VW Golf history. (The peoples Porsche)

Golf MK1

The Model range of the Golf started with the Mk1 in 1974 to the Mk4 of present. Below is a list of the various Mk1 Golf models which appeared between 1977 and 1993.

VW Golf Mk1 1600 '77-81

Specifications

The first Golf Model is the Mk1. The original Golf had engines ranging from 1.1 liters to the top of the range GTi which has a 1.6 8 valve fuel-injected engine.

Handling was exceptional for this class of car and performance was blinding. Don't forget the dross that other car companies were churning out in late 70's and early 80's... think escort, cavalier etc.

Special Editions include the 'Campaign' models which came with sliding steel sunroof, four-lamp grille, Pirelli 'P' alloy wheels, green-tinted glass and a leather steering wheel. Colors available are either Lhasa Green, Helios Blue, Mars Red, Alpine White, Black and Diamond Silver.

VW Golf Mk1 1800 '82-84

Specifications

In September 1982, the GTi got a major upgrade when the 1600 was bored out from 79.5mm to 81mm. The stroke went up to 86.4mm and the 1781cc unit was born. Also the pistons and connecting rods were lightened. The valve size was increased and cylinder head modified. With a compression ratio of 10.1, mid-range torque was improved. Its peak 109lbf.ft was delivered at 3,500rpm, whilst all 112 bhp arrived at 5,800rpm.The 0-60 mph dropped to a startling 8.2 seconds, and the top speed climbed to 114 mph.

Inside there was a temperature and economy gauge, showing mpg, and the legendary windscreen wiper stalk-operated MFA on-board computer. August 1983 saw the Campaign model, designed to shift the remaining GTi's. This had a four lamp grille, Pirelli 6Jx14in P slot alloy wheels with 185/60HR-14 tyres. Standard equipment included sun-roof, tinted glass, metallic paint and leather-trimmed steering wheel.

VW Golf Mk1 Cabriolet '79-93

Specifications

Not all of the Golf Cabriolets had the 1.8 fuel injected engines some had the 90bhp carb engine. Whatever model you choose they are surely a classic.

Golf MK2

The Mk2 range was first introduced in 1984 and made some great improvements on an already superb car. Not all of the models made it to the UK shores which is a big pity.

VW Golf Mk2 8v '84-91

Specifications

Next came the Mk2 GTi which was a 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.

Early Mk2 had Pirelli 'P' alloys wheels, interior trim was similar to the Mk1 Campaign model. Side stripes were black tape. In 1985 the Mk2 had a few cosmetic changes and soft rubber body side moldings with a red stripe, and twin tailpipe exhaust system.

Late '87, the Bosch Jetronic fuel injection system was replaced by the fully-electronic Digifant system. The door mirrors were repositioned further forwards in the corners of the side window glasses. Finally a major revision in August 1989 was the advent of the 'big bumper' cars, with color coded bumper panels and 15 inch BBS alloys. Side moldings were thinner, with small GTi logos.

Special editions include the 1988 'Campaign' with Le Castellet alloy wheels, half darkened rear light clusters, 'rainbow' stripe trim, central locking, tinted windows and a choice of three metallic paints: Oak Green, Helios Blue or Brilliant Black.

VW Golf Mk2 16v '87-91>

Specifications

1986 saw the introduction of the 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.

VW Golf Mk2 Rallye '89-90

Specifications

Only 5000 of the Golf Mk2 Raylle's were ever made. The came with a G60 supercharged 1763cc 8 valve engine, producing 160bhp. It has permanent 4 wheels drive with ABS as standard. The wheel arches were pumped outward and a special radiator was used for extra cooling. It came with standard half-leather seats.

VW Golf Mk2 G60 / G60 Limited '89-90

Specifications

The G60 in standard form boasts a 1.8 8-valve G60 supercharged engine, produced 160 bhp. It was front wheel drive only.

There were only 70 G60 Limited Editions made. These are awesome machines, with a G60 supercharged 1.8 16 valve engine. Power output is 210bhp @ 6,500rpm and 186lbf ft of torque being available at 5,000rpm. A 142mph top speed and an official 0-60 time of 7.4 seconds (conservative figure me thinks!). It used the much stronger cable operated 02A gearbox from the Rallye and a 4x4 drive train. Brakes were 280mm ventilated up front and 239mm at the rear, ABS was standard. Full leather black trim, heated front seats, central locking, power steering, electric windows and mirrors, sunroof and top it off, electric headlight-leveling control.

Golf MK3

The Mk3 Golf's started to get a little flabby around the middle. The ride was too soft for a sporty car and the engines not powerful enough to carry the extra weight. Everything was put right in the engine department when the 16 valve and VR6 models were introduced, but the handling was still too soft. Anyhow, some decent aftermarket shocks should sort out that problem.

VW Golf Mk3 8v '91-98

Specifications

Later on Volkswagen introduced a 16 valve 2.0 version of the Mk3 GTi with 150bhp. This made a significant deference to the performance and is really the true Mk3 GTi.

Special Editions include the Co lour Concept, Rolling Stone and Pink Floyd Models for the GTi and the VR6 has a special edition called the Highline.

VW Golf Mk3 16v '93-98

Specifications

VW Golf Mk3 VR6 '94-98

Specifications

In May 1993, Volkswagen really up the stakes and introduced the Mk3 VR6. A six cylinder 2.8 litre V6 engine which produced 174bhp. This was the most powerful hot hatch available and it is surely a true classic.. Power steering and airbags were standard on the Mk3. Air conditioning and other nice optional extras were available.

VW Golf Mk3 Cabriolet '94-98

Specifications

Good for cruising around in the summer months, stick a decent VR6 in one of these little puppies and enjoy!

Golf MK4

The Golf have finally grown up into a classy, well built and luxurious car. Performance is still fun, even if the handling is a little soft. These modern Golf are a far cry from the original Mk1's of the late '70's and early 80's.

VW Golf Mk4 2000 8v '98

Specifications

There is a 1.8 GTi which produces 125 bhp. This is a nice car but should not be called a GTi, if fact in Europe it has been designated a GL badge. So out of protest I will not be showing any details, as I think that it is not worthy or keeping in spirit of a true GTi. It is just a marketing ploy of the people at Volkswagen to sell more cars to the British.

VW Golf Mk4 1800 20v Turbo'98

Specifications

In 1998, it was time for change again and Volkswagen has again redesigned the Golf with a new body shell which stiffer and more dynamic than all it's predecessors. It kept the familiar shape with the large C-pillar but a new engine line up was introduced.

The 1.8 Turbo has 150bhp but more torque and the V5 with 5 cylinders. Finally there is to be a 2.9 V6 with 4 wheel drive which will boast over 200 bhp.

The build quality and finish of the Mk4 Golf is quite spectacular for what is really a family hatchback. Second hand prices will no doubt stay pretty high.

VW Golf Mk4 2000 TDi '98

Specifications

Some people might be thinking why have I included a Diesel in the line up. Well, they are torquey little beasts in the mid-range and with the help of a "hoppa" unit as supplied by some chip manufacturers they can be as quick as the Mk3 VR6 - need I say more.

VW Golf Mk4 2.3 V5 '98

Specifications

VW Golf Mk4 3.0 V6 4Motion '2000

Specifications