Volkswagen Golf Mk4
The Volkswagen Golf Mk4 is a compact car, the fourth generation of the Volkswagen Golf and the successor to the Volkswagen Golf Mk3. Launched in October 1997 for the 1998 model year, it was the best-selling car in Europe in 2001.
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen |
|---|---|
| Production | From 1986 |
| Body type | Estate |
Engine variants
Different engine versions of the Volkswagen Golf Mk4 (from registration data). 18 variants.
| Engine | Fuel | Transmission | Top speed | Economy | Model year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 l · 4-cyl | Petrol | Manual | – | 7.4 l/100 km | 2019–2021 |
| 1.4 l · 4-cyl | Petrol | Automatic | – | 7.4 l/100 km | 2019–2021 |
| 1.6 l · 4-cyl | Diesel | Manual | – | 6.9 l/100 km | 1986–1989 |
| 1.8 l · 4-cyl | Petrol | Manual | – | 8.6 l/100 km | 1986–2018 |
| 1.8 l · 4-cyl | Petrol | Automatic | – | 10.6 l/100 km | 1986–1989 |
| 1.8 l · 4-cyl | Petrol | Automatic | – | 10.7 l/100 km | 2000–2001 |
| 1.8 l · 4-cyl | Petrol | Manual | – | 9.8 l/100 km | 2000–2001 |
| 1.8 l · 4-cyl | Petrol | Automatic | – | 8.2 l/100 km | 2015–2018 |
| 1.9 l · 4-cyl | Diesel | Manual | – | 6.4 l/100 km | 2000–2006 |
| 1.9 l · 4-cyl | Diesel | Automatic | – | 7.1 l/100 km | 2000–2003 |
| 1.9 l · 4-cyl | Diesel | Automatic | – | 7.4 l/100 km | 2004–2006 |
| 2.0 l · 4-cyl | Petrol | Manual | – | 9.8 l/100 km | 1999–2006 |
| 2.0 l · 4-cyl | Petrol | Automatic | – | 10.2 l/100 km | 1999–2006 |
| 2.0 l · 4-cyl | Diesel | Manual | – | 7.2 l/100 km | 2010–2015 |
| 2.0 l · 4-cyl | Diesel | Automatic | – | 7.4 l/100 km | 2010–2012 |
| 2.0 l · 4-cyl | Diesel | Automatic | – | 7.1 l/100 km | 2013–2015 |
| 2.5 l · 5-cyl | Petrol | Manual | – | 9.1 l/100 km | 2010–2013 |
| 2.5 l · 5-cyl | Petrol | Automatic | – | 9 l/100 km | 2010–2014 |
Source: EPA (US). Fuel economy converted to l/100 km.
Generations
Other Volkswagen models
Similar Estate models
Common problems & reliability
In the UK, 64% of Volkswagen Golf Mk4s pass their MOT test first time, based on 38,070 inspections in 2023. (2023 is the most recent annual release published by the DfT.)
Based on real owner complaints and inspection data — not an editorial rating. Sources: DVSA MOT (UK, Open Government Licence).
Recalls & safety
No recorded recalls for the Volkswagen Golf Mk4 in EU Safety Gate or NHTSA (US).
Sources: EU Safety Gate (European market) and NHTSA (US market). See all Volkswagen recalls.