Golf II (1983–1991)

In September, the Golf GLX is announced as the new top-of-the-range model with full equipment, a 1.8-litre engine, and power steering, but is then withdrawn again in the same month. Instead, the Golf Carat is launched in November. The 1.8-litre engine is offered throughout the Golf II series with the following equipment package: front anti-roll bar, five-speed gearbox, and rev counter.

A three-speed automatic transmission can now be combined with the 1.6-litre and 1.8-litre engines with 90 PS. The 4+E transmission, already familiar from the Golf I GTI, is available at extra cost in combination with the 1.8-litre carburettor engine as well as with the GTD series, the 1.6-litre petrol engine, and the small diesel engine.

Production of the Golf GTI begins in January. A version with fuel injection and catalytic converter is added to the 1.8-litre 90 PS engine range – the first Golf with a regulated catalytic converter.

In the spring, the special edition "Hit" model hits showrooms. Those who look closely will discover something special: with this special edition (sports seats, chequered upholstery, wide tyres, tinted windows, storage compartments, and much more), Volkswagen offers the 1.8-litre carburettor engine in combination with simpler equipment packages for the first time (from 8/85 also in the C variant) – and thus presents an inexpensive option for fast and powerful motoring without having to purchase extensive additional equipment. With the legendary kerb weight of the 1.8-litre version of exactly 888 kilograms (power-to-weight ratio 10 kg/PS), the long-stroke and – as is evident today – particularly durable engine has an easy job, especially in conjunction with the standard 4+E transmission, which ensures correspondingly low cruising speeds on the motorway. The special Match model is also launched later in the year

The second generation of the CitySTROMer is unveiled. The CitySTROMER II is based on the Golf II with CL equipment, but the car is only approved as a three-seater. The drive system is largely based on the tried-and-tested technology of the electrified predecessor model, with a maximum output of 23 kW (31 PS). The charging cable is located behind a small flap in the radiator grille. The CitySTROMer II is also a fully roadworthy vehicle, manufactured in a small series of 70 units. These are initially reserved for testing by well-known energy producers. The CitySTROMers are mainly used in customer service to gather further practical experience in daily operation. The cars will then be sold on to private buyers.

From August, the 1.6- and 1.8-litre petrol engines are equipped with hydraulic tappets, eliminating the need for manual adjustment of the valve clearance using shims of different thicknesses.

Further expansion of the second series: the special editions "Fun" and "Flair" are launched this year. In February, the Golf syncro is unveiled – an ideal vehicle for off-road use: the syncro has permanent four-wheel drive, the rear wheels are guided by semi-trailing arms, and it is powered by a 1.8-litre engine with 90 PS. The kerb weight increases to 1,100 kilograms, the boot is reduced by a third, and fuel consumption rises by 1.5 litres.

Another new model is presented, the Golf GT. It features many design elements from the GTI: plastic fender extensions, decorative strips in the surrounding crease, and black film around the rear window. At its heart is the 90 PS 1.8-litre carburettor engine with rev counter and on-board computer, and the factory also adds disk brakes on the rear wheels. From the middle of the year, the GT is available with a fuel-injected engine and a regulated catalytic converter. The luxury Carat version is discontinued.

The Golf electric hybrid introduced in 1987 consumes almost two-thirds less fuel than a standard Golf Diesel: the concept car "consumes" just 2.5 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres and an additional 16.3 kilowatt hours of electrical energy. Its technical highlight is the arrangement of the 1.6-litre catalytic converter diesel engine, connected to a shaft with the 7-kW asynchronous motor and a five-speed manual gearbox. Drivers can choose between pure electric driving or the option of "driving with diesel from 60 km/h".

Now there is something to celebrate: ten million Golf I and II models have been produced to date. Volkswagen honours this production record with a specially equipped special series. The most striking feature is the special Starblue paint finish in combination with blue-tinted windows and aluminium rims. Inside, the blue velour carpet and sports seats catch the eye. In addition, the GT and GTD are available with optional special equipment from this year onwards. There are two special paint finishes in black and blue and Oak Green Metallic (a Porsche colour), the rear lights are partially tinted, and the interior is finished in sporty black. There are also sports seats (even Recaro seats on request) and the rear seat system from the GTI. The large 15-inch BBS rims in a cross-spoke design are particularly striking. The syncro is available in the CL and GT trim levels from the middle of the year. The special model "Manhattan" is also introduced.

The range of special models is expanded this year with the addition of the "Boston" model. In August, the Golf II undergoes its last major facelift: in addition to minor changes to the interior (reinforced front seat backs, hazard warning lights on the steering column like the Passat), the new voluminous bumpers are striking – but only GL and GTI drivers get to enjoy this innovation. The syncro gets a power boost to 98 PS.

There is a world first: the naturally aspirated diesel engine is now available with an oxidation catalytic converter to minimise emissions and soot particles. In response to increased performance requirements, the turbo diesel version of the Golf, the GTD, is available with an optional intercooler that increases power to 80 PS.

Rapid technological change in motorsport now requires an all-wheel drive platform in order to remain at the forefront of rallying. With the syncro, Volkswagen has exactly such a concept for an optimally functioning all-wheel drive in the compact class. It also has unique expertise in spiral supercharger technology. This form of performance enhancement, known as the G-Lader, works by means of air compression: unlike a turbocharger, the G-Lader is driven by a belt. The charger compresses the intake air to approx. 0.6 bar via a spiral-shaped worm gear in a special housing and then releases it into the intake complex. The components involved must be manufactured with minimal tolerances. In the larger version, the spirals of the displacement element are almost 60 millimetres deep – giving the Golf G60 its name. In sporty driving, the G-Lader has the great advantage of being independent of the amount of exhaust gas produced and therefore able to deliver throttle response without any annoying turbo lag. On completion of these development processes, the Golf G60 Rallye arrives at Volkswagen dealerships in March 1989 as a special attraction. In the road version, the 1.8-litre engine with G-Lader developed from the Corrado engine delivers 160 PS

At the same time as the Rallye Golf, the developers create another new model: they take the 16V engine, combine it with a G-Lader, and in doing so achieve 210 PS. The Golf II provides the bodywork for the GTI, while the syncro provides the all-wheel drive. The result is named the Golf G60 Limited – and is extremely exclusive: in 1989, only 71 units, all painted black, are manufactured by Volkswagen Motorsport, largely by hand. The price is just under 70,000 German marks. With 210 PS under the bonnet, the Limited has a clear advantage over the "civilian" GTI versions, especially as its traction is far superior thanks to its all-wheel drive. The high performance is made possible by a 1.8-litre engine with four-valve technology and forced induction via a G-Lader. The Limited is equipped with almost everything on the Golf II options list: full leather, sports seats (heated, of course), electric sunroof, power windows, central locking, and much more. Visually, however, the Limited is very understated. Connoisseurs can identify the Super Golf by its blue-rimmed radiator grille with motorsport badge.

Until now, the focus has been on sporty offshoots, but now Volkswagen is testing customer interest with the "Montana" concept car, which shows a Golf in an unusual off-road style. While the Golf syncro still has its feet firmly on the ground, this model is growing in height. This is well received and triggers demand. The decision is clear: the off-road Golf goes into series production in April 1990, and the Montana becomes the Golf Country. What can customers expect? They get a four-door syncro with all its capabilities, raised by almost twelve centimetres by means of a subframe – giving it a completely different appearance. A powerful protective grille dominates the front, and the spare wheel is bolted to a protective bracket – in true off-road style – which can be folded away to open the boot. Familiar from the syncro: the contents of the exposed compartment lose a third of their space due to the space-consuming rear differential. The ground clearance is just under 18 centimetres. The tall Golf is powered by Wolfsburg's preferred drive source when power is needed from the basement: the 1.8-litre engine with 72 kW (98 PS) pulls and pushes the Country successfully through moderately difficult terrain despite the lack of locks and off-road reduction. The Country is fitted with 15-inch wheels in the size 195/60 15V.

The special models "Madison" and "Moda" are launched. This year and next, the "Fire and Ice" model is also offered, which makes a perfect advertising appearance in the film of the same name by Willy Bogner Junior. Its striking features are the special Dark Violet Pearl paint finish and the magenta-coloured rear lettering. In February, Volkswagen ups the ante once again with the Golf GTI G60. The regulated catalytic converter is standard equipment in all petrol engines. And in November, there is something to celebrate: the millionth Golf GTI is sold.

In July, a special “Allround” series with hard-wearing standard equipment (artificial leather seats) in Forest Green is launched. Only 160 units of this model are delivered.

In January, the refined "Chrome Edition" variant is presented. The deep black Country features elegant leather upholstery, while its chrome rims are reminiscent of high-gloss American sports cars. This model is sold 558 times. The last special edition, the "Wolfsburg Edition" – a Golf Country with a GTI engine (107 PS) – is somewhat shrouded in mystery, with only 50 units sold to factory employees. Production of the Country is discontinued in December after a total of 7,735 vehicles have been manufactured. Today, four-wheel drive vehicles are an integral part of the road scene, and the Country has also found enthusiastic fans who can call a particularly rare Golf their own.

To mark the end of the Golf II series, the special models "Pasadena" and "Edition Blue" of the Golf GTI are launched, both with sunroofs. In the summer, production of the Golf II is discontinued in Wolfsburg to make way for its successor. However, it continues to be produced for another year as the "Function" special model – interestingly enough, at the former Sachsenring production facility in Mosel (Saxony), where the East German Trabant is combined with the West German Polo engine until reunification.

Production of the discontinued "Function" model in Mosel is halted. The large numbers produced and innovative measures to maintain value, such as seam sealing, wax flooding, and wheel arch liners, ensure that the vehicle population remains high. A total of 6.3 million VW Golf II, including all derivatives, are built.