Volkswagen Golf Hatchback (97-04) - Review Review by Parkers on 01 January 1997 The fourth generation Golf delivers luxury, quality and refinement in a very safe package. Rivals may look or drive better, but none offer the Golf's superb cabin and solid but understated image. It costs more than most small family cars, but depreciation is slow and running costs are reasonable. Fuel economy is fine on petrol-engined cars, but the diesel cars are excellent, especially the PD high pressure injection engines. These give enjoyable brisk performance combined with 50mpg. 4 out of 5 Other Volkswagen reviews Summary Facts & Figures Equipment Driving & Performance Comfort Costs Safety & Reliability Buying & Selling Also Consider Company Car Info Owners' Reviews Gallery 4 out of 5 Safety It received a four-star Euro NCAP rating in 1998. There's ABS, driver, passenger and side airbags on all cars to complement its strong bodyshell. On the security front, all cars also get an immobiliser, remote central locking, and deadlocks, while SE and GTi versions have an alarm, too. Euro NCAP Provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe. Visit Euro NCAP for more info Adult Occupant Rating 4 out of 5 Pedestrian Test Rating 2 out of 5 3 out of 5 Reliability Not as good as the previous Golfs. There have been plenty of minor problems reported that upset owners who thought that everything in life should be as reliable as a Volkswagen. The 1.8T engine had well-publicised ignition problems plus there were issues with door locks and windows. Car check problem points Body Well built, well finished, minor blemishes should be the only problem. Check sports versions very carefully for accident damage. Engine/Gearbox GTI, 1.8T and V5 may have been driven hard. Ignition coil problems on 1.8T. The timing belt needs to be replaced (along with the tensioner) every 60K miles on diesels. Other Check that central locking and all the windows work. Scrubbed front tyres on GTI/V5, kerbed alloy wheels. Diesels need full service history. Spot car problems with a Parkers Car Checklist Car Valuations Find used car prices with Parkers accurate car valuations. Find out more Volkswagen Golf cars for sale We have 184 models like this for sale. Find Volkswagen Golf cars for sale Previous: Costs Next: Buying & Selling