What was the first generation of the Volkswagen Golf?
First generation (MK1/A1, Typ 17; 1974–1983) In May 1974, Volkswagen presented the first-generation Golf as a modern front-wheel-drive, long-range replacement for the Volkswagen Beetle.
How many times has the Volkswagen Golf made the 10Best list?
The Volkswagen Golf has made the annual Car and Driver 10Best list multiple times. The Golf Mk7 won the Motor Trend Car of the Year award in 2015, and the Mk1 GTI also won the award in 1985.
When did the first golf come out?
Successor to Volkswagen's Beetle, the first generation Golf debuted in Europe in May 1974 with styling by Giorgetto Giugiaro 's Italdesign.
When did the VW Golf come out with a convertible?
A convertible version of the Golf was presented to Volkswagen's management by coachbuilder Wilhelm Karmann GmbH as early as 1976. This early prototype lacked the roll-over bar of the later version, and had a flat body line in the rear, where the soft top folded down below the sill level.
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How long was the Mk1 Golf in production?
The Golf was West Germany's best selling new car for much of its production life, and was among the most successful cars in the whole of Europe during its nine-year production run.
How many VW Golf generations are there?
Officially there has never been any numbering by Volkswagen of the Golf generations, so no Golf Mk1, Mk2, Mk3, Mk4, Mk5, Mk6 or Mk7. With now seven generations of the car, The numbering system now 'officially' enters into the Golf's history.
When did the first VW Golf come out?
March 1974In March 1974, the first Golf rolled off the assembly line in Wolfsburg. The advertising starts with the slogan: “The new popular sport: Golf” – a vision that was to come true. The first generation makes its mark: the Beetle's successor is sold 6.99 million times.
When was the last Mk1 Golf made?
The Mk1 was the final edition of the Citi Golf and VWSA made 1000 of them towards the end of 2009, at R113 500 apiece.
Which Golf generation is best?
Here Are The Best And Worst Volkswagen Golf GTI Models Over The Years4 Worst: 1993-1999 Golf GTI Mk 3.5 Best: 2009-2013 Golf GTI Mk 6. ... 6 Best: 2000-2006 Golf GTI Mk 4. ... 7 Best: 2015-present Golf GTI Mk 7. ... 8 Best: 2007-2009 Golf GTI Mk 5. ... 9 Best: 1985-1992 Golf GTI Mk 2. ... 10 Best: 1983-1984 Rabbit GTI Mk 1. ... More items...•
What are the VW Golf generations?
1. 1983-1984 Rabbit GTI Mk 1. First spot goes to the original, the watershed Mk 1 GTI. ... 1985-1992 Golf GTI Mk 2 (1985-1992) In the hierarchy of GTI importance, I'm placing the Mark 2 in second spot. ... 2007-2009 Golf GTI Mk 5. ... 2015-present Golf GTI Mk 7. ... 2000-2006 Golf GTI Mk 4. ... 2009-2013 Golf GTI Mk 6. ... 1993-1999 Golf GTI Mk 3.
What does MK1 mean?
Mark I or Mark 1 often refers to the first version of a weapon or military vehicle, and is sometimes used in a similar fashion in civilian product development.
What year was the first Golf GTI?
1976Volkswagen Golf GTI MK1: 1976-1984 1979 first UK right-hand-drive GTI launched; 1982 1.8 engine introduced with 110bhp to go with 108bhp 1.6.
What does GTI stand for?
Grand Touring InjectionWhat does Volkswagen GTI stand for? GTI stands for Grand Touring Injection. Volkswagen uses for its direct fuel injection system. Over 40 years ago, GTI technology was first deployed in the 1976 Volkswagen Golf GTI.
What does R mean in VW Golf?
racingR-Line/Golf R: What does the R stand for here? The quick answer is “racing.” The Golf R is a performance model, while R-Line options offer sportier styling that are meant to remind you of the track.
Why is the Golf called a Rabbit?
In the US, however, the Mark 1 Golf was called the Rabbit, because it was meant to be small and nimble, and 'Golf" sounded too upscale for an economy car aimed at young buyers. Years later, they would also introduce the VW Fox, carrying on that theme.
How long was MK2 Golf in production?
The MK2 was produced from June 5, 1985, with a yearly production of 25,000 units until the outbreak of war in 1992.
Who designed the Volkswagen Golf?
Volkswagen Chief Designer Klaus Bischoff: “The step from the Beetle to the Golf was revolutionary. With the switch from the air-cooled rear engine to the water-cooled front engine, a completely new vehicle layout was created at the time.”. Round became angular – a paradigm shift.
Where was the Volkswagen Golf 2 made?
Series production of the second Golf begins at the Wolfsburg plant in June 1983.
What is the GTI edition 25?
Shortly thereafter, the Golf introduced the 6-speed transmission. On its 25th birthday, a special GTI model with 132 kW / 180 hp, the Golf GTI "Edition 25", which is now in great demand as a collector's item, is launched. In 2002, Volkswagen presents the most sporty Golf to date: the 250 km/h fast Golf R32.
How many Golf 7s were made?
Golf VII, built from 2012 to 2019: At the end of his career, around six million Golf VII will have been produced. Something’s different – but it looks damn good! The seventh Golf generation, launched in 2012, is the first Volkswagen model series based on the modular transverse kit (MQB).
When was the Golf VI built?
Golf VI, built between 2008 and 2012: 2.85 million of the sixth generation Golf will be sold. The Golf VI marks the beginning of a quiet revolution: with its premiere, safety technologies from the luxury class – and thus also a touch of luxury – are moving into the compact vehicle segment.
When did the Golf become the best selling car in Germany?
In 2003, the Golf marks the milestone of becoming the best-selling car from Germany for almost three decades. It is regarded as “das Auto” par excellence, as the only vehicle in the compact class with a classless status. And the fifth Golf?
When was the golf class invented?
Since its introduction in 1974, it has been regarded as the proverbial precursor of the compact class, which was soon coined the “Golf Class”. Since then, everyone else has had to compete with the Golf. And not just locally but, globally, because the Golf is a worldwide bestseller. Consumption label.
When was the Volkswagen Golf convertible made?
A convertible version of the Golf was presented to Volkswagen's management by coachbuilder Wilhelm Karmann GmbH as early as 1976. This early prototype lacked the roll-over bar of the later version, and had a flat body line in the rear, where the soft top folded down below the sill level.
What year was the Golf GTI Mk1?
Golf GTI Mk1. Golf GTI Mk1. Due to the negative political reaction to the 1973 release of the Beetle "Gelb-Schwarzer Renner" ("GSR", or "Yellow-Black Racer"), Volkswagen had little inclination to develop a faster Golf.
What is a Volkswagen Golf Mk1?
The Volkswagen Golf Mk1 is the first generation of a small family car manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen.
What was the Mk1 Golf used for?
The Mk1 Golf was used in the former SFR Yugoslavia as a police car , especially in SR Bosnia and Herzegovina. Here is an example seen in Mostar in 1985. The car's engine was mounted transversely in the front, and drove the front wheels. Engines from two Audi engine families were offered.
When was the Jetta 2 door?
Main article: Volkswagen Jetta (A1) VW Jetta Mk1 2-door (1979–1984) In August 1979 a sedan version of the Golf called the Jetta was introduced. Essentially a Golf Mk1 with a trunk grafted on, this three-box sedan body style was offered in two- and four-door versions and was targeted at more conservative buyers.
When was the Volkswagen EA235 prototype made?
Eventually it was rejected as a Beetle replacement, but served as the foundation of the subsequent 411 model. Volkswagen EA235 prototype (1967) In 1967 another set of prototypes for possible Beetle replacements appeared in the form of the EA235 and EA235a.
Where was the VW Caddy made?
An almost identical version for Europe called the VW Caddy went into production in 1983 at the Tvornica Automobila Sarajevo (TAS) plant in Vogošća near Sarajevo, Yugoslavia. Approximately 200,000 units were produced at this location until the factory was destroyed in 1992 during the Bosnian War.
When was the first golf made?
The original Golf was produced in Europe in 1974 to replace the Beetle. It wasn't until 1975 that U.S. buyers were able to buy the vehicle, which was sold under the name 'Rabbit.'. The first generation Golf was noted for its excellent handling and practical size -- a perfect family car.
Where is the Volkswagen Golf made?
The Volkswagen Golf is a quintessential hatchback model that's produced in Germany and available worldwide. While the body style has evolved over the car's seven generations, it has still retained the original offering's classic character. The Golf is Volkswagen's best-selling vehicle, as of 2018, and it's also one of the top three best-selling ...
How much horsepower does a Volkswagen E golf have?
The e-Golf's electric engine can deliver up to 115 horsepower with no gas required.
What is the third generation golf?
The third generation Golf is known for its updated safety features, including front passenger and eventually side airbags. Other third-generation updates include the first 6-cylinder VR6 engine, the Ecomatic transmission, and cruise control.
How many horsepower does a 7th generation golf have?
In the U.S., the seventh-generation Golf was initially offered with a 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower, but eventually it was replaced by a 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder.
How wide is the Volkswagen Golf?
Fans of the original Golf wanted more leg room and more interior space in general, and Volkswagen delivered with an additional 2.2 inches in body width and 6.7 inches in length. Improvements on the first generation Golf include anti-lock brakes, power steering, and a catalytic converter.
What transmission is in a GTI?
GTI buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission .
How many golf cars were made in 1988?
In June 1988, the Golf already exceeded 10 million vehicles produced: a tremendously high figure.
When was the first Golf Mk1 made?
Golf Mk1 – 1974 to 1983. Initial impulse. The first series-production Golf rolled off the production line in Wolfsburg in March 1974 and was available at dealerships from May in the same year. A new era definitively began where the Beetle had dominated the scene with its rear-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive for many decades: the era ...
What is the fifth generation of golf?
It was the fifth Golf generation that offered comfort and dynamics that went beyond those of quite a number of competitors within the upper mid-sized vehicle class. The same rang true for quality. A value that underlines the stability of the laser-welded body is that its torsional rigidity had increased by 35 percent in 2003 upon the debut of the Golf Mk5. This also marked the first time that the Golf was optionally available with side airbags in the rear – in conjunction with the six standard airbags (front, sides at the front, head-protection airbag) this now meant that eight of these protecting, inflatable pads were on board the vehicle. In terms of comfort and dynamics the Golf Mk5 scored high marks thanks to features including the new four-link suspension rear axle and a new 7-speed DSG, bi-xenon headlights, rain sensor as well as a tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof, plus the debut of the first turbocharged direct petrol injection engine in the Golf GTI as well as the world’s first Twincharger featuring turbocharging and compressor-based charging. When the Golf Mk6 was introduced in 2008, 3.4 million units of all available Mk5 variants had been produced.
What was the first evolutionary stage of golf?
The first evolutionary stage. It was the second Golf with which the baby boomer generation, hovering around the age of 50 nowadays, learnt to drive: while the predecessor had already become the favourite amongst driving instructors and learner drivers, the new Golf now finally and irreversibly conquered this generation that was later also named after this vehicle. And it was this Golf that made progress available to the masses for the first time – with technologies including a lambda-probe-controlled catalytic converter, the anti-lock brake system or the product line’s first all-wheel drive. In June 1988, the Golf already exceeded 10 million vehicles produced: a tremendously high figure. After 6.3 million produced vehicles, the second Golf generation was phased out in summer 1991.
What year did the Golf R32 come out?
In 2002, Volkswagen also introduced what was then the sportiest Golf: the R32 with a top speed of 250 km/h. In 2003, it was this Golf R32 that became available with a dual clutch gearbox (DSG) ...
What is the Mk4 Golf?
Style icon. Today the Mk4 Golf is considered a pioneering style icon amongst design experts – no doubt this also comes as a result of it bridging the gap to the 1974 Golf Mk1 with all its clear features and the product line’s striking C-pillar design. With the Mk4 Golf Volkswagen implemented a completely new quality standard within the segment. In parallel, the debut of ESP made further contributions to making safety available to the masses. Later, ESP became series production standard in Germany first. The Golf GTI 132 kW, launched in 2001 (to mark the GTI’s 25th anniversary), is already a sought-after classic. It was followed in 2002 by the first Golf with direct petrol injection engine (FSI) and the debut of head-protection airbags installed as standard. In 2002, Volkswagen also introduced what was then the sportiest Golf: the R32 with a top speed of 250 km/h. In 2003, it was this Golf R32 that became available with a dual clutch gearbox (DSG) for the very first time. After 4.99 million vehicles built, the Mk4 Golf made space on production lines for the Mk5 Golf that same year.
When did the Mk3 Golf come out?
Firstly, the Mk3 Golf was the product line’s first model available with front airbags from 1992 and secondly, great progress within the context of body design also led to significantly improved crash properties. Volkswagen revolutionised passive safety as this improved protection benefited millions of car drivers around the globe.
When was the VW Golf VI R introduced?
The VW Golf VI R was presented by the German automaker at the 2009 Frankfurt IAA. The car will replace the R32 model line and after debating whether Volkswagen should market the car as the Golf R20 or simply Golf R, the latter choice prevailed.
What is the fifth generation of Golf?
The Golf R reached its fifth generation and all offered sports car performances, with all-wheel-drive traction and aggressive look. Volkswagen was considered the inventor of the hot-hatch category when it introduced the first generation of the Golf GTI. It was a segment that grew and, soon, other carmakers produced various performance vehicles in the segment. The Golf evolved and offered more...
How many HP does a Volkswagen Golf 7 have?
VOLKSWAGEN Golf VII R. The Volkswagen Golf GTI was the inventor of the hot hatch segment, even though the original GTI only had 115 hp. Fast-forward to 2017 and we find the Golf R, a true contender in the hot hatch category.
What year was the Volkswagen Golf R32?
VOLKSWAGEN Golf IV R32. 2002 - 2004. Back in 2002, the German car manufacturer Volkswagen unveiled at the international car show in Madrid the most powerful Golf ever created. Codenamed R32, the car was equipped with a 3.2 liter V6 engine which provides higher performance than any other vehicle in the Golf series.
What is the fastest VW Golf?
The seventh generation (A7) Golf is surely the best one yet , and it has also produced the fastest VW ever made. The new Golf R 5-door was revealed to the public at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, where it wowed people with one thing above all else: power. The same 2.0 turbo engine used by the Audi S3 has been fitted to this car, resulting in 300 horsepower delivered through a reworked all-wheel d...
When did the R32 come out?
2005 - 2008. Volkswagen tried a different approach to the hot-hatch market and introduced the R32 in the fourth generation of the Golf's lineup in 2002, and did it again on the fifth generation in 2005. The German carmaker is often credited as the inventor of the hot-hatch segment with the first Golf GTI. But with more and more competitors in that ...
Is the Gold VII R a good car?
Well, yes. And the reason why would be the way the Gold R provided a strong performance, with a very sharp handling . The Gold VII R provided all-weather traction, along with great comfort for longer journeys. The interior was built was premium quality materials and it was nicely finished.
When was the first Volkswagen Golf made?
Volkswagen Golf Mk1 thru Mk7. Golf Mk1 – 1974 to 1983. The first full-production Golf rolled off the production line in Wolfsburg in March 1974 and was in Volkswagen dealerships that May.
How many generations of Volkswagen Golf are there?
Mk1 to Mk7. Officially there has never been any numbering by Volkswagen of the Golf generations, so no Golf Mk1, Mk2, Mk3, Mk4, Mk5, Mk6 or Mk7. With now seven generations of the car, The numbering system now ‘officially’ enters into the Golf’s history. The fact is that with – as of the 31st ...
How many Golf Mk5s were made in 2012?
Volkswagen Golf Mk5 – 2003 to 2008. Golf Mk6 – 2008 to 2012. In just four years, a further 2.85 million Golfs had been produced by the end of July 2012, based on the sixth generation of the car launched in 2008.
How many Volkswagen Golfs were sold in 2012?
The fact is that with – as of the 31st of July 2012 – exactly 29.13 million units sold since 1974, the Volkswagen Golf, including its derivatives such as the Cabriolet and Variant, is one of the most successful motorcars in the world. Volkswagen Golf Mk1 thru Mk7. Golf Mk1 – 1974 to 1983. The first full-production Golf rolled off ...
When was the Volkswagen Golf Mk1 made?
Volkswagen Golf Mk1 – 1974 to 1983. Golf Mk2 – 1983 to 1991. While its predecessor had already become a favourite of all driving instructors and learner drivers, the second Golf now cemented itself in their minds as their permanent number one choice.
When did the Golf Mk3 come out?
With the launch of the third generation of the Golf in August 1991 , Volkswagen heralded a new era of safety. The Golf Mk3 was the first of the series to have front airbags (as of 1992), while major advances in the area of car body construction also resulted in significantly improved crash safety qualities.
What was the fastest golf in 2002?
Also in 2002, Volkswagen launched what at the time was the sportiest Golf ever: the R32, with a top speed of 250 km/h. It was this top model that in 2003 was the first ever to be available with the revolutionarily fast and fuel-efficient direct shift gearbox (DSG), the automatic transmission of the new age.
Overview
Model history
In 1969 Lotz and Italian Volkswagen importer Gerhard R. Gumpert visited the Turin Auto Show. After selecting their six favourite cars of the show, they discovered that four of the six were designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and his Italdesign studio.
Giugiaro was invited to Wolfsburg in January 1970 to work on development pr…
History
Volkswagen began producing prototypes of possible Beetle replacements as far back as the early 1950s, and may have received design proposals from Porsche earlier than that. All of the internal projects' names started with "EA", standing for "Entwicklungsauftrag" and meaning "Development assignment". This work began during the tenure of Heinz Nordhoff, who was Director General of Volks…
Features
The Golf adopted an efficient "two-box" layout with a steep hatchback rather than a formal trunk. The chassis was a steel unibody.
The car's engine was mounted transversely in the front, and drove the front wheels. Engines from two Audi engine families were offered. Both were water cooled inline four cylinder four-stroke engines. Both also had two valves per cy…
Mk1 Derivative models
Due to the negative political reaction to the 1973 release of the Beetle "Gelb-Schwarzer Renner" ("GSR", or "Yellow-Black Racer"), Volkswagen had little inclination to develop a faster Golf.
VW Press Department head Anton Konrad and VW engineer Alfons Löwenberg began development of a high-performance "Sport Golf" as a skunkworks project rather …
Regional variations
In May 1977, the Mk1 Golf was launched in Mexico as the Volkswagen Caribe. It came standard with a 4-speed manual transaxle and a 1.6 litre 66 hp (49 kW) carbureted engine. The car was an instant success. At first only the 5-door body was offered, but in 1978, the lineup expanded with the 3-door body. Two initial trim levels were offered: "Base" and "L", with the "GL" trim level added in 1979.
Experimental versions and Specials
Volkswagen used the Golf Mk1 as the basis of several experimental cars of their own. These included:
• ESVW II (1974). This was an experimental safety vehicle that included passive belts and airbags.
• Elektro Golf 1 (1976). An electrically powered prototype built by the factory. It …
Motorsports
In the late 1970s, the Mk1 Golf GTI was campaigned in a variety of international rallying events, taking wins at Sweden (1978, 1982, 1983), Monte Carlo (1980), Great Britain (1983), and Portugal (1984).
In 1981, drivers Alfons Stock and Paul Schmuck won the German Rally Championship in a Golf GTI Mk1. The bright green Golf, sponsored by Rheila, was nicknamed the "Rheila Frosch" (Rheila Fro…
2022 - Present Volkswagen Golf
2015 - 2021 Volkswagen Golf
2010 - 2014 Volkswagen Golf
2006 - 2009 Volkswagen Golf
1999 - 2005 Volkswagen Golf
1993 - 1999 Volkswagen Golf
1985 - 1992 Volkswagen Golf
1975 - 1984 Volkswagen Golf
- The first Golf was introduced to Europe in 1974 as a radical successor to the Beetle. Rather than being rear-engined and rear-wheel-drive, the new car was a modern front-wheel-drive, front-engined hatchback like the Renault LeCar that was also sold in the US at the time. The Golf arrived in the US in 1975, except it was mysteriously called the Rabb...