History of the VW Golf
- July 1974
- August 1975
- May 1979
- September 1979
- March 1981
- May 1982
- November 1982
- August 1983
- February 1984
- April 1985
- April 1986
- February 1987
- March 1987
- January 1988
- June 1989
- November 1990
- August 1991
- November 1991
- February 1992
- October 1993
- February 1996
- July 1996
- March 1998
- September 1998
- January 1999
- February 1999
- January 2000
The history of the Golf started in July 1974 when Volkswagen decided to produce a 'hot' version of their family hatchback and called it the GTi. The Golf was designed by Giugiaro whom has many other car designs to his name included the ill-fated De-Lorean. Basically, Volkswagen raided the VW and Audi parts bin - dropped in a hot 110bhp fuel-injected motor (borrowed from the Audi 80 GTE), then bolt on lowered and stiffened suspension, bigger breaks, wide alloy wheels and tyres, plus a set of sports seats and a few bodywork cosmetics. The original GTi has a 1600cc engine which gave a sporty high-revving characteristics but later a more torquey 1800cc was used instead.
The millionth Golf rolled of the production line.
The Golf Cabriolet joined the line up of Golf's.
The sister to the Golf, the VW Jetta Saloon joined the production range.
Golf Mk1 get the more powerful 1.8 8-valve unit. Golf gets new dashboard and rear lights.
Golf Caddy launched. A Golf pick-up truck.
The 5 millionth Golf rolled of the production line. A GTD (Diesel) Golf was launched.
The new Golf Mk2 was launched. The Mk2 GTi which was an evolution of the Mk1 carrying over the 1.8 8-valve engine. The brakes were better on the Mk2 due to an improved master cylinder and servo placement. It was also slightly better aerodynamically then the Mk1 and so top speed benefited slightly. The main complaint was that now the car weighed more than the Mk1 it was lagging behind the competition.
Volkswagen introduced the MFA electronic computer to its model range. The new Jetta model was introduced.
Volkswagen revealed the new 139 bhp 16-valve engine. The 16V is understated in looks, with only discreet badging to show for its superior performance. The 16V engine is docile under 4000 rpm and needs to be kept on the boil, but is much better suited to motorway driving.
A debut for the Golf Synchro. The first car in its class to have 4 wheel drive. 90bhp and ABS as standard.
A minor face lift to the Mk2. Front door windows are now one piece and wing mirrors place on corner of door.
The Jetta GT was also fitted with the 16 valve unit.
The Golf Rallye arrives. It has 4 wheel drive and a G-Lader (G60) supercharger producing 160bhp.
Volkswagen made 70 special Golf's with Black paintwork and and a G60 supercharger developing 210bhp!
The 12 millionth Golf rolled of the production line.
The new Mk3 Golf and Vento (Saloon) made their way out of the factory door.
The new Mk3 Golf VR6 was introduced. The VR6 has six cylinders and develops 174bhp.
The 13 millionth Golf made.
Mk3 Golf finally released in United Kingdom.
The Golf VR6 Synchro is launched into the market. All Golfs get airbags and ABS as standard.
Volkswagen celebrate 20 years of the GTi being in the market with a special edition.
A New Golf Mk3 Cabriolet.
New Golf Mk4 Introduced with 2.0 8 valve engine.
Golf Mk4 has a change of engine to a 1.8 20 valve on GTi.
A new 1.8 Turbo GTi launched with 150bhp.
New V6 4 wheel drive Mk4 with 200bhp.