Volkswagen Golf V

Photo: OSX / Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

The Volkswagen Golf V (2006–2009): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 16 versions in the United States and Canada.

Model codes: 1K · Sold in: United States and Canada

Dimensions, weights and capacity

Specification	Europe	North America	Wikipedia
Dimensions
Length	4,250–4,300 mm RDW	–	4,556 mm
Width	1,760–1,780 mm RDW	–	1,759–1,781 mm
Height	1,460–1,500 mm RDW	–	1,504 mm
Wheelbase	2,570–2,580 mm RDW	–	2,578 mm
Front track	1,525–1,543 mm ASTRA	–	–
Rear track	1,499–1,521 mm ASTRA	–	–
Weights and towing
Kerb weight	1,128–1,336 kg RDW	–	1,164–1,617 kg
Mass in running order	1,228–1,436 kg RDW	–	–
Gross vehicle weight	1,770–1,940 kg RDW	–	–
Towing, braked trailer	1,000–1,400 kg RDW	–	–
Towing, unbraked trailer	610–710 kg RDW	–	–
Seats and space
Seats	5 RDW	–	–
Doors	2–4 RDW	–	–
Luggage space (EPA)	–	425 L EPA	–
Passenger space (EPA)	–	2,633–2,662 L EPA	–
Performance
Top speed	168–235 km/h RDW	–	168–250 km/h
Torque	132–320 Nm ASTRA	–	132–330 Nm

Tyre sizes (most common first): 205/55R16, 195/65R15, 225/45R17, 205/60R15, 175/80R14

Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Wikipedia (en, de), ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland), US EPA fuel economy data, Traficom type approvals (Finland). Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Reliability and owner reports

UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age

Age at test	Pass rate	UK average	Tests
13 years and older	69.2% (69.0–69.4)	69.2%	242,435

What the MOT finds

Area	This model	UK average, same ages
Suspension	47.4%	41.6%
Tyres	36.9%	31.2%
Brakes	31.7%	36.4%
Lights and electrics	27.9%	28.8%
Body, chassis and structure	25.0%	18.6%
Noise, emissions and leaks	15.3%	17.1%

First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)

Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)

572 complaints for model years 2007–2009. 24 crashes · 10 fires · 11 injuries · 2 deaths

Transmission and drivetrain 209
Brakes 151
Stability control 97
Electrical system 75
Engine 40
Steering 37

Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints

All 16 versions of the Volkswagen Golf V

Show all 16 versions

United States 10 versions

Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.

Years and version	Engine	Fuel	Gearbox	Drive	Consumption (combined)	CO₂
2009–2012SIDI	2.0 L	Petrol	6-speed manual	Front-wheel drive	25 MPG (9.4 L/100 km) EPA	221 g/km
2006–20093MODE · 3MODE CLKUP	2.0 L	Petrol	6-speed automatic	Front-wheel drive	25 MPG (9.4 L/100 km) EPA	221 g/km
2006–2009	2.5 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	Front-wheel drive	22–24 MPG (9.8–10.7 L/100 km) EPA	230–251 g/km
2006–20093MODE CLKUP	2.5 L	Petrol	6-speed automatic	Front-wheel drive	22–24 MPG (9.8–10.7 L/100 km) EPA	230–251 g/km
2006–2008	2.0 L	Petrol	6-speed manual	Front-wheel drive	24 MPG (9.8 L/100 km) EPA	230 g/km
20083MODE	3.2 L	Petrol	6-speed automatic	Four- or all-wheel drive	20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA	276 g/km
2006	1.9 L	Diesel	5-speed manual	Front-wheel drive	34 MPG (6.9 L/100 km) EPA	186 g/km
20063MODE CLKUP	1.9 L	Diesel	5-speed automatic	Front-wheel drive	32 MPG (7.4 L/100 km) EPA	198 g/km
2006	2.0 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	Front-wheel drive	24 MPG (9.8 L/100 km) EPA	230 g/km
2006CLKUP	2.0 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	Front-wheel drive	24 MPG (9.8 L/100 km) EPA	230 g/km

Canada 6 versions

Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).

Years and version	Engine	Fuel	Gearbox	Consumption (combined)	CO₂
2007–2010Compact	2.0 L	Petrol	6-speed automatic	9.3–9.9 L/100 km 5-cycle	214–228 g/km
2007–2010Compact	2.0 L	Petrol	6-speed manual	9.8–10.0 L/100 km 5-cycle	225–230 g/km
2008–2009Compact	2.0 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	9.9 L/100 km 5-cycle	228 g/km
2007–2009Compact	2.5 L	Petrol	6-speed automatic	10.4 L/100 km 5-cycle	239 g/km
2007–2009Compact	2.5 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	10.4–10.5 L/100 km 5-cycle	239–242 g/km
2006Compact	1.9 L	Diesel	5-speed automatic	7.6 L/100 km 5-cycle	205 g/km

Similar models from other brands

Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.