Just a few years ago, the fourth Volkswagen Golf was the most popular car on the secondary market, along with the VW Passat B5. Today, many buyers choose more modern varieties of Golf, but the fourth generation still has something to offer. This is one of best options for those who are looking for an inexpensive, compact and cheap to repair and operate car.

The model went into production in September 1997. Despite the great similarity with Golf 3, the fourth Golf was not a deep restyling, but an independent model. It was built on new platform A4, which formed the basis of the VW New Beetle, Skoda Octavia, Audi A3, Audi TT, SEAT Leon, SEAT Toledo. Golf IV had many common components and assemblies with them.

The fourth generation VW Golf family is quite diverse. As a matter of fact, the Golf 4 itself was offered in three- and five-door hatchback body styles. The station wagon, which went on sale in May 1999, was traditionally called the Golf Variant. The sedan, which entered the assembly line in September 1998, bore the name Bora (for American market- Jetta) and was distinguished by other external body parts. Bora Variant differed from the Golf Variant by elements of the front part of the body. And the Golf Cabrio was, in fact, the previous model, that is, the Golf 3, which underwent a facelift in the style of the Golf 4.

The basic configuration boasted at least two airbags, seat belts with pyrotechnic tensioners, ABS, electric windows and mirrors. In addition to the “base”, three main packages were also presented: Comfortline, Trendline and Highline. Since September 1999, it was possible to order the ESP stability control system. On later versions, it is quite common to find not only side airbags located in the backs of the front seats, but also window ones. As a result, one of the best performance in passenger safety class.

Engines

A wide range of power units is opened by a 1.4-liter engine with a power of 75 hp. This unit is clearly not suitable for those who like to ride with the breeze. In order not to get out of the flow, you have to constantly turn it, which, accordingly, affects the resource. Among the shortcomings are a clogged crankcase ventilation system and high oil consumption (wear of piston rings).

Following it is an 8-valve 1.6-liter engine producing 100 hp. and a 105-horsepower version with 16 valves. Both with multiport fuel injection. These motors are the most common for Golf 4, and they are also recognized as the most successful. The engine can travel more than 300,000 km without major intervention. The main thing is to change the oil on time, monitor its level and not overheat the engine. Among the characteristic “sores” it is worth highlighting antifreeze leakage through cracked plastic pipes of the cooling system and the thermostat housing, malfunctions throttle valve and ignition coils. The 8-valve version has proven itself best.

The FSI engine with a power of 110 hp was also produced with the same displacement. It has direct injection and is poorly adapted to our operating conditions. The main problems of this engine come from fuel equipment, which often fails due to low-quality gasoline (98 gasoline is recommended), and the cost of troubleshooting is much higher than on engines with multipoint injection. The engine suffers from carbon deposits on the valves, electronic ailments and short-lived elements of the gas distribution mechanism.

The 1.8 liter engine is available in two versions: naturally aspirated with 125 hp, and turbocharged with 150 and 180 hp. The naturally aspirated version can claim to be a fairly dynamic car, especially with a manual transmission. With a turbine, the fairly lightweight Golf accelerates to “hundreds” in just over 8 seconds. But the risk when buying a turbocharged version is quite high (the price of a new turbine is about $1000), and such copies in decent condition are not cheap. After all, the owners of turbo versions were, as a rule, far from pensioners. The main rule when operating these engines is not to turn off the engine after dynamic driving, thus allowing the turbine to cool down. Better yet, install a turbo timer right away. Well, change the oil more often.

The 2-liter engine (115 hp) is quite unpretentious and reliable. Especially if you don’t forget to replace the timing belt and pump every 90,000 km. Engines V5 2.3 (150 hp), VR5 2.3 (170 hp), V6 2.8 (204 hp) and VR6 3.2 (240 hp) give the Golf 4 excellent dynamics, and the driver enjoys driving. But you have to pay for pleasure. These power units are more complex and expensive to repair, although they have a fairly decent service life. They appear on sale, as a rule, when the time comes for serious repairs.

Were in the model range and diesel versions. All - volume 1.9 liters. The weakest naturally aspirated SDI engine developed only 68 hp, while the TDI versions developed 90, 101, 110, 115, 130, 150 hp. These units have an enviable resource, efficiency and environmental friendliness. But all this is achieved using high-quality fuel. It makes sense to take a diesel engine if the engine with low mileage is in excellent condition, and the future owner plans large annual mileages.

1.9 SDI, if someone is not afraid of the dynamics (0-100 km/h in 17.2 seconds), will demonstrate exemplary reliability, durability and low cost of operation. But there is one drawback - it is very noisy.

Old 1.9 TDI power 90 and 110 hp have only one weak point - fuel injection pump. Its repair will cost $100 if the mechanical part fails, and $400 if the electrical part fails. Rebuilding the injectors on this engine costs about $70 each.

In 1999, the 1.9 TDI appeared with unit injectors producing 115 hp. In subsequent years, the diesel range was replenished with 100, 130 and 150-horsepower versions of the engine. Compared to the old 1.9, they provide higher performance and efficiency, but are more expensive to maintain. The cost of new unit injectors is about $500, and restoration is $100.

The weakest of the 1.9 TDIs did not have the vulnerable dual-mass flywheel and variable geometry turbine. Repairing a regular turbine will cost about $150, and with a variable geometry it will cost $300. New components are on average twice as expensive. Replacing a dual-mass flywheel with clutch will cost $600. The undoubted advantage of these diesel engines is the absence of a DPF filter.

A common drawback of all diesel units before 2001 is a malfunction of the flow meter.

Transmission

The Golf 4 was offered with 5- and 6-speed manual transmissions, as well as 4- and 5-speed automatic transmissions. The latter could boast of a manual gear shift function. All “boxes” are quite reliable.

On a manual transmission, the gear shift lever sometimes becomes loose. In most cases, it can be “cured” by replacing the switching mechanism (about $160 with labor). On many “boxes” with a 1.6-liter engine, it is often difficult to engage first gear. In manual transmissions, it is recommended to change the oil every 90,000 km, and replacing the clutch depends on the driving style and experience of the driver. The average figures are 120,000–200,000 km.

In automatic transmissions, the oil must be changed every 60,000 km, and only fill in what is recommended by the factory. But there are some nuances here. When purchasing, you need to ask the seller how often he updated the oil in the automatic transmission. It changes not completely, but partially, since new in most cases, having high cleaning properties, dissolves old deposits and disables the box. Do not believe services that claim that oil is filled for the entire service life of the box.

Starting with the 1.8-liter engine, 4 MOTION all-wheel drive could be ordered as an option. In versions with a 2.8-liter engine and R32, it was already included in the basic configuration. All-wheel drive makes the Golf 4 extremely stable on slippery roads and provides an unforgettable driving experience. The downside of these modifications is the difficulty of maintenance and the high cost of spare parts for all-wheel drive elements. In addition, such devices are not taken by the first owner for trips to the bakery, and they appear on the secondary market, as a rule, either very worn out or very expensive.

Chassis

The chassis of most Golf 4s has a simple design, it is reliable, inexpensive to maintain and quite comfortable for its class. The front suspension was MacPherson strut, and the rear had options. On front-wheel drive versions, a simple H-shaped beam was used, and in the presence of all-wheel drive, a multi-link suspension was installed, which complicates and increases the cost of maintenance.

Suspension wear directly depends on driving style and speed of passing holes. The first to make themselves known are the stabilizer struts and bushings - on average every 50–60 thousand km. But the cost of spare parts and labor is cheap - about $60 for everything. With active driving, the shock absorbers may “die” by 150,000 km ($150 with work). The remaining suspension elements serve on average more than 100,000 km. Front pads (depending on driving style) last 20-30 thousand km, and discs - 80-90 thousand km. The rear pads “live” about 60–70 thousand km. Suspension repair is not financially burdensome, since today there are quite a lot of substitutes in different price ranges.

With age, the steering rack begins to knock.

Body and interior

Without exaggeration, the body of the Golf 4 can be called a benchmark in its class. Thanks to galvanization, the manufacturer provided a 12-year guarantee against through corrosion. The chipped paint down to the metal, which survived several Moscow winters, did not give rise to rust. All body panels fit perfectly, and the gaps between elements are minimal. The result is an almost complete absence of aerodynamic noise at any speed. So if you have a car in front of you with traces of corrosion, then most likely it was in an accident and was poorly restored.

The only drawback is the freezing of doors in the openings when the temperature passes 0 °C. The manufacturer even produced a special lubricant, which made it a little easier to enter the cabin.

The interior is German-style and comfortable for its class. Many adjustments allow you to find correct position behind the wheel for a driver of any height. The center console, a la BMW, is turned towards the driver. Ergonomic miscalculations - inconvenience of use climate control system. It is out of the driver's field of vision, so you have to be distracted by the buttons while driving. There is no such problem in versions with mechanical climate control.

The disadvantages of the interior are abrasions on the plastic of the doors and along the edges of the front panel. With age, the plastic interior begins to creak. At the end of production, the build quality improved somewhat.

Due to age and huge mileage (the meters are twisted several times, which is very easy to do in this model), the condition of the seats, steering wheel and gear lever is often not the best. So, if the chair looks shabby and dented, and the steering wheel is shabby, then you can rest assured that the mileage here is more than 400-500 thousand km, and not 180-230 thousand km, as the “owner” assures.

Typical problems and malfunctions

Electrics don't cause much trouble. Although the rear wiper motor often fails. The front windshield wiper trapezoid may become sour. Many people try to lubricate it, but this either does not help, or it helps temporarily (“can be treated” by replacing the trapezoid - on average $100 with work).

The brake light switch located in the pedal assembly may also fail. Often, before failure, it lights up various warning lights on dashboard, related to the stabilization and braking systems, but it works. If there is a complete breakdown, the brake lights go out. If there is an automatic transmission, in addition to the “stops”, the gearbox selector is blocked - and the car is immobilized. In order not to call a tow truck, you can try to remove the chip from the switch; most likely the selector will unlock. The cost of the switch is $15, the replacement labor is $10.

On cars manufactured before mid-2001, window regulator defects were often observed.In addition, the climate control display, power windows and central locking may fail.

Conclusion

The fourth generation VW Golf has retained all the advantages of its “ancestors”, adding comfort and significantly increasing the active and passive safety, which somewhat complicated the on-board electronics, which sometimes fail. Otherwise high reliability and excellent maintainability, combined with affordable prices for spare parts, make the car one of the best options in its class for purchase on the secondary market.

History has not preserved the name of that leader German concern Volkswagen AG, which came up with the idea of ​​repeating the success of the first “people's” car of the 30s of the last century. However, today sociological research has established that the brand Volkswagen Golf, which first appeared on the autobahn in 1974, has become one of the most popular among car enthusiasts in all countries of the world.

The Germans tried to create a compact, easy to operate and maintain, inexpensive, but at the same time convenient car with the ability universal use. The task was completed excellently. Volkswagen Golf 4 reproduced a large number of its generations and continues to descend from Volkswagen conveyors, but in such a form and with such technical characteristics that it can hardly resemble its ancestor.

Exterior of Volkswagen Golf 4

In line Volkswagen cars Golf, a special place is occupied by the 4th generation car, released in 1997. It was from this time that the technical and marketing policies changed somewhat, which in fact meant the replacement of excessive modesty with authority and solidity.

Photos of Volkswagen Golf 1997-2006

• The designers slightly changed the dimensions of the car, which eventually reached 4.15 m in length and added 3 cm to the previous width and height.
• The hatch body could be either 3-door or 5-door.
• The idea of ​​increasing the comfort of the car could not be solved without increasing the space in the cabin.

But that was not the most important thing. In the manufacture of a hatchback body Volkswagen Golf 4 Galvanized steel was used for the first time. This slightly increased its cost, but made it possible to provide consumers with a 12-year warranty period for the body metal. In practice, the company recognized as its defect all cases of through corrosion on the surface of the body. At that time, such a step was not only a technical breakthrough, but also a unique opportunity, the benefits of which many buyers did not have the strength to refuse.

Technical characteristics of Volkswagen Golf 4 generations

The Germans immediately laid the basis for the power plant on a wide range of engines, in which there was a place for both gasoline and 3rd diesel engines.

• The main range stretched in power from 75 to 115 forces, which for compact car quite enough.
• Additionally, a faster version of the Volkswagen Golf 4 was created with a 2.4 liter gasoline engine with a power of 150 hp.

The increase in power and speed performance did not end there. The list of 4th generation cars includes a real monster that bears little resemblance to the Volkswagen Golf. This modification received an additional RSI prefix, which in reality meant the installation of an engine with a power of 240 hp, created by 3.2 liters of cylinder displacement. This semi-racing car accelerated to a speed of 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds, which was about 4 seconds faster than the result of the average Golf 4. The slightly “rickety” 75-horsepower engine, with its 15 seconds of acceleration, did not coming.

The fuel consumption of the Golf 4 on gasoline fluctuated around 8 liters per 100 km, and the diesel engine was reduced to 5 liters. The transmission equally accepted manual transmission and automatic transmission. Brake mechanism on both axles it was made on the basis of a disc-caliper system. The front brakes received natural air ventilation.

Exterior of Volkswagen Golf 1997-2006

Appearance The “four” was distinguished by a fresh solution in the layout of the front light-optical devices.

• The designers placed high and low beam lamps, a turn signal and even a fog lamp under a single glass cover.
• Another feature of the machine's contour is located at its rear. The rear pillar bent slightly and smoothly merged into the wing.
• Volkswagen Golf 4 still remained a rather squat car, but it had a panoramic sunroof on the roof.

The emphasis on comfort was further reflected in a doubling of the offered equipment levels. Since then, all Volkswagen models have acquired at least the following names - Trendline, Comfortline, Highline, GTI. For a small car, the volume allocated for the luggage compartment has always been relevant. U Volkswagen Golf 4 it is equal to 330 liters, and when the rear row of seats is folded down, it triples. For cars of this class, these are quite acceptable figures.

Compared to the third generation, the interior received new, higher-quality trim, which immediately significantly reduced the noise inside the car. The driver received control of the steering mechanism with variable gear ratio and the amount of force applied to the steering wheel. A set of front airbags fits in front of the front row of seats.

The Golf 4 was one of the first cars in which the start of the windshield wipers depended on data coming from the rain sensor. And on the center console, space was allocated in advance for the installation of a navigation system, and most importantly, a rather impressive liquid crystal display.

Photos of the VW Golf 4 interior

Price Volkawagen Golf 1997-2006

Today, the 4th generation Volkswagen Golf can be purchased at a very reasonable price. The cheapest cars with a mileage of 250-300 thousand km. cost from 150,000 rubles. As already mentioned, the car turned out to be very solid, and there should be no serious problems with operation even for such a veteran. But in any case, before purchasing it is better to diagnose all possible systems. And if finances allow, then you can take a swing at a more “fresh” Golf with a mileage of 70-80 thousand. You will have to pay 270 thousand rubles for such a car.

Video test drive of Golf 4th generation

The 4th generation Volkswagen Golf was first presented to the public in 1997 as part of the In general, this car model is one of the most famous and has been produced at the facilities of the German concern for several decades. Today's article will focus specifically on the fourth generation Volkswagen Golf 4. Car review - later in our article.

Design

The appearance of the compact German hatchback has remained unchanged for years. And once again, Bavarian designers decided to follow a familiar path - without experiments and unnecessary innovations, they successfully refreshed the appearance of the car.

Interestingly, the Germans manage to modernize the design even with minimal changes and make it relevant for at least the next 5-6 years. The Volkswagen Golf 4 was no exception. Owner reviews also note the versatility of the car's appearance. Today it is a purely women's compact car, and tomorrow it will be transformed into a real men's sports car. At the same time, it is enough to equip the Golf with new wheels and a couple of aerodynamic body kits. To confirm this, we post photos for comparison.

It would seem that such different cars. But they were assembled on the same assembly line. So the Germans got it right with the design. Volkswagen Golf 4 is a kind of construction kit that anyone can transform to suit their own style and character.

By the way, the 5-door hatchback is not the only body version for the Golf. In 1999, Volkswagen developed two new modifications of the car: a station wagon and a 3-door hatchback. Thanks to this, the company has expanded its circle of customers by another order of magnitude. Now "Golf" is the big one spacious trunk, a small women’s runabout or a formidable sports “hatch” (by the way, in the German domestic market there were bodies for “Golf” of the “convertible” type). But for the most part, the Volkswagen Golf 4 was suitable for young people who like speed and compactness. The Volkswagen looked like a kind of small animal, a predator conquering night streets and wide highways.

Finally, we note the fact that the Golf’s body was entirely made of galvanized steel. And this meant that even under the most severe climatic conditions The car was 100 percent rust-proof. Until this point, German manufacturers only covered the metal body with a layer of galvanization. With the fourth generation of Foltz, it began to be made entirely of galvanized steel. To make sure that a hatchback is immune to corrosion, you just need to look at the condition of the car’s metal with your own eyes (fortunately, there are more than one generation of such Golfs left in Russia). Even since 1997, not a single car has yet become rusty, and this is without post-sale anti-corrosion treatment.

Reviews, dimensions and capacity

Volkswagen Golf 4 has quite standard dimensions for its “golf class”. The length of the car body is 4150 millimeters, width 1735 millimeters, height 1440 millimeters (for the Volkswagen Golf 4 hatchback). Reviews note that thanks to such a small size, the car can easily maneuver even in the narrowest streets. This is a big plus. But with there is small problems- say car owners. The total ground clearance of the car is 13 centimeters. As for the trunk volume, despite its small body, the hatchback can fit up to 330 liters of luggage (almost like some full-size sedans). When folded back row seat volume increased to a record 1180 liters. For the station wagon, this figure was 460 and 1470 liters, respectively. Judging by the reviews of car enthusiasts, the Golf station wagon could serve as a real cargo-passenger minivan, as it can accommodate up to 4 passengers and at the same time has one of the most voluminous trunks.

Volkswagen Golf 4 - photos and interior review

The environment inside the car is very cozy and ergonomic. The compact 4-spoke steering wheel fits comfortably in your hands, and on the center console there is a cassette recorder and control buttons for the heater and climate control. The front panel is not overloaded with unnecessary buttons; the instrument panel is very simple and easy to understand. By the way, here in the “base” there is already a black and white digital computer (like the one that was installed on the “ten” at one time). For its age, the car is quite bright and interesting salon. True, by today's standards it would seem very old.

In top trim levels, the Golf was lined with leather inside and equipped with electric heated mirrors and electric windows. True, there was one drawback in the cabin, which concerned the different levels of the gas and brake pedals. True, over time you quickly get used to this feature.

Volkswagen Golf 4 - technical specifications

The range of engines for the fourth generation Volkswagen Golf was more than diverse. In total, the buyer was asked to choose between five gasoline or three diesel units. The power range was also different. The weakest engine developed a power of 68 Horse power, the most powerful - up to 130 “horses”. A choice of gearboxes was also provided. In total, the Golf was supplied to the European market in 4 gearbox versions. Among them, it is worth noting two automatic (4 and five speeds), as well as two manual (5 and 6 gears) transmissions. As practice has shown, the service life of each of them is about 200 thousand kilometers. Only after this mileage does the gearbox undergo its first repair.

By the way, changing the oil in the transmission was also not often required. On a manual transmission the oil lasted up to 60 thousand kilometers, on an automatic transmission - up to 40 thousand kilometers. Relatively speaking, replacing the lubricant was required every 1.5-2 years. Mechanical boxes were equipped with very reliable system clutch, which also lasted 150-200 thousand miles without any problems.

Acceleration dynamics

A wide range of engines made it possible for each buyer to choose exactly the car that would best meet his requirements. Thus, the Golf with the weakest engine made a dash to “hundreds” in 18 seconds and accelerated the car to 169 kilometers per hour at maximum speed. A hatchback with a top-end 130-horsepower engine reached “hundreds” in just 10 seconds. At the same time, the “maximum speed” of 4 was 190 kilometers per hour.

Fuel consumption

It is worth noting that even the most powerful engine had low fuel consumption. On average, he spent about 8 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers. The most economical and low-power engine consumed no more than 6.5 liters per “hundred”.

Cost on the Russian market

Serial production of the 4th generation Volkswagen Golf was officially discontinued in 2004. Since the new year, it has been replaced by a newer hatchback, Volkswagen. Therefore, you can purchase the fourth Golf only on the secondary market.

Its average cost ranges from 6 to 10 thousand dollars. What is noteworthy is that even with its considerable age (10-17 years), this car is able to compete in terms of durability of parts and components even with the new Priora or Grante. What is most valued in a “German” is the body and engine - they are almost eternal and will serve until the needle on the odometer shows 1 million kilometers. And it’s not in vain that the Germans do the most quality cars in the world.

The seventh generation, Golf is a prime example of what is in demand by buyers mass machine. Only the first three generations of Volkswagen Golf sold 17 million cars worldwide, and already in 2002, 22 million Golfs found their owners. It was in honor of Golf that the C-class was named, Golf - class. The fourth generation of the Volkswagen Golf played an important role in increasing sales. In this review we will focus on the fourth Volkswagen Golf. Volkswagen Golf 4 was first demonstrated at car showroom in Frankfurt in 1997. Already from the third generation, Golf was officially sold in most CIS countries, but most of the cars that drive on CIS roads came to us from abroad. When choosing a used fourth-generation Golf, you should take into account that the car was assembled not only in Germany, but also in North America, Mexico, Asia, production was established even in South Africa; when purchasing, it is better to give preference to a European-assembled car.

Appearance and body:

The fourth generation Volkswagen Golf was the first Golf with a galvanized body. Like the body warranty, the warranty against perforation corrosion was 12 years, and the paint warranty was 3 years. Body gaps do not exceed 3.5mm, while for golf cars of those years the norm was 5mm gaps. The car is offered in three and five-door hatchback bodies; a station wagon was shown in 1999; a convertible was also produced based on the third generation, but it is almost impossible to see it in the CIS. It is also worth mentioning the BORA sedan, which was the name of the sedan created on the Golf platform.
Even in the minimum configuration, the bumpers and mirror housings were painted in body color. Already from the factory wheel arches Volkswagens were covered with plastic fender liners, which also has a very positive effect on corrosion protection. At external review body, you may find that the right side mirror is smaller than the left mirror. According to reviews from owners, there are reproaches towards the right mirror, because the mirror does not provide good visibility. Compared to the third generation, the fourth golf course is 130mm longer and 40mm wider. Most cars are equipped with tires measuring 175/80 R14 and 195/65 R15, but sports modifications such as the Golf V6 3.2 are equipped with tires measuring 225/40 R18.

Interior and equipment:

The basic equipment of the Volkswagen Golf 4 includes two airbags, adjustable steering wheel for reach and tilt, and the standard equipment of the Volkswagen Golf includes seat belt pretensioners.
Many cars are equipped with four airbags, air conditioning and electric windows and mirrors; there are even Golfs with a leather interior, climate control and servo drives for the front seats. The disadvantages include the fact that the brake and gas pedals are at different levels. Depending on the configuration, the rear seatbacks can be folded either entirely or in parts in a 60/40 ratio. The luggage compartment of the hatchback holds 330 liters, which at first glance does not seem like much, but even today this is the norm for the C-Class. The hatchback trunk can be increased to 1185 liters. The station wagon initially holds 460 liters; if desired, the trunk volume of the station wagon increases to 1470 liters. Regardless of the body type, the Golf trunk contains a full-size spare wheel.

Technical part and characteristics of Golf 4

Like other German cars, a wide range of power units was offered for the Volkswagen Golf. Some, but the most powerful engines were installed on the older model - the Volkswagen Passat B5. The least powerful gasoline engine of the Golf is a four-cylinder 1.4 with a sixteen-valve engine block head. The power of the 1.4 16v gasoline engine is 75 horsepower, even with such a not very powerful engine, with a five-speed manual, the Golf picks up a hundred kilometers in 13.5 seconds. It is worth emphasizing that 1.4 engines are found under the hood of the Volkswagen Golf somewhat less frequently than 1.6 gasoline engines. There are three 1.6 liter engines. The first one with an eight-valve cylinder head develops a power of 102 horsepower; on the highway, such an engine will allow you to reach a speed of 185 kilometers per hour, and to accelerate for a hundred kilometers, the Golf will need 10.9 seconds. More powerful motors 1.6 have a sixteen-valve cylinder head, power 1.6 16v 105 and 110 horsepower. The maximum speed of the Golf with 1.6 16v power units exceeds 190 kilometers per hour. So for fans of high-speed driving, it makes sense to buy a sixteen-valve Volkswagen Golf. There are also more powerful motors. The naturally aspirated 1.8 is equipped with five valves per cylinder and produces 125 horsepower. With a manual transmission, the Golf takes 9.9 seconds to reach one hundred kilometers per hour, the maximum speed is 201 km. The 1.8 engine can be equipped with a turbocharger, in which case its power, depending on the year of manufacture, is 150 and 180 horsepower. A one hundred eighty horsepower car reaches the coveted hundred in 8.5 seconds, and on the highway the hatchback is capable of reaching a speed of 222 km. Eight valve naturally aspirated gasoline unit 2.0 liter capacity produces 115 horsepower. The five-cylinder V5 is known from the Passat; depending on the year of manufacture, the power of the V5 2.3 is 150 and 170 horsepower. With the latest engine and manual transmission, the Golf is capable of reaching 224 kilometers per hour. The most prestigious Golfs are equipped with powerful six-cylinder engines with V-shaped cylinder placement. The 2.8-liter petrol V6 develops a power of 204 horsepower, this car is equipped with 4motion all-wheel drive and a six-speed manual. All-wheel drive is distributed using a Haldex viscous coupling. Thanks to the equipment described above, climbing one hundred kilometers takes only 7.1 seconds. The top one is the V6 with a volume of 3.2 liters and a power of 241 hp. This motor known for being installed even on the Phaeton executive sedan. Three latest engine: V5 2.3, V6 2.8 and V6 3.2 are equipped with a chain drive timing mechanism. All other Volkswagen engines have a timing belt drive.

All Volkswagen Golf 4 diesel engines have the same volume - 1.9 liters. The base one is a diesel engine with a power of 68 hp, this diesel engine is not equipped with turbocharging, acceleration to one hundred kilometers takes 17.2 seconds. The remaining Volkswagen Golf diesel engines have power: 90, 100, 110, 115, 130 and 150 horsepower. According to experts, the most reliable diesel is the 90-horsepower modification, so if you need reliability and a minimum of repairs, it makes sense to look at a diesel Golf with such an engine. More powerful Volkswagen diesel units may require repair of the injector pump (one costs $1,000) and fuel pump. On all engines, you should monitor the condition of the air filter, because a dirty filter will sooner or later lead to failure of the air flow meter sensor. The timing belt on gasoline engines should be replaced no later than 90,000, and on diesel engines even earlier - 60,000 (the mileage on the original timing belt is indicated; if a non-original one is used, the replacement should be made even earlier). For new owners of non-new diesel Golfs, it should not be a surprise that diesel engines love oil; it is advisable to check the oil level before each trip. The oil in diesel engines is changed at a mileage of 7,500 km; at a mileage of 10,000, the oil in a gasoline engine should be changed. Much attention should be paid to the turbocharged 1.8t engine. On this power unit, an individual coil is installed for each spark plug; unfortunately, for owners of cars with such engines, the coils fail from time to time. Every 30,000 in the 1.8t engine, the oil supply pipe to the turbine should be replaced, and at a mileage of 50,000 on the 1.8t, the pipes and crankcase ventilation valve should be replaced, and the oil receiver mesh should also be cleaned.

The Golf's standard equipment includes four-channel ABS. For Volkswagen Golf were offered automatic boxes with four and five stages, as well as mechanics with 5 and 6 stages. As time has shown, all boxes are quite reliable and, as a rule, they last 200,000 km before repair. The clutch on cars with a manual transmission usually lasts at least 150 thousand. The oil change in a manual transmission should be done once every 60,000 km, and in an automatic transmission once every 30 - 40 thousand.

Most Volkswagen Golfs are equipped with front-wheel drive; front-wheel drive cars have a McPherson-type suspension at the front and a semi-independent beam at the rear; all-wheel drive Golf modifications are equipped with a fully independent suspension.

The roll bar bushings on the Golf 4 last for 40 thousand, the steering rods last for 80 thousand, and with a mileage of 100,000 they will need replacement wheel bearings. With a mileage exceeding 150,000, the steering rack may leak. Front shock absorbers good quality live 40-50 thousand.

Some typical breakdown for this car is the failure of the electric windshield wiper motor. To prevent this from happening, once a year you should disassemble the windshield wiper drive and lubricate the trapezoid axles.

Let's pay attention to technical Volkswagen characteristics Golf 4 with 1.6 16v engine and five-speed manual transmission. Body - hatchback:

Specifications:

Engine: 1.6 petrol

Volume: 1598cc

Power: 110hp

Torque: 155N.M

Performance indicators:

Acceleration 0 -100km: 10.6s

Maximum speed: 194km

Average fuel consumption: 6.2l

Fuel tank capacity: 55L

Dimensions: 4149mm*1735mm*1444mm

Wheelbase: 2511mm

Curb weight: 1100kg

Ground clearance / Ground clearance: 130mm (170mm - bad road package)

Price

Today the price of Volkswagen Golf 4 is $6,000 - $10,000. The price of Volkswagen Golf 4 mainly depends on its technical condition.

The fourth generation of Golf didn’t take long to arrive. And this time to designers and engineers Volkswagen company again there is something to be proud of. Without any major changes, they managed to give the AW car a modern look.

First of all, unusual ones attract attention lighting devices. Hidden under a common glass cover are two big headlights low and high beam, as well as two small round indicators and a fog lamp.

Has changed noticeably rear end a car, the characteristic element of which is now the curved rear roof pillar, which turns into the wing. New sound-absorbing materials and new engine and exhaust system mounts were used. There are four equipment levels for the Golf: Trendline, Comfortline, Highline and GTI.

There are things that were not previously installed on AW vehicles of this class. For example, a rain sensor monitors the intensity of the windshield wipers. If desired, the client can install on the central console navigation system with liquid crystal display.

The list of standard equipment is impressive: ABS, front airbags for the driver and passenger, two side airbags in the back of the front seats, disc brakes on all wheels (front ventilated), power steering with variable ratio and steering force, height-adjustable seat driver, air dust filter in the ventilation system, head restraints in the rear seats, body-colored bumpers, radiator grille and outside rear-view mirrors.

While maintaining the overall proportions, the Golf IV has become larger. Its length increased to 4149 mm (+131 mm), width - to 1735 mm (+30 mm), and base - to 2511 mm (+39 mm).

The range of engines includes six petrol and three diesel engines with power from 68 to 180 hp. With.

Volkswagen Golf-IV-1.6. SCENE FOUR
Mikhail Gorbachev
Behind the wheel No. 12 1997

On October 10, Volkswagen dealers throughout Germany began selling the fourth generation Golf. From this day forward, getting one for a test drive has become easier than ever. Any potential buyer can, by pre-registering, spend a couple of hours behind the wheel of one of the VW demo variants and evaluate its advantages and note its shortcomings (which, according to most Germans, the beloved Golf cannot have).

This is what we did, turning to one of the Volkswagen dealers in Berlin, the EDWARD WINTER company. They kindly gave us the car despite the fact that all the demo time was tightly distributed for a long time in advance. The demand is enormous; the workers of the factories where the new product is assembled have already ordered 16 thousand cars, and the total number of people on the waiting list has long exceeded 50 thousand. About a thousand orders are received every day.

But is the new product so different from its predecessor? Externally, especially from the front, the similarity with the third generation model is great. Chief designer Mr. Hartmut Warkus explained it this way: we did not want to change the absolutely neutral social image of the Golf - it should be unmistakably recognizable in traffic. And yet, the “fourth” is a completely new AW car, and not just another modification of the previous development. It does not have a single detail from its predecessor.

The new Golf IV, whatever one may say, is an AW car of the twenty-first century. With this in mind, we go on a test drive with it. We open the door, and the first, but, as it turns out later, the last big disappointment awaits us. The upper corner of the door is not closed by anything and protrudes strongly to the side, and this can injure an inattentive driver or passenger. Let's take a look into the salon. According to the company, it has become more spacious, but at first glance this is not noticeable. The strong slope of the windshield provoked the designers to design a very massive front panel. As soon as the instrument lights came on, there was a whiff of something aviation-like. The symbols and numbers flashed with a deep blue light, the arrows flickered red, and large green direction indicators completed this unusual, but very expressive, almost festive illumination.

Purely mechanically (it’s twilight outside the window) we lower the sun visor and lift up the lid covering the mirror on it. Immediately a light flashes in the ceiling, directed at the mirror. And this happens not only for the passenger, but also for the driver! More recently, such sweet little things were found only on high-class AW cars. In the center, between the visors, there are two lamps with a focused light for reading the map and two switches - again for the driver and passenger. Between them is a lampshade for interior lighting. All these seem to be not so significant details, but they immediately catch the eye, as if telling the buyer: you are dealing with a completely new Golf.

Noteworthy is the quality of finishing of all interior elements. I really want to touch everything with my hands: it’s so well made! When driving on paving stones, the interior is asleep: there is complete silence in it.

The driver's seat is close to ideal. It is comfortable, holds the body well, and is moderately rigid. I liked its stepless height adjustment using a special lever (located on the left), by moving it up and down you raise or lower the seat. For a person of average height, with the seat raised as high as possible, there is enough space between the head and the ceiling. The rear seats are equipped with head restraints.
The steering wheel fits well in the hand and pleases the eye with its pleasant shape. The steering column is height adjustable - and this is also standard equipment. The shift lever is placed exactly where you would want to find it. The gears are switched on with exemplary precision. From the very first meters you can exclaim: “What a light steering wheel!” This is thanks to the hydraulic booster, which is installed on all new Golfs.

The body, according to the manufacturer, is very durable thanks to the use of new laser block welding technology. In addition, it is completely galvanized and painted with water-soluble environmentally friendly enamel. For the first time in the history of the global AW automotive industry, it is guaranteed against corrosion for 12 years. This means an increase in actual service life to 18 or even 20 years. How many times during this time will you have to change the electronics, motor, etc.? And in general: will the owners of such a wonderful AW car want to exchange it for a new Golf-V when it is born? Let's leave the answers to these questions to the company's specialists, let them rack their brains themselves. It’s better to try how an AW car behaves in action.

We accelerate on the AW toban to maximum speed. The engine (1.6 liters) cheerfully cranks out 6200 rpm according to the tachometer in each gear until the limiter is triggered. In fourth gear it is possible to accelerate to 168 km/h. Let's turn on the fifth. The revolutions drop by about 800, and the sound of the engine becomes muffled. A sharp press on the pedal - and the Golf, to your surprise, obediently picks up speed further. The speedometer shows 188 km/h. Not bad at all for a small car!

Sorry, I misspoke. We are driving an AW car, rather a middle class one in a smaller format. Its comfort, finish and road behavior correspond to the sensations and perceptions that, more recently, were more associated with high-end AW cars. This is probably what the average AW owner (European, of course) has always wanted. But it was not only love for customers that forced Volkswagen engineers to give it their all. Thus, they also gave a powerful rebuff to competitors, the same Mercedes, which invaded foreign territory with its A-Class.

We continue driving in fifth gear, reducing speed. In the range from 100 to 160 km/h the car accelerates quite briskly, the engine is almost inaudible. Noise insulation is at the level.

On high speed It’s worth remembering about the brakes. When braking sharply, you can hardly hear the ABS operating, and the pedal does not tremble, and the front wheels whistle slightly, slipping a little. By the way, on the new Golf, ABS is also standard equipment. Safety features such as driver and passenger airbags and two more side airbags mounted in the backs of the front seats have also become standard. In the event of an AW accident, the front seat belts automatically tighten, picking up the slack, and the likelihood of a rear-end collision is reduced by a high-mounted brake light repeater.

Our trip is over, but before we leave the AW car, let's look at some more little things. Above the receiver there is an oblong key with a “cup” symbol. When you press it, a stand with a lock for two cans or bottles extends. The same thing, in a block with an ashtray, is provided for rear passengers. This is purely American. The gas tank cap opens from the passenger compartment by pressing a button with a gas station symbol - this is already in the Japanese style.

In conclusion, I would like to recall the words that are often found in German AW vehicle publications and advertising brochures when talking about new AW vehicles. Their meaning is that the buyer will receive “more AW car for his money.” This fully applies to Golf, especially since basic version there are only two thousand of it German marks more expensive than its predecessor.

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF IV HEIRS TO THE DYNASTY
Yuri Nechetov
Behind the wheel No. 1 1998

The fourth generation of Volkswagen Golf debuted in the fall of 1997 in Frankfurt. The five-door hatchback was launched into production in September, and this year an AW car with a three-door body should roll off the assembly line. Five trim levels: “basic”, “trendline”, “comfortline”, “highline” and GTI. The range of engines includes petrol engines with a displacement of 1.4; 1.6; 1.8 (with and without turbocharging) and 2.3 liters or three variants (including two turbocharged) 1.9-liter diesel engines. Transmission - five-speed manual or four-speed AW automatic (only with 1.6; 1.8; 2.3; 1.9 TDI engines).

CANONIZED DURING LIFE
The great success of the Volkswagen Golf, which appeared in the summer of 1974, opened a new stage of competition in the class of compact AW cars. After the name of the leader, they began to almost officially be called the “golf class”. In 1983, the Golf II was released, confirming the brand's claims to legislation in the class. Eight years later, in 1991, Golf III debuted - and was also received with a bang, becoming a bestseller. And in just 23 years, more than 17 million Golfs of three generations have been produced. In 1995 and 1996 "Volkswagen Golf III" is the leader in terms of sales in Europe. In 1997, FIAT-Punto took the lead. But in Wolfsburg they were ready for this: “The king is dead! Long live the king!” Long live the Volkswagen Golf IV! In the first days after the premiere alone, more than 60 thousand orders were accepted, so demand is outpacing supply. Four factories - in Wolfsburg, Brussels, Moselle and Bratislava - will produce about a million cars a year. But “Vagen” production facilities, which are still making the “third” model, are also in Mexico, Asian countries, South Africa...

According to tradition, the hatchback will be followed by the Vento sedan, the Variant station wagon, the Futura single-volume car, and also, probably, a convertible and a new coupe.
By limiting the number of base platforms, the concern created the Golf IV on the same A platform as the Audi A3 and Skoda Octavia; a little later a new SEAT-Toledo will be built on it. Other elements were also unified, including interior details. All this allowed the Golf, which had grown compared to the previous model, to cost about 3 thousand marks less than it. However, if 20 years ago the average German worker could buy a Golf I for 6.4 months' salary, for a Golf IV he would have to pay 10.2.

Our test was carried out by an AW car with a 1.6-liter engine in the “comfortline” version.
The first look at the new car gives the feeling that it stands more confidently on the ground. This is no coincidence: it has grown by 36 mm wheelbase, at 33 and 34 mm - track front and rear. But the main thing is that the wheels have become larger: now, instead of the usual 175/70R13, at least 175/80R14 are installed. For our potholes, an 80 percent profile is what we need.

The build quality of the body commands respect - not every higher-class car can boast of uniform gaps of 3.5 mm. The front door openings are noticeably constrained by the protruding sides of the instrument panel, while the rear opening is strongly compressed by the wheel arch. Luggage compartment managed to make it without arches protruding inward, with an almost regular cubic shape, by placing the suspension springs under the floor.

It is convenient to adjust the length of the column and the height of the steering wheel, but even in top position it almost touches the driver's feet. Pedals - on different heights, because of this, you make unnecessary movement when moving your foot from the accelerator to the brake. The clutch “grabs” almost at the very end of the stroke, making you doubt at first whether the gear is engaged. The shift lever is conveniently located, but its moves are too large, and there is no clearly defined fixation. Perhaps that’s why you sometimes engage third gear instead of first gear. At night, the Golf's interior resembles an airplane cockpit - many red lights are scattered in front, on the left side of the doors, on the center console, and even on the passenger doors. On the instrument panel there are blue scales and scarlet arrows that attract the eye.

Connecting an audio signal through the ignition (this is done on the Golf) is not common. Question to the creators of "Golf": why? So that children left in the car do not play around and scare passers-by? Let's say. Well, how can you signal a dangerously maneuvering truck from a parked car?

By the way, the ignition switch is located in such a way that it forces the driver to lean forward to the right. And to turn the key, you need to turn your hand all the way.
The review from the new Golf is not bad, but it has its own characteristics. Traditionally, massive rear pillars and second-row headrests make you look at the outside mirrors more often.

When you turn the key, the 1.6-liter engine responds with a slightly harsh “diesel” sound. Slightly less sharp than its predecessor, the steering with variable power steering is as “light” as possible when parking, but noticeably “heavier” with increasing speed, providing good reactive action. During fast maneuvering - for example, high-speed passage of a “snake” - a very dangerous effect is observed: when the wheels are turned out, the steering wheel “bites”. That is, to return it to the middle position, you need to apply more force than the one with which you entered the turn. The driver does not expect a sharp increase in resistance - because of this, his hands simply fall off the steering wheel and the car becomes uncontrollable for a moment. This is probably due to high-profile wheels with large lateral slip.

Defects in the road surface are felt quite clearly on the steering wheel, and larger waves in a turn lead to yaw and “repositioning” the car to a larger radius. This is largely explained by the non-energy-intensive suspension, which on an empty AW car sometimes taps from the rear, hanging all the way. When fully loaded, it is prone to “breakdowns”, and the machine itself is prone to longitudinal rocking. On a good, smooth surface, the Golf behaves quite decently.

The motor has excellent “low-end” and confidently takes the load even at the most low revs. Large torque allows you to accelerate from 40 km/h already in fifth gear.

The brakes on the Golf are good - clear, informative, with easily controlled deceleration. And what’s great is that ABS does not at all reduce their efficiency, as often happens on other cars: before the wheels lock, you still have to brake and brake, but they are already “grunting” with all their might, “pulling” the pedal from under your foot. Here, the wheels are already beginning to squeal, threatening to skid, and only then is a characteristic trembling felt on the brake pedal: not a moment earlier, not a moment later.

The windshield washer produces not a couple of usual streams, but a “fine rain”. The bad thing is that at speeds of under a hundred, this entire “shower” is pressed by the air flow against the bottom of the glass, leaving the top dry.

The new Golf is more spacious than its predecessor, however, it can be considered a five-seater only with the caveat that the average height and weight of five passengers should not exceed 180 cm and 80 kg, respectively. There will be room for two people in the back, although their knees will still rest on the backs of the front seats. The three of us are simply cramped here, especially in the shoulders. If the front passenger is of “serious” dimensions or simply moved back all the way, then the rear one will have a hard time - neither breathe nor... sneeze.

The salon looks "beyond its rank" and is rich. The attention to detail is evident: rubber troughs in all drawers and pockets, microlifts smoothly return the handles above the doors to their place, the power window switches are illuminated. However, something causes annoyance: the front panel creaks a little, something rattles in the area of ​​the rear doors.

The 1.6-liter Golf consumes 91 unleaded gasoline. The gas tank flap opens from the passenger compartment with a button, but you won’t immediately guess which side to hang the plug with a special slot on it. The fuse box is located on the left side of the front panel and is only accessible when the door is open. Block power fuses It also runs on a battery. Under the trunk floor is a full-size spare tire, a jack and several keys.

Plastic fender liners are installed in the wheel arches, the front part of the engine compartment is covered from below with a plastic screen, but only from splashes. Therefore, the low-mounted aluminum engine crankcase will have to be protected additionally.

SUMMARY
"Volkswagen Golf IV" is a compact but "muscular" AW car that can easily withstand road surface defects (but nothing more). A car for a well-earning, energetic, probably young man who likes to drive in an active style on occasion, but does not fancy himself a champion, is not burdened big family and economic concerns.

PRESS ABOUT "GOLF IV"
The magazine "Auto, Motor und Sport" (Germany) gave the new Golf an overall "four", praising its good brakes, attractive price, 12-year warranty on a well-made body, functional design, high level noise, effective ventilation, acceptable suspension energy consumption, light grip, confident cornering, precise handling and a wealth of safety features. Didn't like it high consumption fuel, only one year of general warranty, inconvenient adjustment of the front seats, the car's reaction to rough bumps, stiffness of the suspension when partially loaded, outside mirrors of unequal sizes, prone to contamination.

The comments of the Auto Zeitung journalists differed only in small details. They noted the pleasure of driving, ease of maintenance, a large list of additional equipment, and a high ceiling. The workmanship was described as "outstanding." Among the shortcomings are limited legroom for rear passengers, the paucity of basic equipment, poor rear visibility, and a relatively small trunk. But they took the assessment of fuel efficiency seriously here: two diesel Golfs, the third and the fourth, were sent on a 7,238 km run from Cologne to the North Cape and back. As a result, the “old” Golf consumed an average of 5.96 l/100 km, and the “new” one - 6.26 l/100 km. So the claims about the efficiency of the new AW car are not unfounded.

Verdict "Auto Strassen Ferker" - middle-class comfort in a compact form. And the English weekly "Otokar" even called its material about the new "Golf" - "The King from Wolfsburg."

RESULTS OF EXPERT ASSESSMENT OF THE CAR
BODY 20
+ High quality manufacturing and painting, twelve-year warranty against corrosion, high level of equipment with passive safety equipment.
- Low ground clearance, front panel sides and rear wheel arches protruding strongly into the doorways, sharp upper edges of the doors.

WORKPLACE 19.5
+ Comfortable seat with clear height adjustment, steering wheel adjustment for height and column length, plenty of additional service functions, well readable instrument panel.
- Inconvenient adjustment of the backrest angle, unequal pedal heights, connection of the sound signal through the ignition switch, limited visibility to the rear through the interior mirror.

MOVEMENT 19
+ Driving pleasure, excellent elastic motor, good brakes and ABS.
- “Bite” of the steering, hanging out of the rear wheel in a turn, unclear gear shifting.

COMFORT 19.5
+ High ceiling, excellent quality interior trim, highly efficient ventilation with dust filter, extensive list of additional equipment.
- Cramped rear interior, low-energy suspension, power windows connected via the ignition switch.

SERVICE 20.5
+ “91” gasoline, large high-profile wheels that are not critical to the quality of the road surface, a full-size spare tire, good service availability.
- Inadmissibility of refueling with leaded gasoline, lack of protection under the engine compartment.

Source: WWW.ZR.RU - AW automobile magazine "Behind the wheel"

Test drive Volkswagen Golf V6 4Motion

About 25 years ago, the coolest Golf with a 1.6 GTI engine weighed only 845 kg and had 110 hp. The new V6 4Motion has a 2.8-liter engine with a power of 204 hp. With. And the car has become significantly heavier - up to 1401 kg. She now has all-wheel drive, a 6-speed gearbox, ESP system, prevents skidding, air conditioning, 6-disc CD changer, rain-sensing wipers, and the price is higher than for any other Golf. High price makes it an equal competitor to the Subaru Impreza Turbo, not to mention the Peugeot 306 GTi-6 - which was previously the most the best hatchback of all that exist.

The V6 4Motion is a logical continuation of the Golf VR6, which was discontinued three years ago.

Refinement of the engine (V6 is the former VR6) made it possible to increase power by 30 hp, and the Haldex all-wheel drive system is the same as that of the Audi A3 and TT. All-wheel drive transmission 4MOTION increases the cross-country ability of an AW vehicle.

The rear suspension has also undergone some changes - it has become somewhat stiffer, with coil springs and a roll bar, making the Golf the perfect car for lovers of sports driving.

New chassis and steering with greater gear ratio provide confident control when cornering. The reach and inclination of the steering column, the longitudinal position and the height of the left front seat can be adjusted, precisely adjusting them to the height of the driver.

Optionally, you can order a satellite navigation system, leather interior, Gamma audio system with 8 speakers and xenon headlights.

Inside, the owner will be pleasantly pleased with such little things as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a center console, doors and a gearshift lever trimmed in walnut; AW automatically dimming rear view mirror, convenient cup holders and pockets for various things, ergonomic, very convenient sports seats, optimal arrangement of instruments, which allows the driver not to be distracted from the road. By the way, the devices are illuminated in blue, which looks beautiful and unusual. In addition, it is necessary to note such advantages of the AW car as heated side mirrors and an electric drive for adjusting them, as well as a glass sunroof with electric drive.

As for the ride quality, the car accelerates beautifully and literally rushes forward like a stagnant stallion. ESP, which prevents skidding, and traction control help drive the car. ABS system. Of course, due to the sports suspension, driving on bad roads will be very noticeable, but you have to sacrifice something... and on a good road the Golf will not meet equals in its class.

But inside the cabin at any speed it will be very quiet, since the body panels are made of solid stamped sheets.

Standard equipment includes driver and passenger airbags, side airbags, and three point belt security available as an option.

In general, if adrenaline is more important to you than comfort, and an AW car is not a means of transportation for you, but a means of getting pleasure, then the Golf is for you.

http://www.autonews.ru/

Volkswagen Golf test. "GOLF" AND "WOLF"
Anatoly FOMIN
Driving No. 5 2000

The powerful Golf GTI is a real wolf in lamb's clothing. The first “burger-athlete” started in 1979 so successfully that since then every new generation of “golfs” has certainly acquired the GTI modification. The Volkswagen Golf IV was no exception.

Over the years, the AW car became larger, more powerful and heavier, and although the technical characteristics figures eloquently convinced that new car faster and better than before, something not perceptible with instruments was leaving.

The fourth generation Volkswagen Golf GTI was the first GTI to receive a turbocharged engine. The prefix “turbo” is for the average person a symbol of difficult-to-control, hurricane-force power, but this is not the case here. The 1.8T engine with five valves per cylinder develops 110 kW/150 hp. s., but he has no trace of a fighting character. The task of a turbocharger is fundamentally different - to provide uniformly high torque throughout the entire speed range.

But the Golf GTI, presented to us for acquaintance, turned out to be a little different. The German tuning company Wolf worked on the car, as a result of which the standard muffler gave way to an impressive stainless steel structure from Remus, and the standard engine control program was replaced with a special one that allows increasing the boost pressure and fuel supply. As a result, the power was increased to 154 kW/209 hp. s.. There were no other changes in the car, even the air cooling radiator was standard.

The result is visible to the naked eye. After 2500 rpm, the tachometer needle covers the gap to the red line in one jump, although even from 1500 rpm the engine quite confidently accelerates the AW car. Even lower, supercharged engines “do not live,” even with an adjustable turbine.

Without a doubt, the increased torque does its job - with a sharp start, dozens of newton meters perish in the smoke from the low-profile Michelin-Pilot NX tires rotating on the spot, although at higher speeds they bring tangible benefits. Unfortunately, we did not have the opportunity to measure which one.

The characteristics of the Golf's suspension and tires are selected in such a way that they provide it with a very high level of comfort and safety. You can do whatever you want on dry asphalt, and only after the rudest provocations of the AW does the car briefly hang in a deep skid, as if asking the driver: “Man, what are you doing?” This emphasis on active safety not very happy about race track"Khodynka", but on the road it is the best guarantee against unnecessary adventures. The downside of the suspension is low energy intensity. The slightest pothole causes the shock absorbers to work all the way.
And yet, the Golf remained a Golf - a solid and safe car. An impeccably assembled interior with black leather Recaro seats works for prestige, and two hundred “horses” under the hood are the best answer to the question of how to overtake that truck over there. Add here climate control, a good audio system, heated seats and a price of 26 thousand dollars, combined with the appearance of the most popular AW car in Europe - you will get the answer to all your questions.

SUMMARY
If the regular Volkswagen Golf GTI seems a little bland, order yourself a spicier “dish.” For example, "Golf" from "Wolf".

Source: WWW.ZR.RU - AW automobile magazine "Behind the wheel"

Who do you prefer to live together? Beautiful, smart, with excellent manners, but high expectations, or modest, quiet, but very reliable? We are talking about used Volkswagen Golf Mk IV vs. Opel Astra G.

Golf 4 appeared on the market in 1997. The model, compared to its predecessor Golf 3, is evolutionary. There were no fundamental changes in design, and, by and large, in technology too. But this did not stop the car from being successfully sold around the world.
Opel Astra is a big step forward for the company. Absolutely new design, which has nothing in common with the previous Astra, and most importantly - a 12-year warranty against through body corrosion.

Both cars sold well in Russia, so the number of “our” copies on the market is quite large.

The Golf was produced in three- to five-door hatchback and station wagon versions. Warranty against through body corrosion – 12 years. For paintwork – 3 years. These deadlines are quite realistic, and there are no problems with the body. On some machines, water flows into tail lights, but the problem can be easily dealt with with a tube of sealant and skillful hands. The Golf's interior looks very luxurious for a small car. No one has yet surpassed the quality of fit of the panels and the materials used. You can play the game "find 10 differences from the VW Passat." Difference number 1 is the cramped rear seat. Despite the assurances of the designers, sitting there is worse than in its predecessor. Not enough legroom, cramped shoulders... Even the VW Polo is more “friendly” to rear passengers!

Visibility is good, but right mirror was created at the request of "substitutes" on the roads. It is small, and it is almost impossible to see the obstacle on the starboard side. The undoubted advantage of the Golf is its equipment. Buyers both here and in Europe rarely ordered basic Golfs. Climate control and all kinds of heating are the norm rather than the exception. And at night, VW pleases with stylish blue-red instrument panel lighting. What can be broken inside? The cup holder and rear ashtray rarely last more than a year; during inspection, it doesn’t hurt to check their operation. Same as serviceability door locks. They often “glitch”, and branded service stations only fix them by replacing them ($70 for a lock, $45 for a replacement). The Golf suffers from the fact that the filter in the ventilation system is too good. It needs to be changed ($50 filter, $10 replacement) twice a year, in autumn and late spring. One Russian summer clogs it completely, and instead of a powerful hurricane, miserable breezes blow through the deflectors. Window and headlight washers are not long-lived. The axles of the levers in the windshield wiper mechanism become sour, which leads to damage to the electric motor or drive parts. To prevent disaster, it is better to disassemble and lubricate the mechanism once a year. A couple of years ago, gray dealers imported a batch of cars intended for the Turkish market. It is better to avoid them and check the VIN code of the body before purchasing. It can be used to determine for which importer the AW vehicle was manufactured.

With the Astra model, Opel for the first time gave a worthy response to the VAG concern. Same 12 year warranty against perforation corrosion and 3 years on paint. And the same confidence in fulfilling these standards. Even the oldest cars do not show signs of corrosion. It's not just a matter of galvanizing the body. Opel rarely rots on the outside, they usually rust on the inside and along the welds. Astra G has it all hidden cavities At the factory they are treated with anti-corrosion agent, and the welds are carefully sealed. If the car does not get into a serious accident, it will live for 20-25 years before being written off as scrap.

The Astra's interior is also good, but after the Golf it is not impressive. There is no chic in it, no shine in the little things. And the finishing materials are inexpensive. In addition, over time, in some machines a genetic code called a “rattle” makes itself known. Not a Kadett, of course, the Golfs will be quieter. But the back seat of the Opel is much more comfortable. There is more space there, and two people will not dream of any Vectra and Omega.

The Golf 4 engine range has little in common with the Golf 3. Base engine- an aluminum 1.4-liter, but the most popular has a volume of 1.6 liters. Most of these cars are like this. Much less with 1.8 and 2.0 engines. The “five” 2.3 and the “six” 2.8 are exotic, but there are a lot of diesel engines. On cars of this class, VW diesels are the best in the world. And this conviction cannot be spoiled by any Russian diesel fuel.

There are no problems with gasoline engines. If you don’t replace the air filter in time ($25 for filter, $10 for labor), there is a chance to get acquainted with the price of an air flow sensor ($300). The lambda probe ($245 – part, $20 – labor) and spark plugs ($45 – kit, $25 – labor) suffer from our gasoline.

The 1.8T engine is close to replacing the turbine in 50% of cases ($1400 – part, $165 – labor). The pleasure is not cheap, so when diagnosing Special attention should be given to this node. If the machine is less than three years old, the manufacturer pays the full cost of the part. This gift is called post-warranty support and is valid at all branded service stations.

It is recommended to change the oil for gasoline engines every 15,000 km, and the timing belt ($140 for belt and rollers, $110 for labor) – every 90,000 km. It is better not to reach this deadline, but to replace it a little earlier. There have been troubles in the form of valves “kissing” pistons, and it’s not worth repeating other people’s mistakes. Engines 2.3 and 2.8 have chain drive camshafts.

Diesel engines are only 1.9-liter, but there are plenty of power options. The basic atmospheric engine develops 68 hp. With. It does not have a turbine, the degree of boost is low, so it is not as picky about the quality of fuel and oil as its powerful brothers. VW turbodiesels are fantastic units in terms of acceleration dynamics and fuel efficiency. However, they need to be monitored. Checking the oil level daily is mandatory. Motors do not complain of a lack of oil appetite even in infancy, and topping up between maintenance is not a sign of a “tired” unit. Fuel filter($25 – filter, $10 – labor) is changed every 30,000 km, but it can and should be done earlier. It makes sense to change the air filter ($30, replacement $10) every 10,000 km. Otherwise, you will need to replace the air flow sensor ($300 sensor +30$ labor). Any VW turbodiesel is critical to the quality of oil and fuel. And don't forget about the timing of oil changes!!! In our conditions, the manufacturer recommends doing this every 7,500 km. For comparison, in Europe “oil maintenance” is sometimes extended to 50,000 km. Our measly 7,500 km indicate that there is too little fuel in our sulfur at gas stations.

A separate topic is “fresh” diesel engines with pump injectors. For them there is a special approval for oil quality, and it would not hurt to introduce one for fuel. One pump injector costs about $1000. Conclusion: refuel only at “targeted” gas stations and keep receipts. Typically the TDI from Europe gets crazy mileage. 300,000 km for a three-year-old car is a matter of course. Gearboxes on VW Golf are the simplest. Either a manual transmission or the usual AW tomato. At the end of the day, a 6-speed manual was installed on the car. They do not have any typical malfunctions, only on the 1.6-liter engine the manual gearbox sometimes fails. Symptoms: increased noise, vibration.

The sweetest part of all descriptions of used cars is the suspension. The music of broken ball joints and silent blocks on our roads will be eternal. But there's not much to talk about regarding the Golf and Astra. It's all about design schemes and materials. There are no fancy multi-links or aluminum. The usual steel, McPherson at the front, beam at the rear.

The Golf-based sedan has a proper name: Bora. Original optics and nuances of equipment “separate” both cars into different classes. The Bora is not just a Golf with a trunk. The Bora is a standalone small sedan with very big ambitions. Therefore, its interior trim is richer and it is better equipped.

There is a Bora station wagon. A rarity on the market: most buyers could not see the difference between the Bora Variant and the Golf Variant. There were few people willing to overpay for nameplates.

All-wheel drive is a long-standing and very good tradition VW. Instead of a viscous coupling, the Golf 4 used Haldex coupling With electronically controlled. This did not make the Golf 4Motion drive like the Subaru Impreza, but it made the reactions more predictable. There is no need to be afraid of the all-wheel drive system. Much more important is that rear suspension on all-wheel drive versions it is independent and has nothing in common with the usual design. Spare parts for it are more expensive, and there will be problems finding them.

The Golf GTI is another, no less successful VW tradition. GTI cars are distinguished by sports suspension, seats and decorative details. The car drives and looks great.

But the fastest Golf is the Golf R32. V6 3.2, 240 hp Behind these reductions lies 250 km/h and 6.5 seconds. up to 100 km/h. The “gun” from which VW fired towards the Alfa GTA and other “charged” ones... There was another athlete. The one at the gas station is in the same row with the trucks. 150 hp from diesel 1896 cm3 - only VW achieved this.

Choosing a used AW car is always like a horse race. You can bet on a proven leader, but the winnings will be small. Or you can take a risk, bet on a dark horse and win a fortune. The Astra G is the dark horse that brought Opel to victory. Previous model was no worse than the VW Golf. The only problem was in the body: it rusted quickly. Astra G is no worse than VW Golf 4. And it does not rust. Any questions? Yes, I have. The high quality of the Astra G is known not only to a narrow circle of Opel station workers. Therefore, it costs not much less than the Golf. Taking this factor into account, a clear picture emerges. If you need a solid European AW car with a spacious interior and trunk, inexpensive to maintain and durable in operation, this is the Astra G. Especially with the 8-valve 1.6-liter engine. In addition, prices for original spare parts and service stations for Opel are lower than for VW.

When the requirements for an AW vehicle are higher (powerful engine, high-quality interior trim) and the comfort of the rear passengers is not very important - this is a Golf. By the way, climate control was not installed on the Opel Astra, only mechanical air conditioning. For some this will be a big minus.

As for diesel engines, the choice is similar. The Astra G with a 1.7-liter turbodiesel acts as an unpretentious workhorse. Golf TDI - as a street racer. Keep in mind that the running costs of a powerful TDI are higher.

Of all the cars that are on the market, it is better to choose those purchased at the time from official dealers in Russia. In most cases, they have the same mileage, and the suspension is adapted.

And finally, about choosing a class. If someone is tormented by: Golf/Passat or Astra/Vectra, feel free to take the “younger” ones. They are simpler in design and cause much less hassle in operation.
Happy shopping!

Text: Dmitry Novitsky, Dmitry Perlin
http://www.kolesa.ru/

Volkswagen Golf. DEMANDING "GOLF"
Anatoly Sukhov
Behind the wheel No. 7 2002

"Golf" captivates with its versatility. On the one hand, there is an elegant women's toy, with a comfortable fit, light steering wheel and pedals. On the other hand, there are charged versions of the GTi: powerful engines in a lightweight car turn it into a projectile on wheels. The small, nimble Golf is good for tight city streets, and it handles confidently on the highway. Thanks to the short wheelbase and small overhangs, it will overcome not very broken country roads. And the large rear door coupled with folding rear seats will allow you to use it as a furniture van. The only but significant minus is the price. A new AW car costs from 15 to 22 thousand dollars. For that kind of money, the buyer can count on quality that is significantly above average. He won't be wrong about that. Evidence of this is four years of experience in operating the machines, which is discussed below.

ENGINES
There is a whole range of them, both petrol and diesel, with and without turbocharging. The most common are in-line naturally aspirated gasoline “fours” with a displacement of 1.6 and 1.8 liters, a little less - 1.4- and 2-liter. Powerful V6 (2.8L), V5 (2.3L) and 1.8-turbo (on the GTi version) are even rarer. All diesel engines have a displacement of 1.9 liters, the vast majority are turbocharged and direct fuel injection (TDi index). The variable inclination of the turbine blades adds 90 hp to the supercharged ones. another 20 - 25. The engines, even diesel ones, operate surprisingly quietly - you can hardly hear them in the cabin.

There are few refusals. The engine has 1.6 liters, 101 hp. I had problems starting in cold weather. They were resolved in 1999 with the advent of a new control unit. When replacing injectors, experts recommend ordering special ones designed for “gasoline with impurities” - with them the engine operates more reliably. It is very rare for a timing belt to break or have its teeth cut off. And yet, it’s better to play it safe - replace the belt after 80 thousand kilometers, without waiting for the 120 prescribed in the instructions. At the same time, be sure to pay attention to the tension roller: if there is play or noise in the bearing, change it together with the belt.

Turbodiesels cause almost no trouble, starting easily even on frosty days. In terms of acceleration dynamics, they are only slightly inferior to gasoline ones, but they consume one and a half to two times less fuel, and diesel fuel is significantly cheaper than gasoline. So, during intensive use, it makes sense to overpay for diesel - it will quickly pay for itself. However, the refueling must be checked: “left”, especially diesel fuel with water, will quickly ruin the fuel equipment.

Motors 90 and 110 hp. the first releases suffered from an increased appetite for oil. Now everything is normal, but if moderate oil consumption begins to increase before our eyes, this is a reason to listen to the turbine bearing and have it diagnosed at a service center. To extend the life of the turbine, do not turn off the engine immediately after “breathtaking”, let it run for at least a minute idle speed- the turbocharger parts must cool down. This unit is also demanding on the quality of oil - it happened that after adding just a liter of oil purchased on the road, the engine seized up without traveling even hundreds of kilometers. It happens that the oil line becomes coked, and if the engine parts are covered with a dark coating, clean it. These recommendations are also valid for turbocharged gasoline engines.

The engine sump is made of aluminum, so if you happen to run over a stone, it will definitely crack. The factory plastic protection only protects against dirt and small stones. The stores sell steel ones, but not all are suitable for fastenings. In addition, when you try to unscrew rusted bolts, they often break, and it is not always possible to cut new threads. With this in mind, make sure that when installing, the threads are coated with anti-corrosion agent.

TRANSMISSION, STEERING, BRAKES, SUSPENSION
Gearboxes - both mechanical and "AW tomatoes" - do not present any surprises. The CV joints and wheel bearings are reliable. But the steering sometimes causes trouble: the rack begins to leak, and the efficiency of the power steering decreases. The defect does not depend on the mileage: on most cars, the rack lasts 100 thousand or more kilometers without problems, but it can “shed” even after 20. The cause of play and knocking in the steering can be loose internal steering rod joints. There is only one treatment for diseases - replacing parts.

After winter operation, inspect the brake line connections. Salt water sometimes gnaws right through aluminum gaskets. You can replace them with copper ones of suitable diameter. Otherwise brake system reliable.
The suspension of AW vehicles with the “Russian package” is significantly strengthened and, in general, lasts 100 thousand km without complications. The weak point is the anti-roll bar struts: their service life is one and a half to two times lower - 40-50 thousand km.

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, BODY
Often the cause of failure of expensive electrical equipment is inept operation or untimely maintenance. Thus, soured axles of the windshield wiper arms can damage the electric motor or drive parts (the Skoda Octavia also suffers from the same disease). Therefore, once a year it is worth lubricating the axles by disassembling the drive.

If, when closing, the door glass warps in the opening and does not fall into place, most likely its plastic guides are broken or cracked. As a rule, this happens when you try to lower a frozen window by turning on the power window. And you have to replace the entire assembly... or adjust the glass by hand each time. Sometimes it does not close at all - the hand trap protection is triggered. If there is no misalignment, to restore normal operation of the unit, it is often enough to lubricate the guides with silicone. On the first production models, the electric window motors themselves also failed.

Sometimes incorrect alarm installation also brings surprises. Outwardly, it may work normally, but error codes will appear in the engine control unit.
There are no complaints about the body, although the wear resistance of the enamel could be better. There are no rotten Golf IVs yet, and no wonder - only four years have passed since the start of production, and the manufacturer, without skimping on full galvanization, gives a 12-year guarantee against through corrosion.

RESULT
This Volkswagen, having thoroughly ruined the owner at first, is much more careful with his wallet in the future, unless he decides to save on maintenance and spare parts. But how much should you rate driving pleasure, comfort, and a well-thought-out security system? However, there are also used AW cars. Today, a Golf IV with a mileage of 60-80 thousand km costs 10-12 thousand dollars in Moscow. It can become a bargain - the price has already dropped significantly, and the resource has barely begun to be used up. As a rule, you can drive such a car for two or three years without investing a lot of money in maintenance and repairs, and then sell it without losing much.

Here are the impressions of the owners themselves:
I bought a Golf IV (1.6 liter engine) a few months ago. Small dimensions and a light steering wheel are very helpful when parking. The interior is spacious and has plenty of space for small items. I drive fast, but my fuel consumption is surprisingly low - 7-8 liters per “hundred”. On the highway you don’t feel any speed at all, but overtaking is easy and pleasant, you don’t even have to change gear - just press the gas. The stiff suspension is perhaps the only drawback of this car.
ZHANNA, MOSCOW

A few months after purchasing my Golf, half of the plastic parts in the interior broke: the rear cup holder, the rear ashtray, the seat recline handles, the carpet fastening pins, and the lock. glove box. On the "Golf II" for more than a hundred thousand kilometers with similar problems there was no need to collide. They refused to request warranty repairs, although they admitted that my case was not an isolated one. It seems that this time the Germans decided to save on plastic.
ALEXANDER, MOSCOW

My previous AW car is a Golf III. The Four is a completely different car. The interior decoration is simply magnificent, and the blue backlight of the speedometer drives passengers crazy. To be honest, I didn’t expect this from a diesel engine (even with 115 hp): acceleration literally presses into the back of the seat, and you can go 180 km/h at 3000 rpm. I think that my next car will be a Golf.
MIKHAIL, ST. PETERSBURG