10. 25. 2024
50 years of an icon on four wheels: the Volkswagen Golf
The VW Golf is a car that, for half a century, has been woven into everyday life—even for those who have never owned one or have chosen other vehicles.
In the early 1970s, Volkswagen, facing financial challenges, needed to develop a model that could match the postwar commercial success of the Beetle. The company focused on a compact, 3- and 5-door hatchback with front-wheel drive, designed to be small but suitable for family use. Mechanically, it featured new water-cooled engines with overhead camshafts.
A young Giorgetto Giugiaro was tasked with the design, and he chose a two-box hatchback with simple, square lines, highlighted by a distinctive rear pillar—a feature that would define the model and become iconic across generations. And so, in 1974, the Golf was born, beginning its journey as a four-wheeled legend. Just two years after its launch, one million units were sold. The car’s success was driven by its versatility, reliability, and appealing design.
Across its 50-year history, the Golf has evolved through eight generations, each one technologically and performance-wise more advanced than its predecessor, while consistently remaining at the top of the compact car category. Today, nearly 37 million Golfs have been sold worldwide.
This is the story of an iconic vehicle told through its high-performance editions, some of the most sought-after among collectors.
VW Golf Mk1 “GTI” (1976 – 1983)
The VW Golf GTI Mk1 established the foundation of the hot hatch category. Released with a 1.6L fuel-injected engine generating 110 hp and weighing only 810 kg, it could reach 100 km/h in nine seconds and topped out at 182 km/h. Its sporty handling made it a cult favorite among enthusiasts.
One of the most collectible editions is the “Pirelli Edition,” based on the 1980 facelifted GTI. This model featured larger headlights, an upgraded cabin with re-designed seats, door panels, and dashboard, and a more powerful 1.8L engine with 112 hp. Produced for only six months in 1983, this version was distinguished by exclusive 14” alloy wheels featuring the Italian tire company’s logo, with only 10,500 units made.
VW Golf Mk2 (1983 – 1991)
The Golf Mk2 introduced a more rounded yet familiar shape, increased dimensions, and a range of technological upgrades like a catalytic converter, ABS, and optional all-wheel drive. The iconic GTI model returned in 1984 with the 1.8L 8-valve engine from the previous generation, later joined by a 1.8L 16-valve engine with 139 hp in 1986, and a 1.8L turbocharged engine delivering 160 hp in 1990. This later version hit 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds with a top speed of 216 km/h. Following a minor facelift in 1985, the Mk2 GTI received the distinctive dual headlights and twin exhaust system.
Golf RALLYE (1989 – 1991)
A top collector’s choice is the Golf RALLYE, an amped-up GTI designed for racing homologation. Equipped with flared wheel arches, rectangular headlights, a full aero kit, and the distinctive G60 engine with reduced displacement to meet class regulations, this model was built for competitive performance. The road version retained the GTI’s 160 hp but boasted Syncro all-wheel drive. With a sporty steering wheel, Recaro seats, and 15” alloy wheels, only 5,000 units were produced, making it a rare gem, with few examples still in Italy.
VW Golf Country
The Golf Country offered an early blueprint for SUVs, blending off-road features with a compact design. With all-wheel drive, a raised suspension, front and rear bull bars, auxiliary lighting, and skid plates, it was ready for rougher terrain. The spare tire mounted on the rear door added a rugged look reminiscent of traditional 4x4s. Equipped with a 1.8L engine producing 98 hp, the Golf Country was produced only briefly in 1991, adding an interesting chapter to Golf’s history.
VW Golf MK3
Debuting in September 1991, the Mk3 Golf put a focus on safety, introducing front and side airbags and a reinforced body structure. Departing from the previous models’ round headlights, it featured a sleeker, elongated front light design.
In 1992, the new GTI hit the scene with a 2.0L 16-valve engine offering 150 hp at 6,000 rpm and a five-speed manual transmission. Alongside the standard Golf Mk3, the GTI added a sport-tuned suspension, ventilated disc brakes on all wheels, and electronic limited-slip differential. The model came equipped with 15” alloy wheels, leather upholstery, air conditioning, a sunroof, power windows, electrically adjustable side mirrors, and a CD audio system, making it a well-rounded choice for those looking for sporty performance and comfort.
In 1993, Volkswagen unveiled the high-performance VR6 version of the Golf Mk3, marking the debut of a six-cylinder engine in the Golf lineup. This 2.8-liter V6 produced 174 hp, allowing the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 225 km/h. In 1995, VW introduced the VR6 Syncro model with a 2.9-liter engine, generating 190 hp and featuring all-wheel drive, remaining in production until 1997.
One of the rarest and most unique variants of the Mk3 was the “Harlequin” edition, which sported panels in four different colors, with each car having a unique combination. Only 324 units were made, with 60 destined for Europe and 264 for the U.S.
VW Golf Mk4 (1997-2004)
Volkswagen introduced the Golf Mk4 at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1997, with design elements that honored previous generations, including distinctive rear pillars. This model raised the bar in compact car quality, safety, and reliability, setting new benchmarks. The Mk4 was larger, offering more passenger space, and it introduced satellite navigation as an option—a first in the compact class.
In 2002, VW released the R32, the Mk4’s highest-performing model and a direct competitor to the Alfa Romeo 147 GTA. Like the earlier VR6, the R32 featured all-wheel drive and a narrow-angle 3.2-liter V6, producing 241 hp. Its exterior stood out with sport-specific bumpers, dual exhaust, and 17″ alloy wheels, while the interior maintained a sporty but refined look. Although VW anticipated sales of 5,000 units, the R32’s popularity pushed production to 12,000.
Another collector’s favorite from this era is the 25th Anniversary GTI, celebrating a quarter-century since the original GTI.
This limited edition featured a 1.8 Turbo engine producing 180 hp, reaching 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds.
Available in Tornado Red, metallic grey, or Diamond Black, it boasted unique bumpers, 18” BBS wheels, Recaro seats with GTI branding, and aluminum pedals.
VW Golf Mk5 e Mk6
Released in December 2003, the Mk5 Golf faced mixed reactions, with some versions gaining popularity over time. Among these was the GTI Pirelli Edition 30 (a tribute to a 1983 collaboration with Pirelli), introduced in 2007.
Available in striking Sunflower Yellow, the car featured 18” Pirelli-branded wheels and interior details in matching yellow. The seats were upholstered in a microfiber inspired by Pirelli’s PZero tire tread. A larger turbocharger boosted output to 230 hp.
The R32 returned, with its signature dual central exhaust and a power boost to 280 hp, available with a manual or DSG transmission.
Built on the Mk5’s platform, the Mk6 was more a refresh than a redesign, with updated styling by Walter de Silva, known for his work on the Alfa Romeo 156. Available as a 3-door, 5-door, and Variant (station wagon), this generation included Volkswagen’s first “R” model in 2010. The new Golf R featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine delivering 270 hp, all-wheel drive, and a 0-100 km/h time of 5.7 seconds.
VW Golf Mk7 e Mk8
Introduced in 2012, the Mk7 Golf, built on the MQB platform, also used in models like the Audi A3, set new standards in the compact segment with its refined driving dynamics, comfort, and safety. Winning “Car of the Year” in 2013 and achieving five stars in Euro NCAP safety tests, it became a benchmark in its class. The Mk7 GTI packed a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 220 hp, offering a 0-100 km/h sprint of 6.5 seconds, or 6.4 seconds with the DSG transmission. The GTI “Performance” variant had 10 additional hp, enhanced brakes, and a limited-slip differential. In the 2017 facelift (Mk7.5), the GTI’s power rose to 230 hp, with the “Performance” reaching 245 hp.
The Mk8 is likely the last Golf to feature a combustion engine, with an anticipated all-electric Mk9. Equipped with standard full LED lights (with optional Matrix LEDs) and a fully digital cockpit, the Mk8 adapts to modern trends.
Versione GTI Clubsport 45
The GTI Clubsport 45 edition commemorates 45 years of the GTI with 300 hp, a 2.0 TSI engine, and a DSG transmission with seven speeds. It comes with an electronically controlled differential and can lower its suspension by 15 mm in Nürburgring mode, achieving 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and reaching a top speed of 270 km/h (unrestricted).
Golf R333
Volkswagen’s latest Golf aims to blend the thrill of a supercar with the practicality of a hot hatch. The Golf R 333, with only 333 units produced, reaches 333 hp and features exclusive track-focused modes, including “DRIFT” and “Special” settings for the Nürburgring.
The pen of Automotoretrò
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