When did the first golf come out in the US?
1974 - 1984 Volkswagen Golf (1st Generation) 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.
What is the first generation of the Volkswagen Golf?
For an overview of all generations of the Golf, see Volkswagen Golf. The Volkswagen Golf Mk1 is the first generation of a small family car manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen.
When did the first Golf GTI come out?
The result was the Golf GTI, a car that is widely recognized as the world’s first hot hatch. The car made its debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September of 1975 and went on sale the next summer, kicking off a history of sporty fun that continues to this day. Let’s take a look at each generation.
When did the Golf Mk1 come out in the US?
The Golf Mk1 was first introduced to the United States in 1975, but in that market the car was called the Volkswagen Rabbit. These early US Rabbits were produced in Germany and exported to North America.
What year is a golf 8?
The Volkswagen Golf (Mk8) (also known as the Golf VIII) is a compact car, the eighth generation of the Volkswagen Golf and the successor to the Volkswagen Golf Mk7. It was launched in Wolfsburg on 24 October 2019, and arrived in German showrooms in December 2019.
What year of VW Golf is best?
Model years 2013 and 2014 proved to be a bit more reliable, yet there were still numerous reports of 2014 VW GTI reliability problems. In fact, the GTI has had 3 generations, generation 6 (2009-2014) being the least reliable. The stories of VW Golf GTI Mk6 problems were widespread.
What Mark is a 2014 golf?
2010 - 2014 Volkswagen Golf (Mk6 6th Generation) Interior refinement was improved, too. The Golf R joined the lineup in 2012, using a 256-horsepower turbo-four in place of the old six-cylinder, and only available with a six-speed manual transmission and lots of standard equipment.
What BHP is a MK4 Golf 1.8 T?
PerformancePower150 bhpTop Speed134 mph0-60 mph8.2 secsTorque210 Nm, 155 ft-lbCO2 Emissions192 g/km2 more rows
Which is the best VW Golf engine?
The best of the Golf's petrol engines is the 1.5-litre TSI, delivering a fine blend of power and economy. It's genuinely impressive, with a keenness to rev that helps it to feel livelier than its fuel economy would suggest.
What is the best model of VW Golf?
VW Golf GTI The GTI is arguably the most iconic Golf. It's the only trim level which has stood the test of time since the MK1, and the latest trim is, we think, the best yet. Lauded for its complete feel, the eighth-edition GTI has all the features you need to really impress on the roads.
What MK Golf is 2013?
Volkswagen Golf Mk 7Volkswagen Golf Mk 7 review (2013-on)
What Mark is a 2016 VW Golf?
In November 2016, VW presented a facelift of the Golf Mk7. It was replaced in December 2019 by the Golf Mk8, which is built on the MQB Evo platform....Volkswagen Golf Mk7ClassCompact car/small family car (C)Body style3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback 5-door estate 3-door van25 more rows
What MK Golf is 2015?
Volkswagen Golf MK 7 (2013 - 2016) used car model guide. Volkswagen's Golf is the family hatchback against which all others are judged - and never more so than in this lighter, larger, quieter and more efficient seventh generation guise, where it proved to be cleverer and more usable than ever before.
How much horsepower does a 2001 GTI have?
150 to 174 hp2001 Volkswagen GTI / Horsepower
What engine is in a Mk4 GTI?
The Golf/Jetta Mk4 engine choices included 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, 2.3 litre VR5, 2.8 litre V6 and 3.2 litre R32 petrol engines, 1.9-litre naturally aspirated diesel SDI engine, and a 1.9-litre turbodiesel, with power ranging from 90 to 150 PS (66 to 110 kW).
What BHP is a mk5 GTI golf?
197bhpThe mk5 GTI is refreshingly focused, with front-wheel drive and a torquey, 197bhp 2-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine that should be a good match for the car's bulk. Volkswagen claims a top speed of 145mph and 0-62mph in 7.2sec.
Which is the most reliable VW Golf?
Volkswagen seems to have rectified a lot of the issues that befell the Mk5, so the Mk6 is largely more reliable to own – borne out by its impressive performance in the 2011 Driver Power survey, where it finished in a highly respectable 10th place overall.
What is the most reliable Volkswagen?
Out of all VW models, the Volkswagen Golf is said to be one of the most reliable and a great all-round car for drivers who are looking for comfort, convenience and long term reliability.
Is Volkswagen Golf a reliable car?
Is the Volkswagen Golf Reliable? The 2021 VW Golf has a predicted reliability score of 73 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
Is Volkswagen Golf a good car?
The 2021 Volkswagen Golf is a fine choice if you're looking for a compact hatchback. You get a lot of cargo space in a small vehicle that's easy to park and maneuver around town in. It's fun to drive too, with its smooth ride quality and excellent handling.
How many golfs were built in 2013?
Historically, the Golf is Volkswagen's best-selling model and is among the world's top three best-selling models, with more than thirty million built as of June 2013. Initially, most Golfs were 3-door hatchbacks.
When did Volkswagen launch the e-Golf?
On 14 February 2014, Volkswagen launched sales of the e-Golf in Germany, with pricing starting at €34,900 (~ US$47,800 ). On 11 March 2014, Volkswagen opened ordering for the e-Golf in the UK, and announced pricing of GB£30,845. UK deliveries began at the end of June.
How many miles does a 2015 Volkswagen E golf drive?
The production version of the 2015 Volkswagen e-Golf was unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. According to VW the e-Golf has a practical all-electric range of 130 to 190 km (81 to 118 mi), with an official NEDC cycle of 190 km (120 mi), and the winter range is expected to be 80 to 120 km (50 to 75 mi). The 2015 e-Golf has an official EPA rated all-electric range of 134 km (83 mi), and a combined fuel economy of 116 miles per gallon gasoline equivalent (MPGe) for an energy consumption of 29 kW-hrs/100 mi. The EPA rating for city driving is 126 MPGe and 105 MPGe in highway. Production of vehicles destined for retail customers began in March 2014.
How fast is a Golf GTE?
The Golf GTE has a top speed of 217 km/h (135 mp h) and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in under 7.6 seconds. The vehicle can be recharged from a Type 2 charging point in approximately 2 hours, or from a standard 230 V wall outlet in approximately 4 hours.
Where is the GTI made?
The GTI version is the only version on sale in Mexico. The saloon/sedan version, again widely marketed Volkswagen as the Jetta, is assembled in Germany, South Africa, as well as Mexico. It is marketed in certain markets, including European markets and Mexico as Bora. It was followed in 2007 by a new Golf Variant.
When was the Mk4 introduced?
Main article: Volkswagen Golf Mk4. The Golf Mk4 was first introduced in August 1997, followed by a notchback version (VW Bora or, in North America, again VW Jetta) in August 1998 and a new Golf Variant (estate) in March 1999.
What is the TFT on a Golf?
In terms of interior technology, the Golf now features a 12.3" T FT display as an option that is similar to Audi models and known as "Virtual Cockpit", full LED lights, animated tail indicators as an option (also used in Audi models), etc.
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.
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 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 last EA97 made?
Some cars looks echo the later Type 3 cars, although the EA97 was smaller. The last EA97 was built in 1960. The EA97 would provide the basis for the Brasília model from Volkswagen do Brasil. The EA158 was a Beetle-successor project that started in 1962 with a unibody study by Pininfarina.
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.
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.
What was the first all wheel drive golf?
The Mk4 offered the first all-wheel-drive Golf, as well as electronic stability control. Updated technology included an integrated navigation system and xenon headlights. The fourth-generation Golf also came with a Haldex clutch, which eventually became the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system used today.
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 is the most powerful golf car?
Those who crave even more performance than the GTI delivers can turn to the Golf R. Available as a three or five-door hatchback, the Golf R is the most powerful Golf available and comes in all-wheel-drive.
When did VW launch the Golf Mk1?
What follows is a brief recount of the Golf’s history, which spans the better part of four decades. Golf Mk1 (A1/Typ 17, 1974-1983) It took a very long time for VW to launch a replacement for the archaic Beetle that dated back to WWII.
When did the Golf Mk3 come out?
Golf Mk3 (A3/Typ 1H, 1991-1997) In August of 1991, VW unveiled the third generation of its venerable C-segment model. The Golf Mk3 had more rounded bodywork and despite retaining the Mk2’s wheelbase, it grew slightly in size, passing the 4.0 m mark (4,074 mm). The GTI’s engine capacity also grew to 2.0 liters.
What was the first turbocharged engine?
The Mk5 featured the first turbocharged direct injection engine in the 197hp (200PS) 2.0-liter GTI and the world’s first mass-production twincharged engines, which combined a supercharger for low end torque and a turbocharger for maximum output.
What engine did the GTI have?
The GTI was powered by a 20-valve 1.8-liter turbocharged engine. After 4.92 million sales, it was retired and replaced by the…. Golf Mk5 (A5/Typ 1K, 2003-2009) With the fifth generation model, VW set out to fix the car’s handling characteristics which, by that point, fell well short of the class-leading Ford Focus.
How many liters is a GTI?
The GTI engine grew to 1.8 liters and was offered in four- and 16-valve trims, with the former gaining a supercharger for the 158HP (160PS) G60 edition. VW also unveiled all-electric and hybrid prototypes as far back as 1989.
How many units were sold in the 1992 Golf?
The fourth-generation Golf also won the European Car of the Year award for 1992 and after six years in production, sold 4.96 million units. After the disappointing third generation, the Golf received a makeover with the company’s head of design Harmut Warkuss setting the theme for all versions that followed.
What was the highlight of the 4th generation Golf?
The highlight of the fourth generation model, however, was the quality of its interior, which was equal or in some cases, even better than bigger and more expensive cars. The Mk4 was the first Golf to sport a fully galvanized bodywork, satellite navigation and xenon headlights.
When was the first 18 hole golf course built?
The first ever 18-hole course was constructed at St Andrews in 1764, establishing the now recognised standard for the game. King William IV honoured the club with the title ‘Royal & Ancient’ in 1834, with that recognition and its fine course the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews was established as the world’s premier golf club.
When was golf invented?
The game of golf officially became a sport when the Gentlemen Golfers of Leith formed the first club in 1744 and set up an annual competition with silverware prizes. The rules for this new competition were drafted by Duncan Forbes. Rules that even now sound so familiar to many;
What were golf clubs made of?
At this time golfers were using hand-crafted wooden clubs usually made from beech with shafts of ash or hazel, and balls were made from compressed feathers wrapped in a stitched horse hide. During the 19th century as the might of the British Empire expanded to encompass the globe, so golf followed closely behind.
Where are the most famous golf courses in the world?
Some of the most famous golf courses in the world are still to be found in Scotland: their names evoke the passion and tradition of the game of golf. Gleneagles, The Old Course at St. Andrews, Carnoustie, Royal Troon, Prestwick, to name but a few…. Read about the origins and history of the game of Polo.
Where did golf originate?
Golf originated from a game played on the eastern coast of Scotland, in an area close to the royal capital of Edinburgh. In those early days players would attempt to hit a pebble over sand dunes and around tracks using a bent stick or club. During the 15th century, Scotland prepared to defend itself, yet again, ...
When was the USGA established?
The United States Golf Association (USGA) was established in 1894 to regulate the game there, by 1900 more than 1000 golf clubs had been formed throughout the USA. With the availability of serious funding through commercial sponsorship, the USA quickly established itself as the centre of the professional game.
When did golf become popular?
Although people largely ignored the ban, it was only in 1502 that the game gained the royal seal of approval when King James IV of Scotland (1473 -1513) became the world’s first golfing monarch. The popularity of the game quickly spread throughout 16th century Europe thanks to this royal endorsement.
When was the Golf GTI made?
The Golf GTI has been in near-continuous production since 1976, and we're going to take a look back at every generation of GTI. Editor's note: The Golf GTI has gone by many names over the years—Rabbit GTI, Golf GTI, or just GTI have all been used. Volkswagen can't seem to settle on what to call it, but for simplicity's sake this article will refer ...
When did the GTI come out?
Volkswagen Golf GTI (MkII) The second generation of the Golf launches in the states in 1984 as a 1985 model year car, with an 8-valve GTI available in the U.S. at launch. A 16-valve GTI variant is introduced here in 1987, and it has some pretty big shoes to fill. Luckily it is up to the job.
How many HP does a Clubsport S have?
The Clubsport S made 306 hp, making it the most powerful production Golf ever made.
What engine does a GTI have?
Volkswagen does get around to fixing up the MkIV's powertrain, however. Eventually the GTI is fitted with a turbocharged 1.8-liter engine that makes a much more respectable 180-hp. After 2002, that becomes the standard engine for the GTI.
How much horsepower does a second generation GTI have?
The MkII doesn't gain much weight, and the second-generation GTI makes up to 137 hp in European trim. U.S. cars make a bit less power thanks to emissions restrictions. Volkswagen Golf GTI (MkII) The MkII GTI is also the first Golf to actually be called Golf in the U.S.
How fast is the GTI?
When it launches, the GTI is the fastest Volkswagen ever built, and it has a top speed of 110 miles per hour. Volkswagen Golf GTI (MkI) The MkI GTI launches with a 1.6-liter, naturally aspirated four-cylinder that makes 110 hp.
Where are MkII GTIs made?
After that, MkII GTIs bound for America are built in Puebla, Mexico until the end of its production run. Volkswagen Golf Limited (MkII) We would be remiss in not mentioning one of the coolest Golf's ever made. Not quite a GTI, not quite a Golf Rallye, the Golf Limited deserves mention nonetheless.
Where is Grand Golf made?
Although designed exclusively for the Japanese and Asian markets, it was engineered and manufactured in the U.S. using state-of-the-art aerospace technology and precision titanium foundries.
When did Callaway start making titanium drivers?
By the time Callaway launched its first titanium driver, the Great Big Bertha, in 1995, the U.S. market was ready—purchasing over 250,000 drivers in just 12 months. Major makers quickly followed suit and ushered in an era of titanium drivers in America dominated by big-name U.S. golf brands. In 1995, Grand Golf’s GRAND TAG titanium driver also made ...
When was the first titanium head made?
AND THEN THE PARTY STARTED. Though the first titanium head was released in 1990 , it wasn't until 1996--when Callaway and TaylorMade started to develop their answers, and their new clubs would take off in popularity.
Why is it better to play golf with a metal head?
Swinging a hollow metal-headed head meant the overall weight of the club could be lower, which would instantly increase swing speed . Secondly. this allowed the heads to be made bigger because of the weight savings.
Who was the first American to win the US Open?
The first American to win the US Open was John McDermott in 1911 at the Chicago Country Club in Wheaton, Illinois. He won in a playoff over fellow Americans Mike Brady and George Simpson. His 4 round winning score was 307. The tournament was not played from 1942-1945.
Who is the oldest golfer to make the cut?
Oldest player to make the cut: Sam Snead in 1973 at 61 years old. He tied for 29th place. Most consecutive victories: 3 by Willie Anderson 1903–05. Most consecutive Opens started: 44 by Jack Nicklaus from 1957 to 2000. Largest margin of victory: 15 strokes by Tiger Woods, 2000.
What is the US Open?
The U.S. Open, is the annual open golf tournament of the United States. It is the second of the four major championships in golf, and is on the official schedule of both the PGA Tour and the European Tour.
Who holds the record for most US Open wins?
The record for the most U.S. Open victories is four, jointly held by Willie Anderson, Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan and Jack Nicklaus.
Who won the 2015 US Open?
The 2015 US Open was played at Chambers Bay in University Place, Washington. American Jordan Spieth won by 1 stroke over fellow American Dustin Johnson and Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa. His winning score was 275 and his winners’ purse was 1.8 million dollars. The record for the most U.S.
What year was the Golf GTI Mark 5?
The Golf GTI Mark 5 hit the market in late 2004 and became a 2006 model in the U.S. The look was sharper, and the red trim returned around a new grille. Part of the newly renamed Rabbit range, this was the first GTI to offer Volkswagen’s 6-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG). This dual-clutch automatic transmission received rave reviews even from enthusiasts. Car and Driver called it the envy of the rest of the world. The VR6 was gone, and the only engine choice was a 2.0-liter turbo-4 making 200 hp and 207 pound-feet of torque. The car could hit 60 mph in 7.2 seconds with the manual or 6.9 seconds with the DSG, and it topped out at 146 mph, according to VW. This was also the first GTI with a multi-link independent rear suspension. A 30th anniversary model in 2006 turned up the output to 230 hp, which pushed up against the all-wheel-drive Golf R32’s 256 hp. The 30th anniversary model wasn’t offered in the U.S.
How many GTIs were made in 1985?
Volkswagen originally intended to build just 5,000 GTIs that first year, but the car was a hit and VW sold 461,690 Rabbit GTI Mk I models globally over its eight-year run. 1985 Volkswagen GTI.
How many HP does a GTI Clubsport have?
The car came to the U.S. in 2014, then a high-performance version called the GTI Clubsport was introduced in 2015 with 290 hp, and a 310-hp Clubsport S followed in 2016; the latter ran the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife in 07:49:21 minutes, according to VW. These lower, wider, racier models were never sold in the U.S.
How much horsepower does a GTI Mark 7 have?
When it was introduced in the spring of 2013, the GTI Mark 7 reversed a disturbing trend for GTIs; it was the first to be lighter than the previous generation by up to 92 pounds. The culprit was VW Group’s MQB platform, which also offered a stronger structure for better handling. The car was released in the U.S. with 220 hp and a substantial jump to 258 lb-ft of torque, and buyers could opt for the Performance Package that increased horsepower to 230 and cut the 0-60 mph time to 6.4 seconds. The package also included an electronically controlled limited-slip differential and larger brakes. The car came to the U.S. in 2014, then a high-performance version called the GTI Clubsport was introduced in 2015 with 290 hp, and a 310-hp Clubsport S followed in 2016; the latter ran the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife in 07:49:21 minutes, according to VW. These lower, wider, racier models were never sold in the U.S. For the 2019 model year, the engine jumped to 228 hp.
What was the first hot hatch car?
The result was the Golf GTI , a car that is widely recognized as the world’s first hot hatch. The car made its debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September of 1975 and went on sale the next summer, kicking off a history of sporty fun that continues to this day. Let’s take a look at each generation. 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit GTI.
How much horsepower does a 2006 GTI have?
This was also the first GTI with a multi-link independent rear suspension. A 30th anniversary model in 2006 turned up the output to 230 hp, which pushed up against the all-wheel-drive Golf R32’s 256 hp. The 30th anniversary model wasn’t offered in the U.S. 2010 Volkswagen GTI.
How fast does a Mark I GTI go?
That might not seem like much, but the car weighed just over 1,800 pounds and could accelerate from 0-60 mph in about 9.0 seconds and reach 113 mph. The Mark I GTI arrived in the U.S. in 1983.
Overview
Awards and recognition
• The Golf Mk3 won the 1992 European Car of the Year award.
• In April 2010 Kelley Blue Book included the VW Golf TDI (clean diesel) among its Top 10 Green Cars for 2010.
• The Golf Mk7 was named "The All The Car You'll Ever Need Car of the Year 2012" by Top Gear (magazine).
First generation (Mk1/A1, Typ 17; 1974)
In May 1974, Volkswagen presented the first-generation Golf as a modern front-wheel-drive, long-range replacement for the Volkswagen Beetle. Later Golf variations included the Golf GTI (introduced in June 1976 with a fuel-injected 1.6-litre engine capable of 180 km/h (110 mph)), a diesel-powered version (from September 1976), the Jetta notchback saloon version (from October 1979), the …
Second generation (Mk2/A2, Typ 19E/1G; 1983)
September 1983 saw the introduction of the second-generation Golf (Mk2) that grew slightly in terms of wheelbase, exterior and interior dimensions, while retaining, in a more rounded form, the Mk1's overall look. Although it was available on the home market and indeed most other left-hand drive markets by the end of 1983, it was not launched in the UK until March 1984.
Third generation (Mk3/A3, Typ 1H/1E/1V; 1991)
The third-generation Golf (Mk3) made its home-market debut in August 1991 and again grew slightly in comparison with its immediate predecessor, while its wheelbase remained unchanged.
New engines included the first Turbocharged Direct Injection (TD) diesel engine in a Golf, and a narrow-angle 2.8-litre VR6 engine. US Environmental Protection A…
Fourth generation (Mk4/A4, Typ 1J; 1997)
The Golf Mk4 was first introduced in August 1997, followed by a notchback version (VW Bora or, in North America, again VW Jetta) in August 1998 and a new Golf Variant (estate) in March 1999. There was no Mk4-derived Cabriolet, although the Mk3 Cabriolet received a facelift in late 1999 that consisted of bumpers, grill and headlights similar to those of the Mark IV models.
Fifth generation (Mk5/A5, Typ 1K; 2003)
The Golf Mk5 was introduced in Europe in the autumn of 2003, reaching the UK market in early 2004. In North America, Volkswagen brought back the Rabbit nameplate when it introduced the vehicle in 2006. In Canada, the Golf is still the prevalent nameplate of the fifth generation (though both Rabbit and Golf have both been used historically). The North American base model is powered by a …
Sixth generation (Mk6/A6, Typ 5K; 2008)
Volkswagen based the Golf Mk6 on the existing PQ35 platform from the Golf Mk5. This vehicle was debuted at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.
The Mk6 Golf was designed by Volkswagen's chief designer Walter de'Silva. The design is said to be more aerodynamic, helping fuel efficiency, and is quieter than its predecessor. Following criticism of the downgraded interior trim qualit…
Overview
The Volkswagen Golf Mk1 is the first generation of a small family car manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen. It was noteworthy for signalling Volkswagen's shift of its major car lines from rear-wheel drive and rear-mounted air-cooled engines to front-wheel drive with front-mounted, water-cooled engines that were often transversely-mounted.
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…
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…
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
- Second-generation Golf was introduced in 1985. Now called Golf worldwide, the car grew significantly in every direction as the small hatchbacks of the '70s started to balloon in size. But that made it more practical, more comfortable, and more powerful. A 1.8-liter, 85 horsepower four-cylinder was the initial standard engine on the two and four-doo...
1975 - 1984 Volkswagen Golf