Volkswagen introduced the fifth Golf generation in 2003, replacing the older MK 4 lineup, and it stayed on the market just six years before being replaced by its successor, the Golf MK 6.
The Golf might be the best-known Volkswagen globally. Apart from the U.S. market, where it was sold under Rabbit name, the rest of the world received the Golf nameplate. Its fifth-generation was rounded even more than its predecessor.

Its exterior was not too daring, with clear-lenses over the dual headlamps and turn-signals of each headlight. The grille featured two slats that supported the chromed badge big enough to fill the space between the hood and the bumper. On its sides, the carmaker installed body-colored door handles and mirrors with turn-signals at the bottom.

Inside, Volkswagen offered a two-tone interior only for specific versions, while the Trend trim-level featured only the bland black-and-gray color scheme. Inside the instrument cluster, the carmaker installed a red-on-black LCD between the speedometer and tachometer, while the fuel level and temperature gauges were moved at the bottom of the instrument panel. Its flat seats offered as standard didn’t provide too much grip for their occupants, but Volkswagen offered a better pair for extra money. In the back, the split-folding rear bench seatback could expand the trunk area.

Under the hood, Volkswagen installed a very wide range of engines for the Golf. It offered both gasoline and turbo-diesel units. The latter were blamed for their fake results in the Emission tests that started the Dieselgate scandal.