I think you have misread the question. The shift length in the V4 is defiantly shorter than the one in the V5, but as I stated the shifter in the V4 sits a lot further back. For example when the V4 is in 1st gear it sits about where the V5 is in neutral position. So it seems to my the shifter in the V4 is sitting back whatever the distance is from neutral to 1st or 2nd in the V5.
Have a close look at pictures.