The Golf Mk3 was launched in mainland Europe in August 1991,[2] in the United Kingdom in February 1992,[3] and in North America in 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.

[citation needed] Like the previous two generations, the Mk3 was supposed to be built at the TAS factory in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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 the small size class regulations that encouraged sales.

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.

[4] In some markets, where the tax structure suited such a model, Volkswagen also offered a light commercial Van version of the three-door hatchback.

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.

[5] The Umwelt diesel was Volkswagen's then-new 1.9-liter turbodiesel (AAZ), fitted with a catalytic converter and producing 75 PS (55 kW).

[6] 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.

[10] Similar to the continental market Golf GT, it looked sporting but was fitted with a single-point injected 1.8L engine.

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.

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 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.

It showcased various artworks by the artist Otmar Alt and featured a fully customized interior adorned with matching graphics.

This edition featured a full leather interior, wood accents, and prominently displayed a "Highline" sticker on the trunk.

The GTI Edition additionally showcased a sticker on the rear quarter panel, designed to match the font used on the interior seats.

The 1997 model year introduced the GTI Driver's Edition, available in two colors: Ginster Yellow and Jazz Blue.

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.

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.

It was equipped with 15-inch BBS Solitude alloy wheels, electric windows, central locking, and front seat heating.

The Golf Harlequin model began with a group of four cars, each carrying a Design Series emblem, created by Volkswagen to display on the 1995 international auto show circuit.

[18] Chagall Blue, and Pistachio Green were otherwise unavailable as a Golf paint color choice in North America.

This variant featured an enhanced white/tan dual-tone interior, smoked tail lamps, premium alloy wheels, remote entry, power windows and mirrors, and a tilt/slide sunroof as standard.