top of page

The Golf Mk5 was introduced in Europe in the autumn of 2003, reaching the UK market in early 2004. In North America, Volkswagen brought back the Rabbit nameplate when it introduced the vehicle in 2006. In Canada, the Golf is still the prevalent nameplate of the fifth generation (though both Rabbit and Golf have been used historically). The North American base model is powered by a 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine, which produced 112 kW (150 hp; 152 PS) in 2006 and 2007, but was upped to 127 kW (170 hp; 173 PS) in the later models. A GTI version is powered by a turbocharged version of the 2.0-litre FSI engine, producing 147 kW (197 hp; 200 PS).  An R32 version features the 3.2-litre VR6 engine, increasing power output to 184 kW (247 hp; 250 PS) and including the Haldex Traction-based 4motion part-time four-wheel drive system. The R32 went on a limited production run in 2005 for the European market. Then in 2007, 5000 units of the R32 were made for the US, each with its production number laser etched on its steering wheel. Volkswagen also introduced the "Fast" marketing campaign for the US, "dedicated to the 'fast' that lives inside every driver," with a spirit totem character illustrating the concept and purchasers of the GTI Mk5 receiving a plastic figurine of the Fast.[10] The GTI version is the only version on sale in Mexico.

bottom of page