It still may be fairly new, but the Mk5 already has a huge following of enthusiasts. Here’s why:

Driving

Readers may’ve been disappointed with the handling of the both the Mk3 and Mk4 Golfs – soft suspension and smooth road manners really limited the sporting potential of these supposed hot hatches. However, the Mk5 is a dramatic improvement.

Super sharp, yet still very composed, these machines benefit greatly from the 80 per cent improvement in bodyshell stiffness over the Mk4, allowing you to corner with confidence. Other tweaks, such as multi-link rear suspension, also gives more space inside without impacting on road dynamics.

The big news this time though is the GTI is back. Mk3 and Mk4 versions were underwhelming, so it was the V6 R32s that stole the show. However, by turbocharging the 2.0-litre four-pot and combining it with fuel stratified injection (FSI – a form of direct injection) the GTI now produces an impressive 197bhp.

This may well still be a ‘grown-up’ Golf, but this one definitely remembers its roots.

Market Values

Now might just be the time to buy a Mk5 Golf, with the new Mk6 driving down prices. If you buy privately you could be paying as little as £4000 for what is widely regard to be the best of the so-called ‘grown-up’ Golfs so far.
For the likes of a tidy 1.6-litre FSI (a good mid-range choice) you’ll be looking to pay £6000-£8000 for something that’s not covered stratospheric distances.

With the 2.0-litre GTIs once again being the hot hatch to have you can expect even stronger prices. Finding a decent one for under £8000 will be a challenge, with most of the well-maintained examples falling into the £10,000-£12,000 bracket. Limited edition versions – the Pirelli and Edition 30 – are worth considerably more (roughly £15,000-£20,000).

Finally there’s the R32. It’s just as popular as it was in Mk4 guise, so you can expect them to be just as pricey as the likes of the Mk5 GTIs. £12,000-£16,000 should get you a tidy example.

THE KNOWLEDGE

                    GOLF GTI TFSI            GOLF R32   
ENGINE:       1896cc 4-cyl DOHC       3189cc V6 DOHC
BHP/RPM      197@5500                   247@6300
TOP SPEED:  146mph                       160mph
0-60:            6.7secs                        5.8secs
GEARBOX:     5/6-speed manual, 6-speed auto & 6-speed DSG
CLUBS
Club GTi           www.clubgti.com
Golf Mk5           www.golfmkv.com
Mk5 Golf GTI     www.mk5golfgti.co.uk
VW R32 OC       www.r32oc.com

To read the rest of this buying guide see the August 2011 issue of Golf+.

Back issues available here.