Volkswagen Golf 2003 1.4 16V (gen 5)
Volkswagen Golf 2003 1.4 petrol description
Hatchback Volkswagen Golf 2003 1.4 16V has been produced from November, 2003 to June, 2006. It has four-cylinder petrol engine with displacement of 1.4 litres, which produces power of 75 horsepower on 5000 rpm and torque 126 Nm (Newton metres) on 3800 revolutions per minute.
This 4-cylinder 16-valve engine camshaft is driven by belt (What is an engine chain and belt? ). Engine has fuel injection system, this is an atmospheric engine (without turbine). Engine versions compliant with Euro 3 and Euro 4 emission standards available. Engine lifespan (mileage before major repairs or overhaul) can last from 240 up to 400 thousand kilometres. It is important to remember that engine life is highly dependent on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used.
More engine specs
Engine is known for its simplicity, compact design, and overall reliability. Many complaints from owners are related to power loss or fluctuating idle, often caused by issues ...
This Volkswagen Golf 1.4 engine oil type is 5W-30 and oil capacity is 3.2 litres.
Volkswagen Golf 2003 1.4 16V has front wheel drive (FWD) and manual gearbox with 5 gears.
Volkswagen Golf 2003 1.4 16V accelerates to speed 100 kilometres per hour in 14.7 seconds. The maximum speed of this car is 164 km/h.
Volkswagen Golf 2003 1.4 16V fuel consumption is 6.8 litres per 100km in combined city/highway mode (14.7 km/l), city fuel economy - 9.4 l/100km, fuel consumption on highway - 5.4 l/100km. Fuel tank capacity is 55 litres or 14.53 gallons, which gives a mileage up to 800 kilometers without refueling in urban cycle and even up to 1000 kilometers on highway.
According to user reviews, this Volkswagen (VW) real everyday fuel consumption is 7.4 litres per 100 km, which is 9% more than the manufacturer's stated. More - Real Volkswagen Golf fuel consumption.
Volkswagen Golf safety
During safety testing Volkswagen Golf has obtained 5 stars from five, which means very high safety level.
Adults (driver and passenger) safety of Volkswagen Golf is evaluated with five stars, children safety - with four stars, and for pedestrian protection Volkswagen Golf got three stars.

Volkswagen Golf 2003 1.4 16V technical data
Model: | Volkswagen Golf 1.4 16V | ||
---|---|---|---|
Body style: | Hatchback | ||
Production period: | 2003. November ... 2006. June | ||
Engine: | 1390 cm3 Petrol, 4 cylinders | CO2 emissions: | 163 g/km |
Power: | 75 HP ON 5000 RPM | Torque: | 126 NM ON 3800 RPM |
Gearbox: | Manual gearbox (5 gears) | Drive type: | Front wheel drive (FWD) |
Top speed: | 164 km/h | Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 14.7 seconds |
Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 6.8 (combined) 9.4 (urban) 5.4 (highway) | ||
Real fuel consumption: | 7.4 l/100km (31.8 MPG) by user reviews from various sources | ||
Fuel tank capacity: | 55 litres (14.5 gallons) | ||
Car dimensions: | 4.20m (length) 1.76m (width) 1.48m (height) | ||
Turning diameter: | 10.9 meters | ||
Seats: | 5 seats | ||
Trunk capacity: | 350 litres | ||
Trunk max capacity: | 1305 litres (with rear seats folded down) | ||
Gross weight: | 1780 kg |
Volkswagen Golf 2003 1.4 16V engine BBY
Engine reliability and common problems:
Engine is known for its simplicity, compact design, and overall reliability. Many complaints from owners are related to power loss or fluctuating idle, often caused by issues with the throttle body, EGR valve, or air leaks in the intake system. Oil pressure drops due to clogged oil pickup are another concern, and the crankcase ventilation system often clogs, leading to oil leaks from the valve cover gasket.The timing belts have a short lifespan, and if it fails, it results in bent valves, making regular inspections and timely replacement essential. The manufacturer recommends replacing the timing belt every 90,000 km and inspecting it every 30,000 km thereafter. However, in practice, belts rarely last more than 40,000 km and should be replaced sooner than the recommended interval.
Despite these issues, the engine often exceeds the manufacturer's specified lifespan, with some units lasting over 400,000 km if properly maintained.
The engine’s design was aimed at being compact, economical, and budget-friendly, which limited its power output. Simple chip tuning can increase the power by up to 20%. However, more complex modifications, such as adding a turbocharger, are not recommended as they can reduce the engine’s lifespan.
Overall, while the engine has some shortcomings, its reliability and durability make it a solid option when maintained properly. Most problems can be managed with regular maintenance and adherence to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Overall, this engine can last around 240,000 to 400,000 km if properly maintained, using the correct quality oil and fuel, and carrying out regular checks and maintenance.
The engine has hydraulic valve tappets (lifters), which provide quieter operation and do not require periodic adjustment, but are more complex in design and can cause serious engine damage in the event of failure.
Engine displacement | 1390 cm3 |
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Number of cylinders | 4 |
Bore (cylinder diameter) | 76.5 mm |
Stroke length (piston move) | 75.6 mm |
Compression ratio | 10.5 : 1 |
Camshaft drive | Timing belt Timing belt engines are generally quieter and less vibrating than chain engines, but belt usually needs to be replaced more often and the risk of breakage is higher. More service info |
Timing belt change interval | 90,000 km (specified), 40,000 km (recommended) |
Fuel system | Injection |
Volkswagen Golf 2003 1.4 16V oil type | 5W-30 |
Oil capacity | 3.2 litres (3.4 quarts) More service info |
Coolant capacity | 5.6 litres (5.9 quarts) |
Power | 75 HP ON 5000 RPM |
Torque | 126 NM ON 3800 RPM |
Start of production (year) | 2001 |
Duration of production | 4 years |
Engine also used on | Volkswagen Polo Skoda Octavia Skoda Fabia Audi A2 and 5 other models |
All Volkswagen Golf hatchback [2003 - 2006] modifications
Modification | Engine | Power | Consumption | Gearbox | Drive type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Volkswagen Golf 2003 1.4 16V | 1.4 Petrol | 75 HP | 6.8 l/100km | Manual (5) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 2003 1.4 16V | 1.4 Petrol | 80 HP | 6.9 l/100km | Manual (5) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 2003 1.4 16V FSI
Nov 2003 — Mar 2006 Most fuel efficient petrol version |
1.4 Petrol | 90 HP | 6.2 l/100km | Manual (5) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 2003 1.4 16V TSI
Most fuel efficient petrol version by real consumption |
1.4 Petrol | 122 HP | 6.3 l/100km | Manual (6) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 2003 1.4 16V TSI | 1.4 Petrol | 140 HP | 7.0 l/100km | Manual (6) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 2003 1.4 16V TSI | 1.4 Petrol | 140 HP | 7.1 l/100km | Automatic (6) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 2003 1.4 16V TSI | 1.4 Petrol | 170 HP | 7.2 l/100km | Manual (6) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 2003 1.6 | 1.6 Petrol | 102 HP | 7.2 l/100km | Manual (6) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 2003 1.6 | 1.6 Petrol | 102 HP | 8.1 l/100km | Automatic (6) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 2003 1.6 16V FSI | 1.6 Petrol | 116 HP | 6.4 l/100km | Manual (6) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 2003 1.6 16V FSI | 1.6 Petrol | 116 HP | 7.2 l/100km | Automatic (6) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 2003 1.9 TDI
Most fuel efficient diesel version |
1.9 Diesel | 90 HP | 5.0 l/100km | Manual (5) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 2003 1.9 TDI
Most fuel efficient diesel version |
1.9 Diesel | 105 HP | 5.0 l/100km | Manual (5) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 2003 1.9 TDI | 1.9 Diesel | 105 HP | 5.6 l/100km | Automatic (6) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 2003 2.0 16V FSI | 2.0 Petrol | 150 HP | 7.2 l/100km | Manual (6) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 2003 2.0 16V FSI | 2.0 Petrol | 150 HP | 8.1 l/100km | Automatic (6) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 2003 2.0 16V FSI Turbo | 2.0 Petrol | 200 HP | 8.0 l/100km | Manual (6) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 2003 2.0 16V FSI Turbo | 2.0 Petrol | 200 HP | 7.9 l/100km | Automatic (6) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 2003 2.0 16V FSI Turbo | 2.0 Petrol | 230 HP | 8.2 l/100km | Manual (6) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 2003 2.0 16V FSI Turbo | 2.0 Petrol | 230 HP | 7.9 l/100km | Automatic (6) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 2003 2.0 SDI | 2.0 Diesel | 75 HP | 5.3 l/100km | Manual (6) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 2003 2.0 SDI | 2.0 Diesel | 75 HP | 5.3 l/100km | Manual (5) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 2003 2.0 TDI | 2.0 Diesel | 140 HP | 5.4 l/100km | Manual (6) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 2003 2.0 TDI | 2.0 Diesel | 140 HP | 5.9 l/100km | Automatic (6) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 2003 2.0 TDI
Most powerfull diesel version (170 HP) |
2.0 Diesel | 170 HP | 5.9 l/100km | Manual (6) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 2003 2.0 TDI
Most powerfull diesel version (170 HP) |
2.0 Diesel | 170 HP | 6.4 l/100km | Automatic (6) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 2003 3.2 R32 4x4
Most powerfull petrol version (250 HP) |
3.2 Petrol | 250 HP | 10.7 l/100km | Manual (6) | All wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 2003 3.2 R32 4x4
Most dynamic version - 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds |
3.2 Petrol | 250 HP | 9.7 l/100km | Automatic (6) | All wheel |