VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
The Volkswagen Golf is an icon in the motoring world, giving drivers everywhere a fun-to-drive option that easily competes with cars from more premium segments. No prizes then for guessing why the sporty compact from the German automobile manufacturer has been in production for half a century and counting, racking up sales to make it Volkswagen's best-selling and the world's third-best model in history.
Discover the Golf's various iterations and how it can fit you perfectly by reading on.
Origin
The iconic Volkswagen Golf was first introduced back in 1974 as a replacement for the beloved Beetle. Since then, the Golf has become a staple on the roads, known for its reliability and practicality. With the Golf came a watershed in engine and transmission layouts - the rear-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive of the Beetle made way for the front-mounted and front-wheel drive of the Golf. Despite its long history, the Golf continues to evolve with new models and features, making it a popular choice for car enthusiasts worldwide.
1st Generation (Mk1, 1974-1982)
Developed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and Volkswagen, the first generation Mk1 Golf achieved sales of close to 7 million units. The Mk1 not only revolutionized engine and transmission layouts, but it featured a modern and safe drive system concept, excellent practicality thanks to the tailgate and folding rear seat backrest, and a persuasive price tag for a car that could do just about anything a family demanded from one. In 1976, Volkswagen introduced the world's first proper hot hatch, the GTI version of the Golf, which arrived with a 1.6L fuel-injected engine capable of a top speed of 180 km/h.
2nd Generation (Mk2, 1983-1990)
The second generation Golf, the Mk2, retained most of the Mk1's original look, except in a rounded and larger form, which included an increased wheelbase, roomier exterior, and larger interior dimensions. Advanced technologies (at the time) were made available in this affordable vehicle, such as a lambda-probe-controlled catalytic converter, anti-lock brake system, and Volkswagen's Syncro four-wheel-drive. At its launch, the Mk2 GTI received a 1.8L 8-valve engine. This was swapped out for a 16-valve capable of 220 km/h in 1985.
3rd Generation (Mk3, 1991-1996)
Once again, the Golf grew in size from its previous generation. However, the wheelbase of the Mk3 was left unchanged. Volkswagen ushered in a new era of safety with the Mk3 as it was the first model of the Golf available with front airbags and featured a new body design that boasted improved crash resistance.
The Mk3 was also the first Volkswagen to receive the brand's Turbocharged Direct Injection engine and six-cylinder VR6 engine. A variant known as the Golf estate joined the lineup in 1993.
4th Generation (Mk4, 1997-2002)
The Mk4 was the first Golf to receive the direct petrol injection engine (FSI) and debuted head-protection airbags as standard. The R32, the predecessor of the modern-day R, first appeared with this generation. Fitted with a 3.2L VR6 engine, it was capable of a top speed of 250 km/h and was the first to feature the DSG dual-clutch gearbox.
5th Generation (Mk5, 2003-2007)
The fifth generation Mk5 surged ahead of its peers in its category on the back of an extensive range of features such as optional side airbags, a new four-link suspension rear axle and 7-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox, bi-xenon headlights, rain sensor, and panoramic sunroof. This generation's GTI debuted the world's first Twincharger featuring turbocharging and compressor-based charging and the first turbocharged direct petrol injection engine - the 1.4L TSI.
6th Generation (Mk6, 2008-2011)
For its sixth generation, Volkswagen's chief designer Walter de'Silva angled off the Golf for a sleeker, more aerodynamic design, giving it greater fuel efficiency and noise reduction. The Mk6 received advanced safety assist systems like the Light Assist dynamic main beam control, Park Assist, Hill Start Assist, and technologies including adaptive chassis control DCC.
While the R32 was discontinued, in its place was the first Golf R. It got a 2.0L turbocharged TFSI inline-four four-cylinder engine and was capable of 256 hp.
7th Generation (Mk7, 2012-2019)
The Mk7's weight was reduced, resulting in up to 23% improved fuel economy, depending on the engine. The GTI and R were followed by other variants - the fast diesel GTD, the hybrid GTE, the Alltrack, and the first full-electric Golf, the e-Golf. Furthermore, new assist systems were added to the Golf's already-packed lineup.
8th Generation (Mk8, 2020-present)
The 8th generation Golf is the most advanced yet. Four different hybrid models are available besides diesel and gasoline, and it gets a fully digitalized cockpit as standard.
Engine Performance & Technology
Depending on the generation, the Volkswagen Golf has engines with technologies like Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) or its turbo version, TFSI. Volkswagen's TFSI engines combine turbocharging and direct fuel injection, directly injecting fuel into the combustion chambers, enhancing performance and efficiency.
Volkswagen employs the Common Rail Direct Injection or the Turbocharged Direct Injection for its diesel engines.
Safety & Reliability
From its fifth generation onwards, the Golf comes protected with an array of eight airbags. Depending on the generation, it also hosts a wide range of safety systems like the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, a proactive occupant protection system, ACC Adaptive Cruise Control, and the Front Assist area monitoring system, including the City Emergency Braking System.
Trim Configurations
The GTI, the performance-oriented trim of the Golf, is available from the second generation onwards. Other trims are the R32 and its offspring and the most powerful Golf, the R, which gets turbocharged engines, and in the seventh generation, a Haldex Traction all-wheel-drive. Besides the standard 3-door version, five-door hatchbacks and cabriolets also feature in the Golf trim lineup.
Conclusion
A premium compact that doesn't cost a premium, the Golf is a car that all but sells itself. Find an affordable used Golf in excellent condition here at BE FORWARD.
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