What are the differences between National V and National VI standards for the Golf?

[Eden]

The differences between National V and National VI emission standards are as follows: Different emission standards: The National VI emission standard is more than 30% stricter than National V. Excluding the influence of driving conditions and testing, gasoline vehicles' carbon monoxide emissions are reduced by 50%, total hydrocarbons and non-methane hydrocarbons emissions are reduced by 50%, and nitrogen oxide emissions are reduced by 42%. Different implementation times: The National V standard was implemented nationwide on January 1, 2017. The National VI standard has been in effect since July 1, 2019. Different principles: Under National V, diesel and gasoline vehicles had different emission standards, but National VI adopts a fuel-neutral principle, meaning the emission limits are the same regardless of fuel type. Different issuing authorities: The National V standard was issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection, while the National VI standard was jointly issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine. Different letter representations: National V is represented by 'V,' while National VI is represented by 'VI.' Different monitoring requirements for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs): Compared to National V, National VI has enhanced monitoring requirements for PHEVs, including energy storage systems, thermal management systems, brake regeneration, drive motors, generators, and other regulatory aspects. The National V standard limits are as follows: Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 1,000 mg of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 68 mg of non-methane hydrocarbons per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 60 mg of nitrogen oxides per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 4.5 mg of PM (fine particulate matter) per kilometer driven. National VI has two sub-standards: National VIa and National VIb. Their limits are as follows: National VIa standard limits: Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 700 mg of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 68 mg of non-methane hydrocarbons per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 60 mg of nitrogen oxides per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 4.5 mg of PM per kilometer driven. National VIb standard limits: Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 500 mg of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 35 mg of non-methane hydrocarbons per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 35 mg of nitrogen oxides per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 3 mg of PM per kilometer driven. Due to the impact of the National VI emission policy, although National V vehicles are not currently restricted in normal use (no driving bans or plate restrictions), their resale value will be significantly affected. For car owners, if they purchase a truck on loan for cargo transport, the vehicle's depreciation after repaying the loan is equivalent to the net profit earned during that period. A higher residual value means more profit for the owner. Therefore, from this perspective, National VI vehicles, which have a longer lifespan and more road-use privileges, are more advantageous.

[LaRicardo]

Speaking of the differences between the Golf National V and National VI standards, I have personal experience. Last year when I bought a car, I chose a National V Golf, while my friend recommended the National VI version. In terms of driving, the power and comfort feel similar, but the National VI emission standards are much stricter, with significantly fewer pollutants. Policy-wise, National V vehicles in some major cities have already started facing driving restrictions or can no longer be registered, and their resale value has dropped rapidly—I lost quite a bit selling my National V car second-hand. In terms of maintenance, the National VI version has an added particulate filter in the exhaust system, making repairs a bit more expensive, but it’s optimized for better fuel efficiency, saving money on gas in the long run. From a usage perspective, National VI contributes more to air quality and aligns better with environmental trends. My advice is to go for National VI when buying a new car to avoid future hassles.

[AylaLynn]

I think the differences between the Golf's China V and China VI standards mainly lie in technical details. The China VI standard has raised emission limits, with improved engine tuning, such as the addition of advanced particulate filters to reduce nitrogen oxide and PM emissions. The power delivery is smoother, and the exhaust is cleaner. The difference in daily driving is minimal, but the OBD system in China VI models has been upgraded for more accurate fault diagnosis. During maintenance, be careful not to use low-quality fuel to avoid system clogging. In the long run, this technology helps mitigate air pollution and aligns with national environmental policies. After upgrading, the car's lifespan may be extended slightly.