 mm (hatchback) or 1446 mm (sedan).
It has a curb weight of 1095 kg (hatchback) or 1165 kg (sedan) for the base model, and up to 1530 kg for the R32 model.
It has a fuel tank capacity of 55 L, and a fuel consumption of 5.3 L/100 km (diesel) to 10.7 L/100 km (petrol) for the combined cycle.
It has a top speed of 165 km/h (SDI) to 247 km/h (R32), and an acceleration of 0-100 km/h in 16.3 seconds (SDI) to 6.6 seconds (R32).
It has a luggage capacity of 330 L (hatchback) or 455 L (sedan) for the normal configuration, and up to 1184 L (hatchback) or 1495 L (sedan) for the folded rear seats configuration.
It has a high-quality interior with soft-touch materials, ergonomic controls, and comfortable seats. It also has higher equipment levels than its predecessor, such as air conditioning, electric windows, central locking, power steering, ABS, airbags, ESP, traction control, cruise control, navigation system, CD player, and sunroof.
What are the main advantages and disadvantages of the Volkswagen Golf 4?
The Volkswagen Golf 4 has many advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before buying one. Some of them are:
AdvantagesDisadvantages
It has a high-quality interior and higher equipment levels than its predecessor.It is more expensive and heavier than its predecessor.
It has a variety of body styles, engine options, and transmission options to suit different preferences and needs.It has some reliability and maintenance issues, especially with the electrical systems and the automatic transmissions.
It has a more aerodynamic, spacious, comfortable, and safe design than its predecessor.It has a less sporty and distinctive design than its predecessor.
It has a good performance and fuel efficiency for its class.It has a high emission level and tax rate for some models.
It has a large luggage capacity and a flexible rear seat configuration.It has a limited rear legroom and headroom for some models.
Body and Design
How does the Volkswagen Golf 4 look like?
The Volkswagen Golf 4 looks like a modern and elegant compact car that follows the design language of the Volkswagen Group. It has a smooth and rounded shape that reduces the air resistance and improves the aerodynamics. It has a large front grille with the VW logo, flanked by two oval-shaped headlights. It has a sloping hood that leads to a raked windshield. It has a short front overhang and a long rear overhang. It has a flat roofline that ends with a spoiler on the hatchback models or a trunk lid on the sedan models. It has two vertical taillights on each side of the rear bumper. It has four doors on the hatchback models or five doors on the sedan models. It has alloy wheels on most models, ranging from 14 to 18 inches in diameter.
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What are the different body styles and variants of the Volkswagen Golf 4?
The Volkswagen Golf 4 has four main body styles: hatchback, station wagon, sedan, and convertible. The hatchback is the most common and popular body style, as it offers a balance between practicality and style. The station wagon is also known as Variant or Estate, and it offers more luggage space and versatility than the hatchback. The sedan is also known as Bora or Jetta, and it offers more comfort and elegance than the hatchback. The convertible is also known as Cabriolet or Cabrio, and it offers more fun and freedom than the hatchback.
The Volkswagen Golf 4 also has several variants that differ in terms of performance, equipment, or appearance. Some of them are:
The GTI is the sporty and powerful variant of the Golf 4, with a turbocharged petrol engine, a stiffer suspension, a lower ride height, a larger rear spoiler, and a distinctive red stripe on the grille. It has a 1.8 L EA113 I4 engine with 150 hp or a 2.3 L EA390 VR5 engine with 170 hp.
The R32 is the high-performance and exclusive variant of the Golf 4, with a naturally aspirated petrol engine, a four-wheel-drive system, a sporty body kit, and a dual exhaust system. It has a 3.2 L EA390 VR6 engine with 240 hp, making it the most powerful Golf model ever produced at the time.
The TDI is the diesel-powered variant of the Golf 4, with a turbocharged diesel engine, a higher fuel efficiency, and a lower emission level than the petrol models. It has a 1.9 L EA188 TDI PD I4 engine with various power outputs, ranging from 90 hp to 150 hp.
The CNG is the eco-friendly variant of the Golf 4, with a petrol-CNG (compressed natural gas) engine, a lower fuel cost, and a lower environmental impact than the petrol or diesel models. It has a 1.6 L EA111 I4 engine with 110 hp.
The Hybrid is the innovative variant of the Golf 4, with a petrol-electric hybrid engine, a lower fuel consumption, and a higher performance than the petrol models. It has a 1.4 L EA111 I4 engine with 75 hp and an electric motor with 27 hp.
Engine and Performance
What are the different engine options and configurations of the Volkswagen Golf 4?
The Volkswagen Golf 4 has a wide range of engine options and configurations to suit different preferences and needs. The engines are divided into two main categories: petrol and diesel. The petrol engines are further divided into four subcategories: naturally aspirated, turbocharged, VR (Volkswagen's narrow-angle V-shaped engines), and CNG (compressed natural gas). The diesel engines are further divided into two subcategories: SDI (suction diesel injection) and TDI (turbocharged direct injection).
The following table summarizes the different engine options and configurations of the Volkswagen Golf 4:
Engine typeEngine codeDisplacementCylindersValvesPowerTorque
Petrol (naturally aspirated)EA1111.4 LI4875 hp126 Nm
Petrol (naturally aspirated)EA1111.6 LI48 or 16100 or 105 hp135 or 148 Nm
Petrol (naturally aspirated)EA827/EA1132.0 LI48 or 16115 or 130 hp170 or 195 Nm
Petrol (turbocharged)EA1131.8 LI420150 or 180 hp210 or 235 Nm
Petrol (VR)EA3902.3 LVR510 or 20150 or 170 hp205 or 220 Nm
Petrol (VR)EA3903.2 LVR6 24240 hp320 Nm
Petrol (CNG)EA1111.6 LI416110 hp148 Nm
Diesel (SDI)EA1801.9 LI4868 hp133 Nm
Diesel (TDI)EA1881.9 LI48 or 1690, 100, 110, 115, or 150 hp210, 240, 235, 310, or 320 Nm
Petrol-electric hybridN/A1.4 L + electric motor I4 + electric motor16 + N/A75 + 27 hp126 + N/A Nm
How powerful and fuel-efficient is the Volkswagen Golf 4?
The Volkswagen Golf 4 has a good performance and fuel efficiency for its class, depending on the engine option and configuration. The most powerful engine option is the 3.2 L VR6 engine with 240 hp, which gives the R32 model a top speed of 247 km/h and an acceleration of 0-100 km/h in 6.6 seconds. The most fuel-efficient engine option is the 1.9 L TDI engine with 90 hp, which gives the TDI model a fuel consumption of 5.3 L/100 km for the combined cycle and an emission level of 140 g/km of CO2.
The following table compares the performance and fuel efficiency of some of the engine options and configurations of the Volkswagen Golf 4:
Engine typeEngine codePowerTop speedAcceleration (0-100 km/h)Fuel consumption (combined cycle)Emission level
Petrol (naturally aspirated)EA11175 hp171 km/h14.1 seconds7.1 L/100 km169 g/km of CO2
Petrol (turbocharged)EA113150 hp216 km/h8.5 seconds8.0 L/100 km191 g/km of CO2
Petrol (VR)EA390240 hp 247 km/h6.6 seconds10.7 L/100 km255 g/km of CO2
Diesel (SDI)EA18068 hp165 km/h16.3 seconds5.7 L/100 km152 g/km of CO2
Diesel (TDI)EA188150 hp216 km/h8.6 seconds5.6 L/100 km149 g/km of CO2
Petrol-electric hybridN/A75 + 27 hp 185 km/h11.9 seconds4.9 L/100 km117 g/km of CO2
How reliable and safe is the Volkswagen Golf 4?
The Volkswagen Golf 4 has a mixed reputation for reliability and safety. On one hand, it has a solid and durable build quality, a high-quality interior, and a good performance. On the other hand, it has some common problems and faults, especially with the electrical systems and the automatic transmissions. Some of the issues that owners have reported include faulty window regulators, faulty central locking, faulty ABS sensors, faulty ignition coils, faulty mass air flow sensors, faulty EGR valves, faulty turbochargers, and faulty gearboxes.
The Volkswagen Golf 4 has a good rating for safety, as it has many features and systems that protect the driver and the passengers in case of a collision or an accident. Some of these features and systems include airbags, ABS, ESP, traction control, brake assist, seat belt pretensioners, side impact protection, crumple zones, and a rigid body structure. The Volkswagen Golf 4 received four out of five stars for adult occupant protection and three out of five stars for child occupant protection in the Euro NCAP crash tests in 1998.
Conclusion
Why should you buy or avoid the Volkswagen Golf 4?
The Volkswagen Golf 4 is a compact car that offers a high-quality interior, higher equipment levels, and a range of engine options. It is a modern and elegant car that has a good performance and fuel efficiency for its class. It is also a spacious and comfortable car that has a large luggage capacity and a flexible rear seat configuration. However, it is also a car that has some reliability and maintenance issues, especially with the electrical systems and the automatic transmissions. It is also a car that has a high emission level and tax rate for some models. It is also a car that has a less sporty and distinctive design than its predecessor.
Therefore, you should buy the Volkswagen Golf 4 if you are looking for a compact car that has a high-quality interior, higher equipment levels, and a variety of body styles, engine options, and transmission options. You should also buy it if you are looking for a car that has a good performance and fuel efficiency for its class. However, you should avoid the Volkswagen Golf 4 if you are looking for a car that has a high reliability and low maintenance cost. You should also avoid it if you are looking for a car that has a low emission level and tax rate. You should also avoid it if you are looking for a car that has a sporty and distinctive design.
How does the Volkswagen Golf 4 compare to its competitors and successors?
The Volkswagen Golf 4 faces many competitors in the compact car segment, such as the Ford Focus Mk1, the Opel Astra G, the Peugeot 307, the Renault Megane II, the Honda Civic Mk7, the Toyota Corolla E120/E130, and the Hyundai Elantra XD. Compared to these competitors, the Volkswagen Golf 4 has some advantages and disadvantages. Some of its advantages include its high-quality interior, higher equipment levels, variety of engine options, good performance and fuel efficiency, large luggage capacity, and flexible rear seat configuration. Some of its disadvantages include its reliability and maintenance issues, high emission level and tax rate, and less sporty and distinctive design. The Volkswagen Golf 4 was succeeded by the Volkswagen Golf Mk5 in 2003 for the European markets, and by the Volkswagen Golf Mk6 in 2008 for the North American markets. Compared to its successors, the Volkswagen Golf 4 has some advantages and disadvantages. Some of its advantages include its lower price, higher availability, and simpler technology. Some of its disadvantages include its lower quality, lower equipment levels, lower performance and fuel efficiency, lower safety standards, and outdated design. Where can you find and buy a Volkswagen Golf 4?
If you are interested in buying a Volkswagen Golf 4, you have several options to find and buy one. Some of them are:
You can search online for used car websites, such as AutoTrader, CarGurus, Cars.com, or eBay Motors. You can filter your search by location, price, mileage, condition, year, model, body style, engine type, transmission type, and other features. You can also compare different listings, read reviews and ratings, contact sellers, and arrange test drives.
You can visit local dealerships or private sellers that have Volkswagen Golf 4 models for sale. You can inspect the cars in person, check their history and documents, negotiate the price and terms, and complete the transaction.
You can ask for recommendations from friends, family, colleagues, or acquaintances who own or have owned a Volkswagen Golf 4. You can get their opinions and experiences, and see if they know anyone who is selling or willing to sell a Volkswagen Golf 4.
Before you buy a Volkswagen Golf 4, you should do some research and homework to make sure you get a good deal and a good car. You should check the market value and the average price of the Volkswagen Golf 4 models that interest you. You should also check the condition and the history of the car, such as the mileage, the service records, the accident reports, the recalls, and the repairs. You should also test drive the car and inspect it thoroughly for any signs of damage, wear, or malfunction. You should also ask for a warranty or a guarantee from the seller if possible.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Volkswagen Golf 4:
How many models of the Volkswagen Golf 4 were produced?
According to Volkswagen's official data, a total of 4.99 million units of the Volkswagen Golf 4 were produced worldwide from 1997 to 2014.
What is the difference between the Volkswagen Golf 4 and the Volkswagen Bora?
The Volkswagen Golf 4 and the Volkswagen Bora are essentially the same car with different body styles. The Volkswagen Golf 4 is a hatchback or a station wagon, while the Volkswagen Bora is a sedan. The Volkswagen Bora is also known as Jetta in some markets.
What is the difference between the Volkswagen Golf 4 GTI and the Volkswagen Golf 4 R32?
The Volkswagen Golf 4 GTI and the Volkswagen Golf 4 R32 are both sporty variants of the Volkswagen Golf 4, but they have some differences in terms of performance, equipment, and appearance. The Volkswagen Golf 4 GTI has a turbocharged petrol engine with 150 or 180 hp, a front-wheel-drive system, a stiffer suspension, a lower ride height, a larger rear spoiler, and a distinctive red stripe on the grille. The Volkswagen Golf 4 R32 has a naturally aspirated petrol engine with 240 hp, a four-wheel-drive system, a sporty body kit, and a dual exhaust system.
What are the common problems and faults of the Volkswagen Golf 4?
The Volkswagen Golf 4 has some common problems and faults that owners have reported, especially with the electrical systems and the automatic transmissions. Some of them are:
Faulty window regulators that cause the windows to drop or fail to open or close.
Faulty central locking that causes the doors to lock or unlock randomly or not at all.
Faulty ABS sensors that cause the ABS warning light to come on or the brakes to malfunction.
Faulty ignition coils that cause the engine to misfire or stall.
Faulty mass air flow sensors that cause the engine to lose power or run roughly.
Faulty EGR valves that cause the engine to emit black smoke or fail the emission test.
Faulty turbochargers that cause the engine to lose boost or make loud noises.
Faulty gearboxes that cause the transmission to slip, jerk, or fail to shift.
How can you fix or prevent these problems and faults?
Some of these problems and faults can be fixed or prevented by following some tips and advice, such as:
Replacing the window regulators with upgraded ones that are more durable and reliable.
Checking and cleaning the central locking fuses and relays regularly.
Replacing the ABS sensors with new ones that are compatible with the car model.
Replacing the ignition coils with new ones that are of high quality and performance.
Replacing the mass air flow sensors with new ones that are calibrated correctly.
Cleaning or replacing the EGR valves with new ones that are functioning properly.
Checking and maintaining the turbochargers regularly, and avoiding overboosting or overheating them.
Changing the transmission fluid and filter regularly, and avoiding harsh driving or towing heavy loads.
How much does it cost to buy and maintain a Volkswagen Golf 4?
The cost of buying and maintaining a Volkswagen Golf 4 depends on many factors, such as the year, model, condition, mileage, location, and seller of the car. According to some online sources, such as AutoTrader and CarGurus, the average price of a used Volkswagen Golf 4 in the US ranges from $1,000 to $10,000. The cost of maintaining a Volkswagen Golf 4 also depends on many factors, such as the frequency, type, and quality of service, parts, and repairs. According to some online sources, such as RepairPal and Edmunds, the average annual maintenance cost of a Volkswagen Golf 4 in the US ranges from $500 to $1,000.
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