Nina Caldwell
The Volkswagen Golf Mk5 was introduced in Europe in the autumn of 2003 and reached the UK market in early 2004. It is the fifth generation of the Volkswagen Golf. The Mk5 GTI was named 2007 Automobile of the Year by Automobile Magazine in December 2006. The Volkswagen Golf Mk6, the successor to the Mk5, was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October 2008 for the 2009 model year. Therefore, the 2007 Golf is a Mk5.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Volkswagen Golf Mk5 |
| Debut | March 2007 |
| Engine | 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine |
| Power Output | 112 kW (150 hp; 152 PS) |
| Transmission | DSG |
| Wheels | 18" Zolder 20-spoke alloy wheels |
| Headlights | "Angry" shape |
| Body Styles | Three and five-door hatchbacks |
| Related Models | Jetta saloon, Jetta SportWagen, Golf Plus, Touran |
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What You'll Learn
- The Volkswagen Golf Mk5 was introduced in Europe in 2003 and in North America in 2006
- The Mk5 GTI was named 2007 Automobile of the Year by Automobile Magazine
- The Mk5 R32 was released in the US in 2007 with a limited production run of 5000
- The Mk5 GTI engine was also used in the Mk6 Golf R
- The Mk5 was succeeded by the Mk6, which was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October 2008
The Volkswagen Golf Mk5 was introduced in Europe in 2003 and in North America in 2006
The Volkswagen Golf Mk5 was introduced in Europe in the autumn of 2003, with a UK release following in early 2004. In North America, Volkswagen reintroduced the Rabbit nameplate when it launched the Mk5 in 2006. The Golf nameplate was still used in Canada, however, where it was the prevalent nameplate of the fifth generation. The North American base model was powered by a 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine, which produced 112 kW (150 hp; 152 PS) in 2006 and 2007. A GTI version was also available, powered by a turbocharged version of the 2.0-litre FSI engine, producing 147 kW (197 hp; 200 PS).
The Mk5 was the successor to the Mk4, and it was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006. This marked the first time that the GTI was marketed solely under the 'GTI' moniker in North America, with no reference to the Rabbit. The Mk5 GTI featured a considerable price increase over the previous model, due in part to its German manufacturing origin and dramatic design changes. The innovative DSG transmission and the 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) TFSI engine also contributed to the higher retail price. Despite this, the Mk5 GTI was well-received, being named 2007 Automobile of the Year by Automobile Magazine in December 2006.
The Mk5 was followed by the Mk6, which was introduced at the Paris Motor Show in October 2008 for the 2009 model year. The Mk6 was largely based on the Mk5, and was effectively a re-engineered facelift of the previous model. It featured engineering improvements, such as a shortened assembly time, and addressed criticisms of the Mk5's cheapened interior quality. The Mk6 was sold in various markets under different nameplates, including as the Jetta SportWagen in the US, the Golf Wagon in Mexico and Canada, and the Jetta Variant or Vento Variant in South America.
The Mk5 Golf was also available in a station wagon version, which debuted at the International Geneva Motor Show in March 2007. This variant was marketed as the Golf Variant in European markets, the Jetta SportWagen in the US, and the Vento Variant in Argentina and Uruguay. It was produced in Puebla, Mexico, alongside the similar Jetta, with a targeted annual production of 120,000 units. The station wagon version was facelifted in late 2009, incorporating design elements from the Mk6.
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The Mk5 GTI was named 2007 Automobile of the Year by Automobile Magazine
The Volkswagen Golf Mk5 GTI was named the 2007 Automobile of the Year by Automobile Magazine. This award is one of a series of year-end industry awards that automakers use to support their marketing efforts. The Mk5 GTI is a sporty version of the VW Golf and was in its fifth generation at the time of the award.
The GTI stood out for its combination of performance and affordability. Starting at under $23,000, the 2007 GTI offered a 200-horsepower, four-cylinder engine that could take the 2-door version from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. It also delivered impressive fuel economy, with 30 miles per gallon on the highway.
The GTI's small size did not compromise on convenience or safety features. The base price included power windows, mirrors, and door locks; stability control; front, side, and side curtain airbags; HID headlights; and a six-CD changer. Additionally, the GTI's 200-hp engine provided impressive acceleration and minimal turbo lag.
However, some staffers noted that the dual-clutch GTI could be a little slow to engage reverse and was not as smooth off the line as a conventional automatic. There were also some complaints about the GTI's brakes, with technical editor Don Sherman recommending an upgrade in braking capacity for those adding power or lateral adhesion.
Despite some minor drawbacks, the Mk5 GTI proved to be a worthy winner of the 2007 Automobile of the Year award, offering a great balance of performance, practicality, and affordability.
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The Mk5 R32 was released in the US in 2007 with a limited production run of 5000
The Mk5 R32 is a 2005 model Volkswagen Golf. It was released in the US in 2007 with a limited production run of 5000. The Mk5 is the fifth generation of the Volkswagen Golf, succeeding the Mk4 and preceding the Mk6.
The Mk5 R32 is equipped with a 3.2-litre V6 engine that produces 247 bhp at 6300 rpm and 236 lb-ft of torque at 2500 rpm. It offers a choice of transmissions, including a six-speed manual gearbox or Volkswagen's twin-robotic-clutch Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG). The DSG transmission allows for manual, paddle-shift control, which is well-suited for the big V6 engine.
The Mk5 R32 features a distinctive design, with an abundance of chrome and highly polished metal on the exterior and interior. The front of the vehicle sports a chromed beak filled with horizontal strakes, creating a unique visual statement.
The Mk5 R32 is known for its powerful and distinctive sound, described as a low, chesty V6 thrum that builds to a frantic yowl at high revs. This sound sets it apart from the typical expectations of a Volkswagen and contributes to its appeal as a performance-oriented vehicle.
Despite its performance capabilities and unique design, the Mk5 R32 has received mixed reviews. Some enthusiasts prefer the styling of the Mk4, and the Mk5 has faced criticism for its reliability and aesthetics. The Mk5 platform also struggled to hold its value, with some owners expressing disappointment in the resale value of their vehicles.
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The Mk5 GTI engine was also used in the Mk6 Golf R
The Volkswagen Golf Mk5 is the fifth generation of the Volkswagen Golf. It is also marketed as the Volkswagen Rabbit in the United States and Canada, while the GTI model in those countries is marketed as the Volkswagen GTI. The Mk5 was replaced by the Mk6 in 2009, which is built on the same platform. The Mk6 Golf is based on the Volkswagen Group A5 (PQ35) platform and is effectively a reskin of the Mk5.
The Mk5 Golf was available with 4-cylinder, 5-cylinder, and 6-cylinder petrol engines. The GTI model of the Mk5 Golf included a 2.0-litre Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) engine rated at 197 bhp. The Mk5 GTI engine was also available in an earlier version with a smaller displacement of 1.4 litres, which produced 168 bhp. This engine was also used in the Mk5 GT model.
The Mk6 Golf R is powered by a 2.0-litre FSI turbocharged inline-four engine that produces 266 bhp. The Mk6 Golf R is also available in a detuned version for certain markets, such as Australia, Japan, China, America, and South Africa. This detuned engine produces 252 bhp.
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The Mk5 was succeeded by the Mk6, which was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October 2008
The Volkswagen Golf Mk5 is a compact car and the fifth generation of the Volkswagen Golf. It was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in October 2003 and went on sale in Europe in November 2003 for the 2004 model year. The Mk5 was marketed and sold in three- or five-door hatchback configurations from August 2003 to 2008. It was also available in a five-door station wagon configuration from 2007 to 2009.
The Mk6 was released to the European market in late 2008 and went on sale in Australia, Japan, China, America, and South Africa in 2009. The GTI version of the Mk6 went on sale in October 2009. The Mk6 was also sold in Mexico, Canada, and South America, where it was marketed as the Golf Wagon and Variant, and in the US as the Jetta SportWagen.
In January 2013, the Mk6 was succeeded by the Volkswagen Golf Mk7, which was built on the newly assembled MQB platform. The Mk7 was introduced in Berlin in September 2012 and had a public launch at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. Sales in Europe began in November 2012.
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Frequently asked questions
The 2007 Golf is the Mk5.
The Mk5 Golf was introduced in Europe in the autumn of 2003 and reached the UK market in early 2004. It was marketed as the Golf Variant in European markets and as the Jetta SportWagen in the United States. The GTI version was released in North America in 2006 and was marketed solely under the 'GTI' moniker. The Mk5 GTI was named 2007 Automobile of the Year by Automobile Magazine in December 2006.
You can identify an Mk5 Golf by looking at the shape of the headlights. The newer versions have "angry" headlights.
