GOLF GTI MK5

About the Golf GTI Mk5

The Mk5 is where the GTI stopped apologising. Shown at the 2004 Paris Motor Show, it brought Wolfsburg's first turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine: a 2.0 with 200 PS and 280 Nm from 1,800 rpm, rated 200 hp in the US. The optional six-speed DSG cut 0-100 km/h to 6.9 seconds against the manual's 7.2. A honeycomb grille with a red surround and checked seat centres put the attitude back, and the new four-link rear axle under every Mk5 gave the chassis something to work with. The 2006 Edition 30 added one PS per GTI birthday for 230 PS, and the 2007 Pirelli kept it. 181,800 were sold, more than the Mk4 managed.