VOLKSWAGEN Golf IV Variant 1999-2006 Photos, engines & full specs

The fourth generation of the Golf also brought the second generation of the station wagon version, unavailable for Golf I and II.

Even though its five-door sibling was already on the market since late 1997, the long-roof version waited for two more years before unveiling in 1999. That strategy was unusual, but eventually, it paid off. In addition, it created an excellent family vehicle, fit for anyone and in any situation.

The exterior kept the same rounded shape as its predecessor and looked like the carmaker didn't want to return to the wedged style again. In addition, the Golf IV appeared during the bio-design era, which could have been seen in the car's shape. As usual, it shared the front fascia with the rest of its stablemates but didn't sport the same rear doors. Instead, the slim, vertical C-Pillar connected with the third side window, which was wide to enhance the driver's rear three-quarter visibility. At the back, the tailgate featured corner-mounted taillights, which were completely different than those installed on the 3- or 5-door version.

Inside, the five-door version featured different front seats than its 3-door sibling. Inside, the dashboard featured an instrument cluster with back-lit dials. An LCD took center stage between the tachometer and speedometer. On the center stack, Volkswagen offered an option for an infotainment system display. At the back, there was room enough for three passengers on the 60/40 split-folding bench. That allowed an increase in the trunk space from a decent 467 liters (16.5 cu-ft) to a respectable 1,470 liters (51.2 cu-ft).

Volkswagen installed a wide choice of engines in the Golf IV Variant's bay, but most of them were designed for fuel efficiency. A five- or six-speed manual was fitted as standard, depending on the version. At the same time, a five-speed automatic was available for selected models.