The Volkswagen Golf was the hatchback that followed on from the success of the Beetle. Yes, there were other hatches around at the time. But there was a magical quality about the Golf that has endeared gearheads for decades. The VW Golf is not just great fun to drive, these economy cars also have surprisingly luxurious interiors!
Giorgetto Giugiaro was the mastermind behind the design of the Golf Mk I. Giugiaro was not only involved in the design of the Golf Mk 1 but also the Lamborghini Calà and the Maserati Spyder. From his inspiration, a wide range of models was born since its inception in '74. Then to think the best feature on the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI stands on the shoulders of its predecessors. Let's take a look back at some of the great moments in the evolution of the VW Golf.
10 Golf Mk 1
Released in 1974, the Mk 1 was the hatchback that became a watershed moment in the history of Volkswagen, a transition from the success of the Beetle. Let's not forget too, the Golf GTI was released in 1976, a little dynamo capable of top speeds of 113.1 mph, using an Audi 80 GTE engine, throwing in a few extras like a larger front spoiler.
With their 1.6-liter engines, cranking out 110 horsepower, which would later increase to a 1.8-liter engine producing 112 HP, these cars were fun to drive. Performance was also aided by the fact that it was light — a mere curb weight of about 1,850 lb., no wonder the success that followed.
9 Golf Mk II
The Golf Mk II arrived on the scene in August 1983. Compared to the Mk 1, the body was larger with more options to choose from, including a 1.6 GTD Turbo Diesel, supercharged 8v G60 version, even the Rallye Golf. Most versions had 3-door and 5-door options.
Compared to the MK 1, the Mk II had a slightly longer wheelbase, was heavier yet improved aerodynamics, and of course, slight changes to its body. 6.3 million were produced. Production stopped in 1991.
8 Golf Mk III
The Golf Mk III debuted in 1991, it would later be the first Golf to showcase a 6-cylinder engine (VR6). Other firsts for the Golf included cruise control, Ecomatic transmission, the first side airbags and the first direct injection diesel engines with the TDI in '93 and the SDI in '95.
The Golf Mk III have had some special European tour editions, such as the Pink Floyd edition, the Rolling Stones edition and the Bon Jovi edition, including distinctive markings on the body. There was also a special 20th anniversary GTI with a limited production number of 1,000. Not to mention the other special editions, like the distinctive Harlequin edition.
7 The Golf Variant
It cannot be forgotten that numerous Golf Variants were put onto the market from 1993. Being a station wagon, it offered more space inside.
The Golf IV Variant hit the market in 1999 with a range of engine options. In Europe, it was sold as both a Golf and Bora version with either a Golf or Bora front-end. It was now also available in the States under the Jetta name, using a Jetta front-end. The subsequent generations of the Golf also offered their own versions of the station wagon.
6 Golf Mk IV
The Golf Mk IV was introduced in 1997, a strategy to go a step higher, making it look more upmarket, while not messing with the core ingredients that made the Golf a popular hatch. Award-winning Peter Schreyer was the man behind the design. He has also worked on designs like the Audi TT, the Kia Optima and the Hyundai Tucson.
The MK IV R32 arrived in 2003, featuring its distinctive DSG, a dual-clutch gearbox, touted as the world's first in an everyday production car, offering lower fuel consumption and better performance. The Mk IV also includes the GTI 25th anniversary edition, offering either the 1.8 liter turbocharged engine delivering 180 bhp or the 150 bhp turbocharged 1.9 liter TDI PD diesel engine.
5 Golf Mk V and Mk VI
The Golf Mk V arrived on the scene in 2003 with its 3 or 5-door options and an array of engine options, including the 1.4-liter, 1.6-liter, or 2.0-liter gasoline option, along with a string of diesel options. Some special edition options cannot be forgotten like the GTI 30th edition and the Fahrenheit Edition, making its debut at the Playboy mansion.
As 2009 hit, the Golf Mk VI arrived on the market. Production of the Mk V ceased in 2010. The Mk VI debuted at the Paris Motor Show in late-2008. The Mk VI GTI has also featured on the race track, even appearing at Nürburgring Nordschleife.
4 Golf Mk VII and Mk VIII
The Golf Mk VII debuted in 2012, a more spacious design than its predecessors, not to mention its longer wheelbase, compared to the Mk VI. The Mk VII offered a new set of safety features. Let's not forget the Mk VII also received a facelift in 2016, marketed as the 'New Golf' or the Golf 7.5.
With 2019, a new generation emerged, the Mk VIII, with a modified body, just compare its more aerodynamic nose to its predecessor. Other significant changes included its digital instrument panel and an interior that has been revitalized.
3 E-Golf
The 2015 e-Golf was presented in 2013, having been touted as competing against the likes of the Nissan Leaf. With its distinctive features, such as LED lighting and the restyled grille, with its black and gray trim interior and the leather touches, creating an overall refined, sophisticated feel.
The 2015 e-Golf is powered by a 24.2-kWh lithium-ion battery, delivering 114 horsepower with 199 lb-ft of torque, being touted as accelerating from 0-62 MPH in 10.4 seconds. It cannot be forgotten that the e-Golf has been updated since then, until that final e-Golf rolls off the factory line!
2 Golf GTE
The Golf GTE debuted in 2014 at the Geneva Motor Show, a plug-in hybrid, sharing the same setup as the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron, with some differences. Powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with a 8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery, offering a range of 31 miles in pure electric mode, with a total range of 580 miles, delivering 200 plus horsepower all up.
Able to accelerate from 0-62 MPH in under 7.6 seconds with top speeds of 135 MPH, the Golf GTE can certainly zip along. Not only that, it was a great seller throughout Europe.
1 The High Performance Models
Let's not forget that there have been performance models, such as the G60 and the R32. The G60 was capable of top speeds of 134 MPH, able to accelerate from 0-62 MPH. Of course, we can't forget the Golf Rallye G60, featuring wide, boxy fenders and Syncro AWD.
The Mk 5 R32 was powered by 3.2 liter VR6 engine, delivering 247 BHP with 236 lbf-ft of torque. Compared to the Mk 4 R32, it has been praised for its better handling and reliability. It must be said that in terms of range, the VW Golf delivered. Maybe these were the best hatches of the 80s and 90s. Of course, gearheads will always have their own favorites!