The History of the Volkswagen Golf

Before the launch of the Volkswagen Golf in 1974, hatchbacks weren’t hugely popular, however since the introduction of VW’s most iconic model, the Golf became the definitive family hatchback, and it has remained that way ever since. This timeless icon also brought performance cars to the masses, in the form of the GTI and R models. 

Thanks to its impeccable build quality and reliable performance, the Volkswagen Golf is top of the class when it comes to awards, having won World Car of the Year (2013) and European Car of the Year twice (1992, 2013). Throughout its lifespan, Volkswagen’s best-selling model has evolved through eight generations.

The VW Golf range includes:

• Golf Mk1: 1974-1983
• Golf Mk2: 1983-1991
• Golf Mk3: 1991-1997
• Golf Mk4: 1997-2003 
• Golf Mk5: 2003-2008 
• Golf Mk6: 2008-2012 
• Golf Mk7: 2012-2019 
• Golf Mk8: 2019-present 

With talk of the ‘Beetle’s replacement’ starting around the 1950s, the Mk1 was a long time in the making. Presented as a modern front-wheel-drive, the original Golf stepped away from the curves of the Beetle in favour of a much ‘boxier’ design.

Stepping up production quickly, it wasn’t long before other variations were produced, such as the then-disruptive original “hot-hatch” Golf GTI (with a fuel-injected 1.6 litre engine capable of a staggering 110mph), the Jetta saloon, the Golf Cabriolet and the Caddy van. From the launch date, it took a mere 730 days to deliver the one-millionth Golf. 

Enjoying an impressive production spell, the Mk1 was discontinued in ‘83, however, the South African Volkswagen branch took exception to this and kept its conveyor belts rolling. As diehard fans of the Mk1, they continued production of the Golf until 2009, largely due to the lower costs associated with the ‘entry-level’ vehicle.

By the late ‘70s, the Mk1 Golf had become somewhat of a pop culture icon, thanks to its tartan seats which closely resembled trousers designed by Vivienne Westwood and worn by rock ‘n’ roll’s very own Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols. Lady Diana Spencer was even spotted nipping around in a Mk1 Golf which sported a classy light blue paint job.

Performance:

• Acceleration: 0-62 = 17 sec
• Top speed: 90.1 mph
• Fuel consumption: 26.1 mpg
• Power: 108 hp at 6,100 rpm
• Torque: 56.8 lb-ft at 3,000 rpm
• Engine size: 1.1 L

*FA/GG/HB

Did you know?

The Golf was rebranded for US / Canadian and Mexican markets, known as the Rabbit and the Caribe respectively.

Making its debut in the early ’80s, the Golf Mk2 was larger than its predecessor with more width, length and a wider wheelbase. The general design was also slightly more rounded, although it maintained the overall look of the Mk1. Upon ceasing production in late ’92, VW had sold around 6.3 million Mk2s.

Different variations of the Mk2 were released during its 9-year lifespan, which included:

• Golf GTI & GTI 16v
• Golf Syncro
• Rallye Golf
• Golf Limited
• Golf Country
• Golf Mk2 citySTROMer

Performance:

• Acceleration: 0 – 60 = 8 sec
• Top speed: ~ 120 mph
• Fuel consumption: 30 mpg
• Power: 110 hp at 5,500 rpm
• Torque: 113 lb-ft at 3,100 rpm
• Engine size: 1.8L

*Golf Mk2 GTI

Did you know?

The tartan pattern on the seats of the Golf GTI is called Clark Plaid and was introduced by Volkswagen’s first female interior designer, Gunhild Liljequist. Liljequist also designed the GTI’s golf ball shift knob. 

The third generation Golf was marketed as a compact family car, but that didn’t stop VW from producing a nippier Cabrio Model, as well as GTD and A59 performance models.

The Mk3 also included a new TDI diesel engine, a narrow-angle 2.8-litre VR6 engine and not to mention the introduction of heated seats, the ultimate addition in luxury, if you ask us. 

Apparently, Volkswagen sells a Golf worldwide every 41 seconds. Perhaps this is because the Golf has consistently done its homework and delivered the latest in automotive technology and style. 

Performance:

• Acceleration: 0 – 62 = 7.5 sec
• Top speed: 149 mph
• Fuel consumption: 29.43 mpg
• Power: 174 hp at 5800 rpm
• Torque: 173 lb-ft at 4200 rpm
• Engine size: 2.8L

*2.8 VR6

Did you know?

The Mk3 Cabrio was introduced to replace the Cabriolet, however, this model was then replaced with a convertible New Beetle – the model that the Golf was originally created to supersede.

Four years after its release, the Mk4 was acknowledged as the best-selling car in Europe in 2001. This model also marked VW’s attempt to push the Golf up market, with the manufacturer including a higher quality interior and components. 

Notchback versions (Bora, Jetta), a new Golf Variant (estate) and new high-performance models, including the Golf R32 and the Golf V6 4Motion, ensured there was a Golf available to meet every driver’s needs. 

Performance:

• Acceleration: 0-62 = 6.4 sec
• Top speed: 153 mph
• Fuel consumption: 24.6 mpg
• Power: 237 hp at 6,250 rpm
• Torque: 236 lb-ft at 2,800 rpm
• Engine size: 3.2L

*3.2 R32

Did you know?

The name of the Golf is derived from Golfstrom, German for gulfstream.

The fifth-generation Golf reached the UK in early 2004, while in 2006, the US brought back the Rabbit nameplate. This was in conjunction with the introduction of a ‘Fast’ marketing campaign, featuring a small black totem, with rabbit features, which was supposed to represent every driver’s alter ego and “the ‘fast’ that lives inside” all of us. 

The various models within the Mk5 release included:

• Station wagon (Jetta SportWagen in the US)
• Jetta Mk5
• Golf Plus
• GT
• GTI
• R32

Performance:

• Acceleration: 0-62 = 11.4 sec
• Top speed: 114 mph
• Fuel consumption: 39.23 mpg
• Power: 101 hp at 5,600 rpm
• Torque: 109 lb-ft at 3,800 rpm
• Engine size: 1.6L

*Mk5 1.6

Did you know?

VW released a special ‘Fahrenheit Edition’ of their GTI and GLI models which featured a magma orange paint job and were unveiled at the Playboy Mansion.

A new Mk6 was fashioned by Volkswagen’s chief designer, Walter de’Silva and launched at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. 

It claimed to be more aerodynamic and fuel-efficient, quieter than its predecessor and cheaper to build, a cost saving which would be passed on to the customer. 

It offered 5- and 6-speed manual transmission and 6- or 7-speed Direct-Shift Gearbox transmission options. 

Performance:

• Acceleration: 0-62 = 6.9 sec
• Top speed: 149 mph
• Fuel consumption: 35 mpg
• Power: 207 hp at 5,300-6,200 rpm
• Torque: 207 lb-ft at 1,700-5,200 rpm
• Engine size: 2L

*Mk6 GTI

Did you know?

A concept car based on the Golf GTI, named Wörthersee 09, was released in 2009 and boasted 6.9 seconds acceleration time and 148 mph top speed.

The Golf evolution continued, with the slightly larger seventh generation, which shared a platform with the Audi A3, SEAT León and Škoda Octavia. 

A new GTI was dubbed the GTI Clubsport and held the record for the fastest front-wheel-drive car around the Nürburgring until 2017. From 2016, the Golf featured a bigger infotainment touchscreen, full LED lights and even animated rear indicator options. 

Released in 2016 as a celebration of the Volkswagen Golf’s 40^th Birthday, the ‘Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40’ became available for purchase. The special edition model immediately became a rare find as only 1000 models were released as part of its production run.

Performance:

• Acceleration: 0-62 = 6.5 sec
• Top speed: 153 mph
• Fuel consumption: 47.1 mpg
• Power: 217 hp at 4,500-6,200 rpm
• Torque: 258 lb-ft at 1,500-4,400 rpm
• Engine size: 2L

*Mk7 GTI

Did you know?

The GTI Clubsport S was created as an ‘optimised’ version of the GTI Clubsport with only 400 being made for the 2016 model year.

The latest Golf has certainly kept its reputation as a high achiever. It boasts VW’s most advanced connectivity (an entirely digital driver’s display and digital control panel) and assistance systems (travel assist and Car2X and oncoming vehicle while brake function). 

We also think the new Volkswagen ID.3 is pretty impressive; it offers everything we love about a Volkswagen hatchback, in a package that is totally electrified. 

“The Golf is at the very heart of our brand. It stands for progress and technology like no other car … the Golf made safety technology available for millions of people for the first time. Thanks to this, it made its mark on an entire generation.” - Volkswagen COO, Ralf Brandstatter, on the Golf reaching 45 years old.

Golf Mk8 models include:

Golf GTE - plug-in hybrid with an all-electric range of approximately 37 miles.

Golf GTD – 2.0L turbodiesel model.

Golf GTI – 2.0L high-performance petrol model.

Golf GTI 380 – special edition model announced for 2024.

Golf R - 2.0L turbocharged petrol model.

Golf R 333 – Limited edition model (released May 2023).

The latest model of the Mk8 was released in 2023 and is available in five different trim types which are Life, Style, R-Line, GTE, and R. This won’t be the last iteration of this model though as the Golf name is set to be kept alive with a ninth generation, set for release in 2028.

Performance:

• Acceleration: 0-62 = 7.1 sec
• Top speed: 148 mph
• Fuel consumption:
• Power: ~187 hp
• Torque: 236 lb-ft at 1,500-4100 rpm
• Engine size: 2L

*Mk8 2.0 TSI

Did you know?

The Golf Mk8’s Trained Park Assist feature is capable of downloading parking manoeuvres that can reach up to 50 metres in length.

Volkswagen has every right to be proud of this world-class car and it scores a definite 10/10 from us. If you’re ready to start your Volkswagen Golf adventure, talk to the team at JCT600 Volkswagen. To see which models we have available today, you can browse our full selection of new VW Golfs online.