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
How old is the VW Golf?
History of the Volkswagen Golf In 1974, the Golf was born. It offered drivers the utility of a hatchback and a sleek design that was quite popular at the time. It was so popular, in fact, that it continues to be the most successful car in Europe. The pope even owned a Golf at one point.
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.
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 VW stop making the Golf?
2021Though the outgoing Golf has been on the global stage since 2013, a long time in car years, its practicality and engaging driving experience were enough to earn it a place on Forbes Wheels' “Ten Best Sedans and Hatchbacks for 2021” list. We've Matched You with Great Insurers in !
What does the GTI stand for?
Grand Touring InjectionGTI 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.
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.
Which year Golf 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...•
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 does TSI stand for?
turbocharged stratified injectionDrivers may be aware that their TSI engine is a gas Volkswagen engine, but they may not know how this engine offers advantages over other gas engines. TSI stands for “turbocharged stratified injection” and was inspired by the Volkswagen TDI Clean Diesel and FSI direct fuel injection engines.
What year is a Mk1 Golf?
1974The Golf Mk1 received VW model designation Type 17. Production started in March 1974, and sales officially began in May 1974.
How long does a VW Golf last?
In terms of years, Volkswagen Golfs can run for an average of 5 years without problems and can still work further after changing the timing belt and if you maintain the engine regularly.
Can I still buy a VW Golf?
The Volkswagen Golf has been a staple among commuter cars in the U.S. for over 40 years, however, its era will soon come to an end as the automaker announced it will be discontinued after the 2021 model year.
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 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 ...
Who made the Golf Mk1?
As the successor to the legendary Beetle, of which more than 21.5 million were produced, the Golf Mk1 – developed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and Volkswagen – had immensely high expectations to live up to if it was to continue the story that the Beetle started – the most successful car in the world ever, at that point.
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) ...
How many golf cars were made in 1988?
In June 1988, the Golf already exceeded 10 million vehicles produced: a tremendously high figure.
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 Volkswagen Golf come out?
Volkswagen revealed its follow-up third-generation Golf in 1992. It arrived with a six-cylinder engine in VR6-badged models, which was the first time that such a luxurious high-end engine had been incorporated into a relatively entry-level car.
When was the Golf first released?
First released in 1974 , the original Golf made waves when it came onto the scene. Efficient, practical and great to look at, the Golf was an innovative car from the get-go with features such as a clean diesel engine showing it’s acknowledgement of cleaner technologies.
How many MK1 golfs were made?
By October, that had pushed past the one million mark. In total, more than 6.8 million MK I Golfs have been produced.
Is Volkswagen Golf a household name?
The Volkswagen Golf is a household name. Beloved throughout the world, it’s a car which speaks to almost everyone on multiple levels thanks to its time-honoured build quality and great driver involvement. It’s been around for some time now - and we’ve moved onto the eighth-generation car now too - but throughout the years it has changed ...
Is the Golf 8 high tech?
Golf 8. So here we are - the present day. The Golf, now in its eighth generation, is more high-tech than ever, with a dashboard which is almost completely digital. Underpinned by a cutting-edge platform, the Golf has been designed to be more spacious and easier to live with than ever before.
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 was Volkswagen founded?
Volkswagen is founded. On May 28, 1937, the government of Germany–then under the control of Adolf Hitler of the National Socialist ( Nazi) Party–forms a new state-owned automobile company, then known as Gesellschaft zur Vorbereitung des Deutschen Volkswagens mbH.
When did Volkswagen become a state owned company?
On May 28, 1937 , the government of Germany–then under the control of Adolf Hitler of the National Socialist ( Nazi) Party–forms a new state-owned automobile company, then known as Gesellschaft zur Vorbereitung des Deutschen Volkswagens mbH. Later that year, it was renamed simply Volkswagenwerk, or “The People’s Car Company.”
Where is Volkswagen headquartered?
Originally operated by the German Labor Front, a Nazi organization, Volkswagen was headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany.
When did VW start selling the new beetle?
VW bounced back with the introduction of sportier models such as the Rabbit and later, the Golf. In 1998, the company began selling the highly touted “New Beetle” while still continuing production of its predecessor.
Who was the engineer that made the People's Car?
To provide the design for this “people’s car,” Hitler called in the Austrian automotive engineer Ferdinand Porsche. In 1938, at a Nazi rally, the Fuhrer declared: “It is for the broad masses that this car has been built.
What year was the Volkswagen Golf MKI?
15 1974 Volkswagen Golf MKI. The car that is known as the Beetle killer, the original Volkswagen Golf MK-1, is available in both a 3-door or 5-door version. It was incredibly successful selling millions of units in the first year of production.
What was the first Volkswagen car?
Volkswagen initially found success with its first 'people's car' the Beetle. However, during the 70s several other cars had overtaken the Beetle, and sales were beginning to drop. Volkswagen was starting to struggle, and the need for change was beginning to become very real.
How fast is the MK II Golf GTI?
For many car enthusiasts out there, the MK-II Volkswagen Golf GTI is where they managed to perfect the GTI formula. It was fast, powerful, and an absolute blast to drive. The car was more significant than the original Golf GTI, but it had a larger 1.8-liter engine. It's capable of going from 0-60mph in 8.7 seconds, and can reach a top speed of a 118mph!
What year was the Golf GTI 1.6?
13 1982 Volkswagen Golf – GTI Oettinger. flikr.com. The Golf GTI MK-I is marketed as the quickest Volkswagen ever, and it became a benchmark for the hot-hatch category. However, under Volkswagen's noses, Volkswagen France, in partnership with Oettinger, came out with a limited edition of the Golf GTI 1.6.
How much horsepower does a Volkswagen Golf MK IV have?
Volkswagen certainly delivered this time with a 197-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine.
What generation is the 2019 Golf GTI?
1 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI MKVII. autoevolution.com. While we're waiting for the release of the 8th generation of the Golf GTI, the current 7th generation is a perfect hot-hatch. It's got the same 2.0-liter turbo-four engine that's capable of producing 228-horsepower.
How much horsepower does a V6 Golf have?
At the heart of the car is the 2.8-liter V6 engine that would make close to 174-horsepower. This car was capable of blazing from 0-60mph in 7.4 seconds!
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…
Golf Mk I
Golf Mk II
- How do you follow up on an icon? It’s no mean feat, that’s for sure, which is why Volkswagen left the Golf’s formula relatively unchanged for the second generation. It arrived in 1983, showcasing a refreshed look which managed to build on the looks of its predecessor without detaching from it too far. In 1986 the first Golf with a 16-valve engine a...
Golf Mk III
- Volkswagen revealed its follow-up third-generation Golf in 1992. It arrived with a six-cylinder engine in VR6-badged models, which was the first time that such a luxurious high-end engine had been incorporated into a relatively entry-level car. A more practical option came around in 1993 with the very first Golf Estate, and though the MK III isn’t the most-loved Golf generation, it’s still …
Golf Mk IV
- The MK IV is often thought of as the first ‘modern’ Golf; it was rounder and a little more grown-up than before and it’s fair to say that it isn’t looked back on as fondly as the rest of the Golf range. It arrived in 1998 and was built until 2004. It was the first Golf to feature a fully galvanised body - putting the rust fears of the past to bed - and it was the first Golf to get all-wheel-drive thanks to …
Golf Mk V
- The MK V represented a real leap forward for the Golf. Arriving in the UK in 2004, it was much larger and wider than the car it replaced, making for a more spacious and comfortable cabin. The steering had been revamped too, while the suspension had undergone an overhaul to make it even more comfortable than before.An efficient range of engines was available, while a range-toppin…
Golf Mk Vi
- The shift from V to VI was blink-and-you’ll-miss-it similar for the Golf; indeed, many questioned whether Volkswagen had changed anything at all when the new model was introduced in 2009. It was definitely more a case of evolution rather than revolution, though high-end new features such as adaptive chassis control helped the Golf to stay sharp. New airbags were fitted too, while an …
Golf Mk VII
- The changes were just as subtle for the seventh-generation Golf. Some 38 years after the original arrived on the scene the MK VII evolved once again, tweaking the styling of its predecessor slightly, yet benefitting from a longer wheelbase resulting in more interior space. High-tech features appeared for the first time, with park assist being one notable piece of technology. Thi…
Golf 8
- So here we are - the present day. The Golf, now in its eighth generation, is more high-tech than ever, with a dashboard which is almost completely digital. Underpinned by a cutting-edge platform, the Golf has been designed to be more spacious and easier to live with than ever before. It’s also strikingly different in design to its predecessors, yet it’s still recognisable as a Golf. Whe…