The ancestor of the VW Golf class of the same name has noticeably risen in price in recent years and has left the common people. However, this does not prevent him from remaining a trendsetter in the fifth-generation C. Golf class. He seems ready to regain his reputation in the German auto industry. The latest reliability rating of TUV (German Technical Control Service), compiled from the results of the inspection in Germany, brought a small sensation. In the three-year-old competition, the Golf climbed to third place, passing Mazda3 and Mazda2 ahead. And the share of trouble-free Golf turned out to be one of the highest in TUV's long-term statistics - only 2.2% of cars did not pass the technical test the first time. For comparison: the bulk of Volkswagen models of the same age are content with places from 58th to 72nd. Golf adds reliability from generation to generation: 5-year-old cars are in 27th position, 7-year-olds are in 28th
VW Golf V
Overall rating
Compared to its predecessor, the car has moved apart in all directions - it is 24 mm wider, 39 mm higher and 55 mm longer. It is clear that the cabin has become more spacious. In a strict interior decoration used high-quality materials, ergonomics of the driver's seat at a height. The seats are comfortable and provide good lateral support. For family trips, the Variant station wagon, which re-entered the market in 2007, or the Golf Plus, introduced in early 2005, are suitable. In the autumn of the same year, the Eos coupe-cabriolet debuted with a folding metal top.
Ride quality
TUV experts consider the ride and steering accuracy close to the reference. From an extensive range of engines, they recommend a diesel 1.9 TDI and a petrol 1.6 FSI. True drivers will surely like the hot version of the GTI. Since 2005, powerful and economical supercharged gasoline engines with the TSI index have been installed on the car.
disadvantages
It can annoy the creaking of the front panel and door trim, sometimes the electronics malfunction. As for engines, breakdowns often occur in 2.0 TDI modifications, chip tuning is not excluded, it will negatively affect the transmission.
VW Golf IV
Overall rating
This is no longer the same simpleton - the “fourth” Golf is more complicated and more expensive than its predecessors. On board the car is a generous set of safety features: ABS, four airbags, ESP (since the end of 1999) and air curtains (since mid-2002).
Ride quality
The range of installed engines is very wide: from an atmospheric 68-horsepower diesel engine to a 3.2-liter gasoline V6. Paired with motors, a dual-clutch DSG gearbox can work. The greatest demand in the secondary market of Europe is used by TDI engines and 1.6-liter gasoline versions, including those with direct fuel injection.
disadvantages
TUV specialists outline the circle of possible malfunctions: breakage of door locks and power windows can not be ruled out, antifreeze leakage is possible due to leaky connection of highways in the cooling system. Modifications with TDI engines wear out timing gear belts quickly.
VW Golf III
Overall rating
In addition to the hatchback, the Volkswagen production program included a station wagon and a convertible, as well as an all-wheel drive version of 4Motion. The Golf III was the first C-Class car to have front-mounted airbags. Since 1996, ABS appeared in the list of basic equipment, and as an option it was possible to order side airbags.
Ride quality
Thanks to competent suspension settings and good noise isolation, comfort for the driver and passengers is guaranteed. From a wide palette of very different engines in character, preference should be given to a 1.8-liter gasoline power of 75 hp. or 90 h.p.