Introduced in 1974 as a replacement of the iconic VW Beetle, the Volkswagen Golf is considered to be one of the most successful daily-use cars of all time in terms of its sales, performance, and overall customer satisfaction. Golf is currently undergoing production of its seventh generation models, equipping all models with the latest technology resulting in superior road performance.
Production of the VW Golf is primarily carried out in four countries: Germany, Brazil, Mexico, and Algeria. The car model has varying names in different countries: in the US, Golf Mk1 or certain later generations were known as Rabbit, whereas in Mexico the model was called Carbie.
With the need of introducing a substitute for the Beetle that dated its legacy back to the Second World War, Volkswagen unveiled the first generation of its Golf series back in 1974. This Golf is usually referred to as Golf Mk1 or A1. The body of the vehicle was designed by acclaimed Italian designer Giorgio Giugiaro. The Mk1 featured front-wheel drive, whereas the GTI version, introduced in 1976, was further equipped with many major upgrades, including a fuel-injected 1.6-liter engine that boost the vehicle’s top-speed to 180km/h. After the success of this version of the Golf, VW later introduced GTI models that supported a diesel-powered engine. Some of the most famous Golf versions of the first generation include the Golf Jetta, Golf Cabriolet, and the VW Caddy. With sales for the first generation of the Golf hitting to 6.72 million units, production of the Mk1 resumed till 1983.
The second generation of Golf was introduced in 1983, and was known as Golf Mk2 or A2. Golf models produced during this era were larger in size as compared to their predecessors: they came with greater wheelbase, enhanced exterior, and increased interior dimensions. Golf Mk2 also witnessed an engine upgrade with the switch to the 1.8-liter 8-valve fuel-injected engine that was later enhanced to support a 16-valve engine, taking top-speed to 220km/h in certain Mk2 models. Other major upgrades to the vehicle included ABS, power-steering, and four-wheel drive in the supercharged G60 versions. Production of the Mk2 lasted till 1992 with sales of this generation of Golf reaching the mark of 6.41 million units.
Golf Mk3 or A3 was made available to the public in 1991. This particular generation of the Golf did not do as well as its predecessors though VW continued to introduce Golf models with changes and increased dimensions during the time span of the third generation of the Golf family. Mk3s saw the upgrading to the Turbocharged Direct Ignition (TD) diesel engine along with the equipping of Golf with side-bags to enhance vehicle safety. Some of the renowned third generation Golf models include the Mk3 Cabriolet, and the VW Vento (also called Jetta).
With some quick recovery to make in terms of sales and gaining back customer loyalty, VW worked extensively on the Golf’s exterior, further increasing the dimensions of the car’s body and greatly improving the interior quality. The fourth generation of the Golf, or Mk4, entered the arena in 1997 to make its mark. Golf fourth generation supported a 3.2-liter VR6, four-wheel drive engine, whereas certain models were later upgraded to the 20-valve 1.8T (turbo) 4-cylinder engine. The enhanced features that were made part of the Mk4 included Xenon headlights, satellite navigation, and a completely galvanized body along with electronic stability control. The fourth generation of Golf also witnessed the upgrading to the six-speed manual transmission, and the first ever dual-clutch gearbox (DSG). Mk4 was awarded the 1992 European Car of the Year Award. Some of its famous models include VW Golf R32, VW Bora, and the VW Golf 2.0 GTI Generation. Production continued till 2003 and an estimated 4.96 million units of the Mk4 were sold.
Mk5 and Mk6 collectively covered a decade, starting from 2003 and finishing in 2013. Highlights of these two generations of the Golf include improved suspension, enhanced twin-charged engines—that resulted in greater output, seven speed gearbox, panoramic sliding sunroof, and Bi-Xenon headlights. More emphasis was laid on the exterior design of the sixth generation Golf, making it more aerodynamic and providing a more silent drive. Engines with common rail technology were made part of the Mk6, whereas later upgrades enhanced to 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual settings. A significant upgrade regarding the Mk6 was the introduction of the Adaptive Chassis Control that allowed drivers to shift between normal, sports, or comfort mode, based on their needs. LED taillights, cornering headlights, auto start/stop system, and brake energy recovery were also introduced later on.
2012 witnessed the unveiling of the seventh, and the current, generation of the VW Golf. As an upgrade, Golf shifted to the MQB platform, and focused on enhancing design, and lessening the weight of the vehicle. The Mk7 is available with multiple engine trims, including the e-Golf that runs on electricity; plug-in hybrid versions of the Golf were also introduced in later years. Main features of the latest generation of the VW Golf include Multi-collision braking system, automatic park assist, and interactive display screens within the vehicle. Mk7 has till date bagged several accolades, mainly including the 2013 European Car of the Year, and the 2013 World Car of the Year. The entire Mk7 lineup won the 2015 Motor Trend Car of the Year award, adding to the long list of achievements.
Certain versions of the VW Golf were involved in the infamous Volkswagen emissions scandal that surfaced in 2015, resulting in the calling back of many models and greatly affecting the company’s relations with governments and their publics as well.
VW Golf has stood the test of time; introducing regular upgrades for the latest vehicles and placing immense effort in maintaining equilibrium in quality and affordability, this car is bound to continue making its impact over the coming years, ensuring that it fits the literal meaning of its parent company of being ‘The People’s Car’.
