Especificaciones y análisis del Volkswagen Golf
Power
116HP
Torque
155Nm
Consumption
7.6l/100
Emissions
182g/km
0-100 km/h
11.5s
Top Speed
189km/h
Weight
1258kg
Price
23,255€
Technical summary
Gasolina
Automático 6v
FWD
5 / 5 doors
350 L
55 L
85 kW
Current
Technical specifications
Engine
Capacities
Detailed analysis of the Volkswagen Golf 5p Highline 1.6 FSI 115 CV Tiptronic 6 vel. (2004-2007)
General description
The 2004 Volkswagen Golf, in its 5-door Highline version with a 115 HP 1.6 FSI engine and 6-speed Tiptronic transmission, represents the fifth generation of an automotive icon. This model, priced at €23,255, positioned itself as a balanced and sophisticated option within the compact segment, maintaining the essence of quality and reliability that has always characterized the Golf.
Driving experience
Behind the wheel, the Golf 1.6 FSI Tiptronic offered a smooth and comfortable driving experience, ideal for daily use and long journeys. The 115 HP engine, although not outstanding for its blistering acceleration (11.5 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h), delivered its power linearly and efficiently. The 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission contributed to comfort, allowing fluid gear changes and the possibility of sequential handling. The suspension, with a McPherson setup at the front and a deformable parallelogram at the rear, provided a good balance between comfort and stability, absorbing road irregularities with competence. The electric power steering offered precise response, although it perhaps lacked the more direct communication that some sporty drivers might desire. Overall, the feeling was one of solidity and control, with a well-insulated cabin that invited enjoyment of every journey.
Design and aesthetics
The design of the fifth-generation Volkswagen Golf represented a conservative but successful evolution. It maintained the clean and timeless lines that define the model but incorporated more modern and dynamic elements. The larger, distinctively shaped headlights, along with the front grille, gave it a more expressive look. The 5-door body offered excellent functionality, with comfortable access to the rear seats. Inside, the quality of materials and adjustments were exemplary, with an ergonomic dashboard and an intuitive layout of controls. The Highline version added finishing details that enhanced the feeling of luxury and comfort, such as higher quality upholstery and specific decorative elements. Despite its compact dimensions (4204 mm long), the Golf offered a spacious cabin for four adults and a 350-liter trunk, very practical for daily use.
Technology and features
In terms of technology, the 2004 Golf incorporated advanced solutions for its time. The 1.6 FSI (Fuel Stratified Injection) engine stood out for its direct gasoline injection, a technology that sought to optimize combustion to improve efficiency and reduce consumption. The 6-speed Tiptronic transmission was a significant advance in comfort and performance, offering a more sophisticated alternative to automatic transmissions with fewer gears. In terms of safety, it featured disc brakes on all four wheels (ventilated at the front), ABS, and a well-tuned chassis. Electric power steering contributed to ease of handling. Although it did not have current touchscreens and connectivity systems, its standard and optional equipment included elements such as climate control, electric windows, and a quality sound system, which made life on board more pleasant.
Competition
In the competitive compact segment, the 2004 Volkswagen Golf 1.6 FSI Tiptronic faced tough rivals. Among them, the Opel Astra, Ford Focus, Renault Mégane, Peugeot 307, and SEAT León stood out. Each offered its own virtues, but the Golf distinguished itself by its reputation for build quality, balanced dynamic behavior, and residual value. While some rivals might offer bolder designs or more extensive equipment for a similar price, the Golf opted for solidity, ergonomics, and a refined driving experience that kept it as the segment benchmark.
Conclusion
The 2004 Volkswagen Golf, in its 1.6 FSI Tiptronic Highline configuration, was a car that managed to maintain the essence of a bestseller, offering an almost perfect balance between comfort, quality, and functionality. Its timeless design, well-finished interior, and reliable mechanics made it a very attractive option for those looking for a versatile and durable compact. Although its combined consumption of 7.6 l/100km and its emissions of 182 g/km of CO2 reflect the limitations of the technology of the time, its road behavior and the feeling of robustness it conveyed consolidated it as a benchmark in its category. A car that, without great fanfare, more than met the expectations of its owners.