What suspension does the 4th generation Golf use?

[Freddy]

The 4th generation Golf adopts front MacPherson strut independent suspension and rear four-link independent suspension, both of which are currently popular suspension types. The suspension system refers to all the force-transmitting connection devices between the car's frame and the axle or wheels. Its function is to transmit forces and torques acting between the wheels and the frame, while cushioning the impact from uneven road surfaces to the frame or body, and dampening the resulting vibrations to ensure smooth driving. The body structure of the 4th generation Golf is a five-door, five-seat compact hatchback, with body dimensions of: length 4149mm, width 1735mm, height 1444mm, wheelbase 2511mm, front track 1513mm, and rear track 1494mm.

[StVera]

I've been driving a fourth-generation Golf for seven or eight years, and its suspension is quite interesting. The front wheels use MacPherson independent suspension, which makes city driving particularly comfortable, and it doesn't bump much over speed bumps. The rear wheels of the standard version use a torsion beam non-independent suspension, which maximizes space utilization and provides a large trunk, but the rear seats shake noticeably on mountain roads. The high-end version, like the GTI, switches to a four-link independent suspension for the rear wheels, making cornering much more stable. This combination was quite common back in the day and is now considered an economical and practical setup, with cheap maintenance and part replacements. If you're buying a used one, remember to check the rear suspension bushings—they tend to crack in older cars, and replacing a set only costs a few hundred bucks. It's perfectly adequate for daily commuting, just don't expect too much from aggressive driving.

[SanVincent]

Having worked on the fourth-generation Golf for over a decade, I'm most familiar with its suspension system. The front MacPherson strut design is simple - replacing shock absorbers takes just two hours. Rear suspension comes in two configurations: most models use a torsion beam setup (cheap and durable, though rear passengers feel more bumps), while high-performance sport versions feature a multi-link independent suspension (30% pricier to repair but better handling). Key inspection point: rear axle rubber bushings inevitably crack by 100,000km - creaking over bumps is the telltale sign. Tuning enthusiasts often criticize the torsion beam's limited performance ceiling, though the OEM setup prioritizes family comfort. Most rattles can be fixed with new shock absorbers, costing under 2,000 RMB.

[StBennett]

The suspension setup of the fourth-generation Golf is quite typical: MacPherson strut independent front suspension with stabilizer bar for quick response and low cost; the base model uses a torsion beam rear suspension, which was a common design in 1998. Interestingly, the high-performance GTI and R32 versions upgraded to a four-link independent rear suspension, significantly improving tire grip during cornering. In daily driving, the front suspension filters out minor bumps efficiently, while the rear torsion beam tends to bounce over larger potholes. Having driven three different versions myself, the base model shows more noticeable body roll in corners. The aftermarket parts for this generation are still abundant, with aftermarket suspension kits available for as low as 800. The most outstanding advantage of this generation's suspension is its simplicity, allowing even 20-year-old cars to run stably.