Volkswagen Golf IV 2.3 V5 20V (150 Hp)
Overall Rating
Volkswagen Golf:
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car/small family car produced by the German automotive manufacturer Volkswagen since 1974, marketed worldwide across eight generations, in various body configurations and under various nameplates – including as the Volkswagen Rabbit in the United States and Canada , and as the Volkswagen Caribe in Mexico. Historically, the Golf is Volkswagen's best-selling model and is among the world's top three best-selling nameplates, with more than 35 million units sold as of 2019....(Read more on Wikipedia)
IV Overview:
Volkswagen Golf (IV). With 205 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1243 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.8 s). The top speed reaches 216 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Golf IV achieved a respectable 4-star Euro NCAP rating for adult occupant protection in 1998, demonstrating a solid commitment to safety for its era.
2.3 V5 20V (150 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Smooth and distinctive VR5 engine, offering good power for a refined driving experience.
Fuel Economy
High fuel consumption for its class, reflecting its unique engine configuration.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Excellent build quality and interior materials for its class.
- • Wide range of efficient and powerful engines, especially TDI diesels.
- • Comfortable ride and refined driving experience.
- • Timeless design and strong resale value.
- • Good safety rating for its time.
Cons:
- • Some petrol engines can be underpowered or thirsty.
- • Known issues with electric windows and certain engine components (e.g., coil packs on 1.8T, mass air flow sensors).
- • Rear legroom can be tight for taller passengers.
- • Rust can be an issue on older, poorly maintained examples.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III Variant: 1996 - 1999).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Golf |
| Generation: | IV |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.3 V5 20V (150 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1997 |
| End of production: | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3-5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 150 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 64.5 Hp/l [191mm less] |
| Torque: | 205 Nm @ 3200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | AQN More details about the engine AQN |
| Engine displacement: | 2324 |
| Number of cylinders: | 5 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.6 l |
| Coolant: | 8.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 81 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90.2 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.1:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 13.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9.3 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.8 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 216 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.3 kg/Hp, 120.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.1 kg/Nm, 164.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1243 |
| Max. weight: | 1760 |
| Max load: | 517 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1185 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 330 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4149 mm mm [191mm less] |
| Width: | 1735 mm mm [40mm more] |
| Height: | 1439 mm mm [9mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2511 mm mm [36mm more] |
| Front track: | 1513 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1494 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 16 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |




















Behind the wheel of the Volkswagen Golf. How does it handle on the road?