Class: Small Hatch
Rivals: Opel/Vauxhall Corsa, Ford Focus, Nissan Micra, Alfa Romeo 147, Peugeot 206
Sister Cars: Audi A3, Audi TT, Skoda Fabia, Seat Ibiza, VW Bora, New Beetle,
Variants: Hatchback, Cabriolet, Station Wagon, Van
Engines: Petrol 1.4 16v, 1.6, 1.8 20v, 2.0, 2.3 V5, 2.8VR6, 2.8VR6 24v, 3.2VR6 24v
Diesel: 1.9 tdi (80bhp-150bhp)
Gearbox: 5 speed manual, 5 speed automatic
Awards:
1998 What Car? Best Small Hatch
1998 Top Gear Magazine Best Small Family Car
I have decided to separate the Golf variants to talk about them because otherwise well be here all day! You will notice that we didn't put the Bora down as a variant, even though its often called the Golf saloon, it only shares the chassis and the front door panels with its Golf sister.
There is so much that car be said about the Golf through out its 33 year history, so we will start with the 1.4 16v.
In our opinion, this is the ideal starter car, its a car that crosses the generations as well as the sexes! it can never be called a girls car or never a lads car either! The spotty nosed teen or the old age pensioner never looks out of place in the drivers seat!
This car is so easy to drive with is neutral handling and comfortable driving position, it make the driver, no matter how nervous they are, feel in complete control of the vehicle.
It doesn't feel like a small car to sit in, there is ample room for 4 adults and the solid drive makes you feel like your in a car twice its size.
The CL spec is the definite car to go for with its all around electric windows, lighting kit and comfort line seats.
The 1.416v engine at 75bhp is no slouch. It will not scare the pants off you but is as good on a motorway as it is on the tight country lanes. On high mileage units you need to look out for a creamy discharge on the underside of the oil cap and the dip stick. They can also be difficult to pass the NCT emissions test but this is normally down to either a faulty Lambda sensor or the Catalytic Converter, both of which are easy to repair.
The 1.4 16v only cost €333 a year to put road tax on, about €70 to service and for a petrol car is very economical on fuel, averaging approximately 35-45mpg mixed driving.
It is very easy to source parts, and with all the on line forums dedicated to the Mk IV, it is very easy to access any information on the car.
The 1.4 16v is the cheapest of the model range to buy, you should be looking at between €1200 up to €2,500 and for a low mileage late model you can pay up to €4,000. There are bargains to be had to keep a good look out, if you have any mechanical experience you can even pick up a nice car for less than a thousand euros! Be careful of aftermarket extras as these don't add to the value of the car.
Most people who ever own a golf will never own anything else, this says a lot about this car!
Gary
