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59-780: The Volkswagen Golf Mk3 is a medium-sized compact family car . It is the third generation of the Volkswagen Golf and the successor to the Volkswagen Golf Mk2 , which was produced by Volkswagen from August 1991 (for the 1992 model year) to 2002 (for Cabrio convertible). The Golf Mk3 was launched in mainland Europe in August 1991, in the United Kingdom in February 1992, and in North America in

118-411: A Sony CD player , power steering , and six-spoke rims. It also featured distinctive "Match" graphics, including "///Match" written on the sides near the front wheel arch and above the guard rail, along with three colored lines—blue, red, and green—below the right taillight. The Match II edition retained the "Match" theme, featuring "Match II" graphics represented by a metallic badge positioned beneath

177-632: A "compact car" target that was larger than what has become known as the "light car" or the kei car . One of the first compact cars that met those requirements was the Toyota Publica with an air-cooled two-cylinder opposed engine, the Datsun 110 series , and the Mitsubishi 500 . The Publica and the Mitsubishi 500 were essentially "kei cars" with engines larger than regulations permitted at

236-544: A carmaker to freshen a model without a complete redesign. While the life cycle of cars hovers around six to eight years until a full model change, facelifts are generally introduced around three years in their production cycle. A facelift retains the basic styling and platform of the car, with aesthetic alterations, e.g., changes to the front fascia (grille, headlights), taillights, bumpers, instrument panel and center console, and various body or interior trim accessories. Mechanical changes may or may not occur concurrently with

295-515: A commercial vehicle. In the United Kingdom , the Van was available only with the Umwelt ("Environment") engine , blanked rear windows, fabric interior, power steering, and a five-speed manual transmission. A petrol unit was available to special order. The Umwelt diesel was Volkswagen's then-new 1.9-liter turbodiesel ( AAZ ), fitted with a catalytic converter and producing 75 PS (55 kW). Payload

354-482: A distinctly retro design and included a "Classic Edition" silicone badge, enhancing its vintage appeal. Similar to the "Edition" variant of the Golf 4 Variant, this model was equipped with a range of special features and included a "Limited Edition" graphic on the interior step, presented in a matching font. The GTI/VR6 Edition models were distinguished by their respective body kits and featured "GTI/VR6 Edition" badges on

413-415: A form of planned obsolescence . The term "facelift", which is also sometimes known as a "minor change", "minor update", or "refresh" by car manufacturers, describes a minimum change to a model which normally also coincides with a model year change. While the word "facelift" is a generic term used across the industry, manufacturers may each have their own phrase to describe a facelifted model. BMW uses

472-497: A group of four cars, each carrying a Design Series emblem, created by Volkswagen to display on the 1995 international auto show circuit. Basing the design on an earlier Volkswagen Polo Harlequin special edition, the Golf Harlequins were created in four variations, by taking four solid color models and interchanging the easily detachable doors, hood, hatch, grill, fenders and bumper facias — after final production at

531-525: A license plate number beginning with "5". In the past, the small size category has received tax benefits stipulated by the Japanese government regulations , such as those in the 1951 Road Vehicle Act . In 1955, the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry set forth a goal to all Japanese makers at that time to create what was called a "national car". The concept stipulated that

590-414: A little nip here, a little tuck there, new lights and maybe a couple of different trim pieces to maintain interest in an aging vehicle for an extra couple of years before a full redesign." Laurance Yap, editor of Canadian Driver A facelift may include a change to the vehicle's name ; such was the case when Ford renamed their Five Hundred model to be their Ford Taurus in 2008. The facelifts of

649-782: A new market segment and the U.S. automobile industry soon adopted the "compact" term. Several competitors to the Nash Rambler arose from the ranks of America's other independent automakers, although none enjoyed the long-term success of the Rambler. Other early compact cars included the Kaiser-Frazer Henry J (also re-badged as the Allstate ), the Willys Aero and the Hudson Jet . In 1954, 64,500 cars sold in

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708-731: A strategy in their automotive design, involving substantial stylistic alterations while retaining the overall generation of the vehicles. Some instances include the fourth generation Holden Commodore , which comprises the VE and VF , as well as the seventh generation Ford Falcon , represented by the FG and FG X . Although these models belong to the same generation, they represented different iterations. Despite essentially being facelifts of one another, these iterations have undergone subtle aesthetic enhancements, commonly referred to as "Series II" revisions. "Mid-cycle facelifts for cars are usually just cosmetic:

767-524: Is 510 kg (1,124 lb). The Volkswagen Golf Mk3 Cabrio (or Type 1E ) was introduced in 1994 for the 1995 model year, replacing the previous MK1 Rabbit based Cabriolet. It was facelifted in 1998 (mid-1999 for non-euro markets) with the front, rear, and steering wheel styling inspired by the Golf Mk4 while still maintaining the body from the Mk3 Cabrio. These Cabrio's are often referred to as

826-589: The Mk3 Golf . This edition featured a full leather interior, wood accents, and prominently displayed a "Highline" sticker on the trunk. The Golf Coast was a limited edition exclusive to the Cabrio model, distinguished by the "Coast" graphic displayed on the trunk. The Sport edition, true to its name, represented the sporty variant of the Golf 3. It prominently featured a "Sport Edition" sticker, highlighting its performance-oriented character. The Golf Classic featured

885-455: The Mk3.5 Cabrio's . The Volkswagen Golf Cabrio was discontinued in 2002 with a special edition called "Last Edition". The Golf GTD is the diesel-powered variant of the high-performance GTI version. The cancelled Golf A59 was intended to be a 4WD model with a 275 hp (205 kW) turbocharged 1998cc engine, carbon fiber and Kevlar shell, and a full roll cage, and have the highest performance of

944-686: The Recession of 1958 , the only exception to the sales decline was American Motors with its compact, economy-oriented Ramblers that saw high demand among cautious consumers. By 1959, sales of small imported cars also increased to 14% of the U.S. passenger car market, as consumers turned to compact cars. By this time, smaller cars appealed to people with a college education and a higher income whose families were buying more than one car. Customers expected compact cars to provide improved fuel economy compared to full-sized cars while maintaining headroom, legroom, and plenty of trunk space. Between 1958 and 1960,

1003-860: The San Diego, California area and in Canada , then in the autumn in the rest of North America as 1994 models. The Mk3 Cabrio replaced the Volkswagen Cabriolet . The Mk3 Cabrio continued until the 2002 model year, when Volkswagen replaced it with a convertible version of the Volkswagen New Beetle . Like the previous two generations, the Mk3 was supposed to be built at the TAS factory in Sarajevo , Bosnia and Herzegovina . However, when

1062-423: The direct-injection system with the 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) Golf TDI in 1993. From its launch, all versions of the Golf came with fuel injection , to meet EEC requirements that all new cars sold in member countries from January 1993 must come with fuel injection or a catalytic converter . Non-catalyzed models were also built for those markets where there was no interest in them; power outputs were

1121-588: The small size class regulations that encouraged sales. The Volkswagen Golf Mk3 got replaced with the October 1997 (1998 model year) by the introduction of the Volkswagen Golf Mk4 . In some markets, the Mk3 Golf continued to be available for the 1998 model year ( Americas , South Africa ), and even as early 1999 model year vehicles ( Canada , Mexico , US ). As for previous generations, the Golf

1180-439: The "Golf" and "TDI" logos. Additionally, it included a custom interior with a distinctive fabric design. The Colour Concept edition was a highly limited release, produced in only five colors: Flash Red, Salsa Green, Yellow, Jazz Blue Pearl Effect, and Black Magic Pearl Effect, with only a few units of each color made. This edition featured a leather interior that matched the exterior color, complete with "Colour Concept" embossed on

1239-472: The "small Ford" and produced the Ford Vedette . The first U.S.-produced postwar compact car was the 1950 Nash Rambler . It was built on a 100-inch (2,540 mm) wheelbase, which was nonetheless still a large car by contemporary European standards. The term "compact" was coined by a Nash executive as a euphemism for small cars with a wheelbase of 110 inches (2,794 mm) or less. It established

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1298-809: The 1980s that American cars were being downsized to truly international dimensions. In the 1985 model year, compact cars classified by the EPA included Ford's Escort and Tempo as well as the Chevrolet Cavalier. For the 2019 model year, the best sellers were the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. In Japan, vehicles that are larger than kei cars , but with dimensions smaller than 4,700 mm (185.0 in) long, 1,700 mm (66.9 in) wide, 2,000 mm (78.7 in) high and with engines at or under 2,000 cc (120 cu in) are classified as "small size" cars. Small-size cars are identified by

1357-688: The 1980s. As had happened with the Mk1 and Mk2 , the Mk3 remained available in US for a year after it was discontinued in Europe (1998). The Mk3 continued to be produced for the 1999 model year where it was sold in North and South America. These 1999 Mk3 cars were the last produced in the world and sold alongside the Mk4 in showrooms. There was also a limited production run of around 250 "CitySTROMer" vehicles, mainly sold to

1416-516: The 20th anniversary of the GTI model. The models in question featured the standard GTI specifications but included distinctive elements such as checkered Recaro front sport seats and matching rear seats adorned with the GTI logo. Notable interior details comprised red seat belts for both front and rear seats, a half-chromed and leather golf ball gear knob, and a steering wheel and handbrake gaiter crafted from red-stitched leather. The handbrake's release knob

1475-466: The GTI logo, and silver gauge faces. The vehicle was equipped with 15" seven-spoke alloy wheels manufactured by Speedline, complemented by red-painted brake calipers. Many of the features offered as extras in the Driver's Edition became standard on the 1998 GTI VR6, leading to some confusion regarding the distinctions between the two models. To verify whether a vehicle is a Driver's Edition, one can consult

1534-514: The German market, which were fully electric vehicles, incorporating six lead-acid batteries in the engine bay, and a further 10 underneath the luggage area. It had a range of approximately 50 km (31 mi). The vehicle could be filled with a small amount of diesel to provide heat for the cabin. Volkswagen manufactured a limited run of 1,000 special-edition GTI Anniversary models, available in both 3-door and 5-door configurations, to commemorate

1593-500: The Golf 3, which was essentially a Golf 3, featuring the GTI body kit, complemented by "Orlando" alloy rims and a small trunk spoiler. Produced from 1996 to 1997 for the UK market, the SE featured a GTI body-kit, all round tinted glass, clear front indicator covers, twin headlamp lenses and GTI taillights, silver instrument cluster and Sport Räder alloy wheels. The Match edition was equipped with

1652-552: The Honda City, Toyota Yaris, Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6, and the Changan Alsvin. Facelift (automobile) An automotive facelift , also known as mid-generational refresh , minor model change , minor model update , or life cycle impulse , comprises changes to a vehicle's styling during its production run including, to highly variable degree, new sheetmetal, interior design elements or mechanical changes, allowing

1711-469: The Jetta had no such problems, the old nameplate remained. In some markets, where the tax structure suited such a model, Volkswagen also offered a light commercial Van version of the three-door hatchback. Typically fitted with a flat plywood floor in the rear and often with blanked rear side windows, precise specifications varied for different markets to meet various local requirements for being classified as

1770-673: The Mk3 Golf models. The A59 was also supposed to be able to win the World Rally Championship in 1994 . The prototype can be seen at the Volkswagen Museum . A 16-valve version of the third-generation Golf GTI was introduced in 1993. The engine was enlarged to 2.0L, with power now reaching 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp). While lower powered than the VR6 , it was still relatively popular with driving enthusiasts in Europe, because it offered ample power without

1829-821: The Puebla, Mexico assembly plant where all the Harlequins were manufactured. The interchangement of colors — Tornado Red, Ginster Yellow, Chagall Blue, and Pistachio Green — was not random, but followed four defined assignments, with each pattern avoiding adjacent major panels sharing the same paint color. Compact car In Japan, small size passenger vehicle is a registration category that sits between kei cars and regular cars, based on overall size and engine displacement limits. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Fuel Economy Regulations for 1977 and Later Model Year (dated July 1996) includes definitions for classes of automobiles. Based on

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1888-407: The U.S. were imports or small American cars, out of a total market of five million cars. Market research indicated that five percent of those surveyed said they would consider a small car, suggesting a potential market size of 275,000 cars. By 1955, the Nash Rambler that began as a convertible model became a success and was now available in station wagon , hardtop , and sedan body styles. During

1947-542: The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The Henri Leconte edition featured a leather interior with signed seats and included a distinctive sticker depicting a 3D ball breaking through the glass on the rear window. The Henri Lloyd Yachting edition, based on the GT model, included a special front lip, rear bumper extension, and a unique grille, along with a distinctive rear badge. The Driver edition of

2006-404: The acronym LCI ("Life Cycle Impulse") to denote a facelift. Other marques may directly call a particular car a facelift model, while some simply call it a new model. In automotive parlance, "new" usually refers to a facelifted model, whilst the term "all-new" denotes an entirely new generation with not only a design overhaul, but new underpinnings as well. Holden and Ford Australia implemented

2065-783: The beginning of a downsizing of all vehicles so that cars such as the AMC Concord and the Ford Fairmont that replaced the compacts were re-classified as mid-size, while cars inheriting the size of the Ford Pinto and Chevrolet Vega (such as the Ford Escort and Chevrolet Cavalier ) became classified as compact cars. Even after the reclassification, mid-size American cars were still far larger than mid-size cars from other countries and were more similar in size to cars classified as "large cars" in Europe. It would not be until

2124-682: The car was first released, the Yugoslav War broke out, leading to the destruction of the factory. Due to this, TAS went bankrupt in 1995. This meant the Mk3 was the only Golf before the Mk4 not to be built in Bosnia and Herzegovina, although a single Mk3 managed to roll off the assembly line in Sarajevo , its fate unknown. The Mk3 Golf was sold in Japan alongside the Polo , where both vehicles complied with

2183-582: The combined passenger and cargo volume, compact cars are defined as having an interior volume index of 100–109 cu ft (2.8–3.1 m ). The beginnings of U.S. production of compact cars were the late 1940s prototypes of economy cars, including the Chevrolet Cadet and the Ford Light Car. Neither car reached production in the U.S., however Ford SAF in France bought the plans of

2242-468: The facelift (e.g., changes to the engine, suspension or transmission). In the 1920s, General Motors under the leadership of Alfred P. Sloan at the time had lost market share to Ford , which relied on the Model T as their best-selling model. Sloan is credited of establishing a strategy in which the company introduces annual styling changes to their vehicles in order to regain market share. Ford, on

2301-418: The floor pan, door sills, and rear hatch. Independent mechanics and MOT testers recommend thorough inspections for rust, holes, and patches in the floor pan for prospective buyers. The Gold Otmar Alt was a limited edition model, with only 1,000 units produced. It showcased various artworks by the artist Otmar Alt and featured a fully customized interior adorned with matching graphics. The Golf 3 Rabbit Edition

2360-463: The front fog and indicator lamps were smoked to harmonize with the rear lamps. Three optional extras were available: an electric sunroof, air conditioning, and metallic black paintwork. Insurance premiums were set based on the standard GTI, contributing to the desirability of this model. Production was limited to six color schemes, with a total output of 1,000 units, comprising 600 8-valve models, 150 16-valve models, and 250 TDI models. The diesel variant

2419-485: The front seats and a distinctive Colour Concept badge. It was equipped with 15-inch BBS Solitude alloy wheels, electric windows, central locking, and front seat heating. The Colour Concept was also available for the Cabriolet and Estate (Variant) versions of the Golf. The Family edition was essentially the standard Golf MK3, featuring only a custom sticker and a few minor differences. The Golf Harlequin model began with

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2478-533: The major U.S. car manufacturers made a push toward compact cars, resulting in the introduction of the Studebaker Lark , Chevrolet Corvair , Ford Falcon , and Plymouth Valiant . These models also gave rise to compact vans built on the compact car platforms, such as the Studebaker Zip Van, Chevrolet Corvair Greenbrier , Ford Econoline , and Dodge A100 . During the 1960s, compacts were

2537-460: The other hand, refused to remodel the Model T until the 1930s, during which time Ford had lost market share to GM. Since then, the idea of this model change also spread to various industrial products other than automobiles. The strategy has made vehicles owned by consumers artificially out of fashion, thus creating a stimulation for customers to purchase new vehicles. The strategy is also considered as

2596-699: The passenger and cargo compartments were introduced in the late 1970s. In the early 1970s, the domestic automakers introduced even smaller subcompact cars that included the AMC Gremlin , Chevrolet Vega , and Ford Pinto . In 1973, the Energy Crisis started, which made small fuel-efficient cars more desirable, and the North American driver began exchanging their large cars for the smaller, imported compacts that cost less to fill up and were inexpensive to maintain. The 1977 model year marked

2655-640: The popular Volkswagen Beetle . Compact cars were also the basis for a new small car segment that became known as the pony car , named after the Ford Mustang , which was built on the Falcon chassis. At that time, there was a distinct difference in size between compact and full-size models. Early definitions of vehicle size class were based on wheelbase, with models under 111 inches as compact, 111 to 118 inches intermediate, and over 118 inches as full size, at least until EPA classes based on interior volume of

2714-466: The right side of the grille. The Ryder edition included several minor design modifications; however, it did not come equipped with a sunroof . The 1997 model year introduced the GTI Driver's Edition, available in two colors: Ginster Yellow and Jazz Blue. Distinctive features included red stitching on the steering wheel, a special shift knob designed with half aluminum and half leather, adorned with

2773-533: The same as for the catalyzed models. An all-new 1.4 petrol engine was the entry-level model in the MK3 Golf range. Also offered was a naturally aspirated version of the 1.9-liter diesel engine , the SDI , offering 47 kW (64 PS; 63 hp). Airbags were first offered on the Golf in 1992, and from 1996 anti-lock brakes were standard across the range. The Golf Mk3 was also available in "Ecomatic" form. It

2832-460: The sides. The GTI Edition additionally showcased a sticker on the rear quarter panel, designed to match the font used on the interior seats. The "Kamei Edition" was a limited edition model produced in collaboration with Kamei, an aftermarket body parts manufacturer based in Wolfsburg . This edition featured the complete Kamei body kit and included a distinctive "Kamei Edition" badge, positioned on

2891-553: The smallest class of North American cars, but they had evolved into only slightly smaller versions of the 6-cylinder or V8-powered six-passenger sedan. They were much larger than compacts (and sometimes even mid-sizers) by European manufacturers, which were typically five-passenger four-cylinder engine cars. Nevertheless, advertising and road tests for the Ford Maverick and the Rambler American made comparisons with

2950-599: The spring of 1994. The delay in North America was due to Volkswagen's decision to supply U.S. and Canadian dealerships with Mk3 Golfs (and A3 Jetta's) from the VW plant in Puebla , Mexico . Quality control problems led Volkswagen of America to reject Golfs and Jetta's from Mexico . Thereafter, labor unrest at the plant delayed production. The third-generation Golf and Jetta first launched in North America as 1993 models in

3009-541: The thirst or tax burden of the six-cylinder. As with previous versions, the Golf Driver acted as the official GTI-look-alike in the United Kingdom. Similar to the continental market Golf GT, it looked sporting but was fitted with a single-point injected 1.8L engine. The Golf Mk3 was also the predecessor of the "diesel craze" that swept through Europe in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when Volkswagen introduced

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3068-842: The time, while the Datsun was an all-new vehicle. These vehicles were followed by the Hino Contessa in 1961, the Isuzu Bellett , Daihatsu Compagno and Mazda Familia in 1963, the Mitsubishi Colt in 1965, and the Nissan Sunny , Subaru 1000 , and Toyota Corolla in 1966. Honda introduced its first four-door sedan in 1969, called the Honda 1300 . In North America, these cars were classified as subcompact cars . By 1970, Nissan released its first front-wheel-drive car which

3127-399: The vehicle be able to maintain a maximum speed over 100 km/h (62 mph), weigh below 400 kg (882 lbs), fuel consumption at 30 km/L (85 mpg ‑imp ; 71 mpg ‑US ) or more, at an average speed of 60 km/h (37 mph) on a level road, and not require maintenance or significant service for at least 100,000 km (62,000 mi). This established

3186-469: Was also finished in red, while the instrument dials were rendered in silver. Floor mats were designed with red piping along their edges. Externally, the red theme was further emphasized with red striping on the bumpers and red brake calipers. The vehicles were equipped with 16" x 7" split rim BBS RS 722 alloy wheels, which bore a resemblance to the 15" wheels found on the VR6 model. The exhaust system featured brushed stainless steel rear twin tailpipes, and

3245-430: Was available as a three- or five-door hatchback. For the first time an estate was produced, being launched in early 1993, and bringing it into line with key competitors such as the Ford Escort and Vauxhall / Opel Astra , which had all long been available as estates. The name of three-box sedan (now only with four doors) changed to Vento , in an attempt to improve the Jetta's stodgy image in Europe. In North America, where

3304-425: Was exclusive to Austria and featured a distinctive rabbit badge. The Golf Cool was marked by a "Cool" sticker, similar to the Avenue edition, and included several minor design modifications. The Golf CitySTROMer was an alternative electric powered version of the Golf 3, characterized by vibrant graphics displayed on its side panels. As its name implies, the Golf Highline represented the premium, high-end variant of

3363-459: Was exclusively produced for the European market and was not available in the UK. Many of these models found their way into the UK company car and lease market before entering the second-hand market, and it is estimated that only a few hundred remain today. The rarity of the Mark 3 Golfs can be attributed in part to quality issues associated with the steel used by Volkswagen, which has been reported to lead to significant corrosion in components such as

3422-444: Was originally developed by Prince Motor Company which had merged with Nissan in 1966. This was introduced in 1970 as the Nissan Cherry . In 1972, the Honda Civic appeared with the CVCC engine that was able to meet California emission standards without the use of a catalytic converter . In Pakistan, the concept of compact cars is significant. The most common cars tend to be Kei cars . Popular compact cars in recent times are

3481-424: Was powered with a diesel engine and a clutch-less manual transmission . The vehicle would freewheel by opening of the clutch as soon as the accelerator is released, and the engine was switched off after a further 1.5 seconds of inactivity, whether by stopping or coasting. Restarting the engine simply required depressing the accelerator pedal. VW had previously pioneered similar technology in the VW Polo "Formel E" in

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