Why is the Volkswagen Golf so popular?
Why the Volkswagen Golf is so Popular in Europe
- The Choice of Automatic or Manual Transmission. The automatic transmission has gradually become the default. ...
- The Iconic Hatchback. The hatchback has had its share of popularity since the late 70s, thanks to the Golf. ...
- Fuel Efficiency. The original 1976 GTI boasted a 1.6 fuel-injected liter engine with a top speed of 113 mph. ...
- Performance and Handling. ...
What is the best generation of Volkswagen Golf?
If you are shopping for a Volkswagen Golf, you may have these questions:
- Which VW Golf is Most Reliable?
- Are Volkswagen Golfs Good Cars?
- How Much Does a VW Golf Cost?
- How Much Does it Cost to Maintain a VW Golf?
- Should You Buy a Golf or a GTI?
How reliable is Volkswagen Golf?
Which VW Most Reliable?
- Touareg. This vehicle serves as entry into the premium SUV world. ...
- Amarok. According to reports, the first-generation Amarok had transmission problems, but the company was able to address them.
- Passat. As a staple in the VW brand, the Passat has seen lots of changes since its arrival in the seventies.
- Jetta. ...
- Golf. ...
- Polo Vivo. ...
Who made Volkswagen Golf?
With the GLX trim level, the 2001 Cabrio shipped with following standard features and options:
- 4 cylinder 2.0 liter engine
- Automatic transmission
- Power windows and door locks
- Air conditioning
- Power steering
- Tilt wheel
- Cruise control
- AM/FM/Cassette Stereo
- Dual front and side airbags
- 4-wheel ABS
When was the VW Golf first sold in America?
December 1974Seven Generations of Golf (U.S. Model Years) First sold in December 1974 as “Rabbit” in the U.S.
Why is a VW 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.
When did they stop making VW Golf?
2021Volkswagen has officially announced that the compact Golf hatchback will be discontinued in the U.S. after the 2021 model year.
How many generations of VW Golfs are there?
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car available since 1974, although not always called the Golf in the US. While the body style has evolved over the car's seven generations, it has still retained the original offering's classic character.
Is a Rabbit and Golf the same car?
The Golf Mk1 was sold as the Volkswagen Rabbit in the United States and Canada and as the Volkswagen Caribe in Mexico. A facelifted version of the Golf Mk1 was produced in South Africa as the Citi Golf from 1984 to 2009.
Is a VW Golf reliable?
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.
How long does a VW Golf last?
Volkswagen is an excellent brand that has had its ups and downs over the years. They don't last as long as some brands, but you can expect this car to stick around. According to motorask.com, a Volkswagen that is cared for properly should last 100,000 - 200,000 miles.
What is replacing VW Golf?
The 2022 Volkswagen Taos Is the Golf Replacement America Wants. VW's newest crossover — think Atlas, but smaller — effectively replaces the Golf in the U.S. lineup. How do you know the new Taos is a VW SUV?
Did they stop making the VW Golf?
Volkswagen ended its production of the Golf for the United States market, ending a 46-year run that sometimes saw the famous hatchback branded as the Rabbit. This isn't quite the end for American-market Golfs, however.
Which year Golf is best?
Here Are The Best And Worst Volkswagen Golf GTI Models Over The Years10 Best: 1983-1984 Rabbit GTI Mk 1. ... 9 Best: 1985-1992 Golf GTI Mk 2. ... 8 Best: 2007-2009 Golf GTI Mk 5. ... 7 Best: 2015-present Golf GTI Mk 7. ... 6 Best: 2000-2006 Golf GTI Mk 4. ... 5 Best: 2009-2013 Golf GTI Mk 6. ... 4 Worst: 1993-1999 Golf GTI Mk 3.More items...•
Why is a VW Golf called a Golf?
Many of Volkswagen's most famous models are named after winds. The Golf refers to the Gulf Stream, Jetta is German for "jet stream," Passat means "trade wind," the Scirocco is named after Sirocco, a Mediterranean wind, and the Polo references polar winds.
Which VW Golf is the best?
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 is a Volkswagen Rabbit?
Overview. The Rabbit replaced the aged Golf in 2007 and is basically a hatchback Jetta. Interior appointments are more than you might expect for the low base price, but options are costly. Like the 1975 original, this Rabbit is a compelling Germanic alternative to the competition.
When did VW change the Rabbit to the Golf?
VW decided to revive the Rabbit name for the 2006 model year to boost sales of its entry model and waged advertising campaigns using bunnies. The decision got a lukewarm reception in the press. VW first launched the Rabbit in 1975 and used the name until adopting the Golf name for the redesign in 1984.
What makes a GTI a Rabbit?
The GTI Rabbit Edition is refreshingly free of BS and distractions. It slots in just above the base trim, with a fair number of additions for the $1300-or-so premium over the standard GTI. With the Rabbit Edition, you'll get an exclusive gloss black hatch spoiler, gloss black 18-inch alloy wheels, and LED lighting.
What year did VW stop making the Rabbit?
The Rabbit name lived on for about 10 years, and then Volkswagen decided it was time to give it the same name here that it had everywhere else. That is, of course, until that brief time from 2006 to 2009 when the company mysteriously chose to bring back the Rabbit.
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.
Who designed the Mk6 Golf?
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.
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 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.
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.
How long has the Volkswagen Golf been around?
It’s hard to believe the Volkswagen Golf has been around for almost half a century. The little car made its debut in 1974 as the successor to the hugely popular Beetle. More than 35 million have since been made, and it's consistently in the top 10 best sellers - beaten only by the likes of the Vauxhall Corsa and Ford Fiesta.
How many generations of Volkswagen Golf are there?
Volkswagen Golf Generations. Few manufacturers get the chance to create eight generations of a model – but that’s exactly what Volkswagen has achieved with the Golf. There’s also been a Golf to suit virtually everyone’s needs. From families looking to transport children and belongings, to younger drivers wanting an eye-catching convertible.
How many MK1 golfs were made in 1976?
By October 1976, a million Golfs had been made. Variations also appeared during this period. The first Golf GTi arrived in 1976 and the Golf Cabriolet three years later. The total number of Mk1 Golfs produced hit a staggering 6.99 million!
What was the first six cylinder engine?
Improvements to the car body construction also improved crash safety. The first six-cylinder engine (VR6) also appeared, along with a new convertible and the first Golf Variant, which was an estate. The third incarnation also sported an increasingly aerodynamic shape, while still retaining the ‘wedge’ look.
When was the Mk7 released?
Mk7 – 2012 to 2019. Another version of the Golf – and another award. The Mk7 was unveiled to an enthusiastic audience at the Paris Motor Show in September 2012. It was lighter, boasted an improved fuel economy, and came with a variety of standard – and optional – assistance systems.
When did the Mk9 come out?
The world premiere of the Mk9 happened in Wolfsburg in October 2019. Top Gear gave the latest Golf was given an impressive eight out of 10, which branded it 'a finely polished machine’. Reviewers found it had better steering, better refinement, better safety, and more modern lighting than previous incarnations.
When did the second generation golf come out?
The second generation Golf arrived as the glitzy 1980s were underway. It was bigger than its predecessor and more aerodynamic. Production started at Wolfsburg in June 1983 - the same month that Rowan Atkinson’s Blackadder was shown in the UK for the first time.
When will the Mk8 Golf be released?
The Mk8 Golf was unveiled in October 2019 to much fanfare from Volkswagen. While it may look like another evolution of a very familiar machine (and in many ways it is), it is the most advanced Golf ever. There are petrol and diesel models to begin with, as well as no less than four hybrid models, including a mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid. The Golf GTI, Golf R and e-Golf will arrive over the next year or two.
What is the Mk5 GTI?
Now we're talking. The Mk5 GTI was a return to form, a good looking hot hatch that people really wanted to get their hands on, and the standard car didn't look half bad either. The Mk5 saw a lot of returns, the old tartan seat fabric could be found in the GTI, the Jetta name was back (bye bye Bora, we hardly knew you), and for some reason in the US, so was the name Rabbit. The fifth-gen Golf was introduced in 2003 and sold all the way until 2009. While there was no specific Golf Cabriolet in the mid-2000s, instead there was an Eos, which to all intents and purposes was a Jetta coupe with no roof. There was also a bigger 'Plus' model with the world in the middle of the small-MPV craze. Back in performance land the refreshed GTI now boasted 200PS from its 2.0-litre four-cylinder, and the hooligan R32, often seen sporting exhausts the size of Oxfordshire, was now fitted with a 3.2-litre V6 capable of 250PS. The Golf may never have really gone away, but it was definitely back.
Is Volkswagen Golf a car?
There are many cars in the world that claim to have changed motoring forever, but there are far fewer that could legitimately say they have shaped the car world for decades. The Volkswagen Golf is one of those cars.
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.
The Original: Mark 4
In 2002, the aforementioned Mk. 4 arrived as the first Golf to wear the Volkswagen Racing division's R badge. The hot hatch was powered by a 3.2-liter VR6 motor developing 240 horsepower, but it was noteworthy for other reasons too.
Take Two: The Last Of The VR6 Engine
In 2005, the next generation of R32 Golf - and ultimately, the last - would debut with 250 hp and the ability to do 0-62 mph in 6.2 seconds with the DSG transmission. But with more luxury and better tech, so came more weight. Again, North America got just 5,000 of these for the 2008 model year, this time with no manual gearbox option.
A New Era: The First Turbocharged Golf R
Sadly, that Chewbacca-like sound was nowhere to be found in the next generation. Simply called the Golf R, the 3.2-liter narrow-angle V6 was killed off due to tightening emissions regulations, although many said it was because the R32 motor made the car too heavy and too slow. Thus began the era of the turbocharged Golf R.
More Tech And More Power For Mark 7
In 2013, the Mk. 7 Golf R debuted with a quad-exit exhaust, with US customers seeing it arrive two years later with 288 hp and both the DSG and manual gearbox options. The former was later upgraded to a seven-speed, and like the Mk.
Mark 8: The Last Non-Hybrid Golf R?
And finally, in 2021, the fifth generation of R-badged Golfs arrives with the Mk. 8 Golf R. The EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (still called the TSI) now produces 315 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. A newly-developed torque-vectoring 4Motion AWD system debuts too and for the first time, a drift mode is accessible.
When did the Golf 3rd generation come out?
The third generation of the electric Golf came out in 1993. This time the car was developed together with Siemens, whose engineers helped to improve the electric motor. The battery capacity was increased to 180 Ah, and the total weight of the car was reduced by 96 kg.
How many Elektro golfs were made?
Demonstrating their confidence in this project, the Germans produced 20 Elektro-Golf prototypes that were put out on public roads. Up until 1986, Volkswagen engineers drove these prototypes in regular traffic conditions, collected important information and looked for ways to improve the batteries in the car.
How much horsepower does an electric golf have?
Built on the Mk2 Golf platform, the electric car had an 18.5-kWh electric motor that could produce 25 horsepower and get the hatchback to 50 km/h in 13 seconds. The third generation of the electric Golf came out in 1993.
Why was the electric golf invented?
The electrically powered Golf was not conceived just because the engineers wanted to find a new engine that was suitable for the car. The electric car was also conceived because of the severe oil crisis that shook the entire world in 1973.
Why did electric cars come out in the 1980s?
The breakthrough in electric vehicle development in the 1980s happened for a single and very serious reason: the oil crisis that began in the early 1970s, which pushed automakers to develop more efficient and more economical engines, and forced many governments to impose more stringent emission standards.
Did Volkswagen catch the electric car bug?
After that, alternative fuel vehicles that might interest ordinary customers were introduced at least once every decade, but the vast majority of these projects made a single public appearance, were highly applauded by industry experts, and that's it. Meanwhile, Volkswagen caught the electric car bug several decades ago.
Is Volkswagen a full-fledged electric car?
While some manufacturers are making promises and demonstrating an abundance of prototypes at international shows, Volkswagen is taking the initiative. Volkswagen is preparing to demonstrate a full-fledged electric car next year that will be a continuation of the love story with electric vehicles that began in the 1970s.
Overview
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…
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 …
Seventh generation (Mk7, Typ 5G; 2012)
The seventh-generation Golf had its debut in September 2012 at the Paris Motor Show.
The Golf VII, Typ 5G used the new MQB platform, shared with the third-generation Audi A3, SEAT León and Škoda Octavia. It was slightly larger than the Mk6 while managing to be approximately 100 kg lighter, depending on engine …
Volkswagen Golf Generations
Golf Mk1 – 1974 to 1983
- Who doesn’t love a Mk1 Golf? It may have sharper lines in comparison to the smooth styling of today, but it certainly doesn’t look out of place. The task of replacing the Beetle was handed to Giorgetto Giugiaro. He was a talented designer in his mid-30s who’d created stunning cars for Alfa Romeo and Aston Martin. His design would be a staggering success. The first production Golfs …
Golf Mk2 – 1983 to 1991
- The second generation Golf arrived as the glitzy 1980s were underway. It was bigger than its predecessor and more aerodynamic. Production started at Wolfsburg in June 1983 - the same month that Rowan Atkinson’s Blackadder was shown in the UK for the first time. A number of developments and innovations were introduced to this model. These included t...
Golf Mk3 – 1991 to 1997
- The third generation saw the distinctive round headlights disappear – and a host of technological advances ushered in during this period, including cruise control. There was a lot of focus on safety. This included front and side air bags. Improvements to the car body construction also improved crash safety. The first 6-cylinder engine (VR6) also appeared, along with a new convert…
Golf Mk4 – 1997 to 2003
- The fourth generation appeared under the guiding hand of Hartmut Warkuß, who was head of design at Volkswagen (Group). Almost 5 million of these cars were made and it’s easy to understand the enthusiasm. The car’s looks and developments set it apart from the rest. Particular highlights included Electronic Stability Control(ESC) from 1998, as well as the introduc…
Golf Mk5 – 2003 to 2008
- It had taken almost 30 years but the Golf finally overtook the Beetle in 2002. With 21,517,415 models produced, it became the most built Volkswagen. The gradual evolution of the Golf was clear to see in the early 2000s. Despite the increasingly sleek, aerodynamic looks, it still somehow managed to stay looking like a Golf. In 2020, Steve Huntingford, editor of What Car? made the ca…
Golf Mk6 – 2008 to 2012
- The sixth generation Golf was named World Car of the Year in 2009 – and it’s easy to see why when you consider the advances that were made. Let’s start with safety. Its rugged car body passed the EuroNCAP crash test easily, gaining the maximum 5 stars. It also had a knee airbag for the driver, illustrating Volkswagen’s focus on providing protection. This incarnation was also …
Golf Mk7 – 2012 to 2019
- Another version of the Golf – and another award. The Mk7 was unveiled to an enthusiastic audience at the Paris Motor Show in September 2012. It was lighter, boasted an improved fuel economy, and came with a variety of standard – and optional – assistance systems There was also a new type of digitised display. The attention to detail resulted in the Golf scooping the Worl…
Golf MK8 – 2019 to Present
- The latest chapter in the illustrious history of the Golf is still being written. The world premiere of the Mk9 happened in Wolfsburg in October 2019. Top Gear gave the latest Golf an impressive 8 out of 10, and branded it 'a finely polished machine’. Reviewers found it had better steering, better refinement, better safety, and more modern lighting than previous incarnations. Not a bad list of …
VW Golf Electric and Hybrid Versions
- Believe it or not, Volkswagen has been creating electric cars since the 1970s, but the first electric VW Golf didn't appear until 1981. The company also developed a Mk1 hybrid car in 1983. These were still concept cars, however. The first production electric car from Volkswagen was the Golf III CitySTROMer, which was available between 1992 and 1996. After a further 2 decades of devel…