the whole saga from 1974 to 2019

Volkswagen announced it: the brand new Golf will be revealed on 24 October 2019 at a special event held in Wolfsburg, Germany. It will be the eighth generation of one of the most popular models in the history of the automotive industry. Launched 45 years ago, the famous compact German has sold more than 35 million copies worldwide over seven generations. Back on a saga out of the ordinary …

Golf I (1974-1983): the pioneer

Designed by the Italian Giorgio Giugiaro and the Volkswagen designers, the Golf I was born in 1974. Its mission is then arduous: to succeed the iconic but aging Coccinelle, sold to more than 21.5 million units. Despite this heavy legacy, success is quickly at the rendezvous. With its modern lines, its engine at the front, its transmission to the front wheels and its bodywork 3 or 5 doors, the model seduces the crowds and reached the million copies in October 1976. Also aided by the arrival of many variations (the GTI and the Golf D in 1976, the convertible in 1979 …), the Golf I will end up to nearly 7 million copies until the end of the year 1983. The success story is launched!

Golf II (1983-1991): the concept is perfecting

Marketed from 1983, the second generation of the compact remains faithful to its predecessor. No need to transform a bestseller, only a few minor touches are on the program. The Golf II becomes slightly larger (+17 cm in length to 3.99 m and +5.5 cm in width to 1.42 m), but also more aerodynamic than its eldest. It also benefits from new taillights, located higher than the Golf I, and adopts a four-wheel drive "Syncro", a catalytic converter in 1984, ABS in 1986 and power steering. A simple recipe that will make its success since it will sell at 6.3 million units until the arrival of its replacement …