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Golf
Golf
For more than four decades now, a new Golf has rolled off the production lines every 40 seconds. The best-selling model was extensively updated in 2017 – with the most advanced engines, a sharper design, a new generation of infotainment systems and extended equipment. The update of the Golf, which has now been sold more than 33 million times, is reflected by a new state of the art of assistance systems in the compact class. Technologies such as the City Emergency Braking function with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), the new Traffic Jam Assist (partially automated driving up to 60 km/h) and the Emergency Assist, also new in this segment, significantly improve safety levels. The Golf is one of the few cars in the world available with all relevant powertrain types: gasoline, diesel, CNG, plug-in hybrid and electric.
Press releases
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Volkswagen gives some gas with new TGI models
Volkswagen has completely overhauled its natural gas models and is equipping its Polo and Golf TGI with a third natural gas tank. This allows the Polo TGI to now travel up to 60 kilometres further in pure CNG mode than its predecessor. The gain in range in the Golf TGI is up to 80 kilometres. In the Golf, a new 1.5 litre TGI four-cylinder engine with 96 kW / 130 PS ensures that none of the driving pleasure is lost. Driving with natural gas significantly reduces CO2 emissions because the combustion of CNG generally produces less CO2. An even better CO2 balance can be achieved by fuelling with biomethane or e-gas. Biomethane is extracted from plant residues; e-gas is produced from surplus green energy (power-to-gas), which are added to the fuels. -
Destined to win: up!, Polo and Golf are the winners in the “Best Cars 2019” Reader’s Choice Awards
The trade magazine auto motor und sport chose the winners of its “Best Cars 2019” Reader’s Choice Awards in Stuttgart today. Three models of the Volkswagen brand, the up!, Polo and Golf, were among the winners. The award, one of the top automotive awards of the year, was received by Volkswagen’s Brand Board of Management members Ralf Brandstätter (Chief Operating Officer), Dr Frank Welsch (Development) and Jürgen Stackmann (Sales, Marketing and After Sales). -
ADAC EcoTest 2018: e-Golf and e-up! are the best
The e-Golf wins the ADAC EcoTest, proving it is one of the cleanest cars in 2018. Placing second was the fully electric e-up!, designed for city driving. Volkswagen’s two latest electric models thus claim one of the most coveted prizes for new vehicles. Introduced in 2003, the ADAC EcoTest is one of the toughest car emissions tests. -
Golf with the genes of a race car: Advance sales of Golf GTI TCR commence
The latest evolution of a true motoring icon – the Golf GTI – can now be ordered: the Golf GTI TCR. This 213 kW / 290 PS sports car can reach speeds of up to 260 km/h, and is fitted with a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG), petrol particulate filter and highly exclusive equipment as standard. Price: EUR 38,950 (in Germany, incl. VAT.). -
Only at Volkswagen: customers can assemble their own e-Golf in the Transparent Factory in Dresden
Customers can now get a much closer look at their e-Golf during production. In the Transparent Factory, you can accompany your future vehicle a part of the way along the production line. Under the expert guidance of the factory’s employees, the customer is able to actively get involved at four stations, e.g. when installing the dash panel. Other places where the customer can experience the assembly of their vehicle include joining the drive train to the body (“marriage”) and installing the front radiator grille. With the new possibility of accompanying production, the Volkswagen Transparent Factory in Dresden is expanding its range of services in respect of the electric mobility experience. -
Volkswagen Classic at GTI Coming Home 2018 in Wolfsburg: Seven icons with three letters
For the second time, Wolfsburg is hosting a full day devoted to the legendary Volkswagen sports car, which, since 1976, has been more synonymous with power, driving pleasure and attitude than virtually any other car – the Golf GTI. Volkswagen Classic is represented by all seven generations of the GTI family on 1 September. The powerful Golf Mk2 Pikes Peak and rally ace Jochi Kleint will also be attending the GTI meet in Wolfsburg. -
Volkswagen starts “We Share” e-mobility car sharing in Berlin
The Volkswagen brand is to launch an extensive all-electric car sharing offering in selected major cities under its “We Share” sub-brand. The first fleet of vehicles will be rolled out in the German capital Berlin, and will comprise 1,500 e-Golf when the service begins operating in the second quarter of 2019, with an additional 500 e-up! following later. These vehicles will gradually be replaced by the first models from the new Volkswagen ID. family from 2020. Jürgen Stackmann, Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Sales, commented: “We want to motivate young, urban users to engage with e-mobility. The people of Berlin will be the first to enjoy the electrifying experience of our ’We Share’ car sharing offering.” -
German première of the Golf GTI TCR Concept at “GTI Coming Home Wolfsburg 2018”
For the second year in a row, the GTI “Coming Home” meet will take place in Wolfsburg. GTI fans and visitors will be able to access the event area in the Volkswagen Arena and the Autostadt from 10 am on 1 September 2018. To bridge the gap until the next GTI meet in Wörthersee (Austria) in May 2019, Volkswagen is once again inviting fans to join the company in Wolfsburg at the end of the summer. In addition to a varied supporting programme for the whole family, a very special GTI procession is also planned as a highlight. Fans can drive their own GTIs through the Volkswagen plant where the first Golf GTI rolled off the production line in 1976. -
Product Milestone as Volkswagen R delivers 200,000th ‘R’ model
Volkswagen R has handed over the jubilee car to a UK customer. Volkswagen R stands for performance, sport and emotion. Since it was established in 2002, Volkswagen R has developed and retailed 200,000 cars. -
AutomotiveINNOVATIONS Award 2018: Volkswagen honoured as the most innovative high-volume brand
The Volkswagen brand has been named the Most Innovative High-volume Brand for the third time in a row. The Group’s core brand was also presented with other awards in the categories ‘Alternative Drives’, ‘Autonomous Driving’ and ‘Safety and Conventional Drives’. The awards are presented annually by the Center of Automotive Management (an independent scientific institute), in cooperation with audit firm PricewaterhouseCoopers. The award decisions are based on the study AutomotiveINNOVATIONS, a jointly conducted study that has been analysing the innovation profiles and future trends of various automotive brands for the past seven years within the context of technical vehicle innovations. -
World première at the GTI meeting: the new Golf GTI TCR Concept unveiled at Wörthersee
A new chapter of Golf GTI history has begun: With the world première of the 213 kW / 290 PS strong Golf GTI TCR Concept, Jürgen Stackmann, Volkswagen Board Member for Sales, has unveiled the road version of the racing car of the international TCR series of the same name. The première took place today at the legendary GTI meeting at Reifnitz am Wörthersee, Austria. Jürgen Stackmann: "At the moment, the Golf GTI TCR Concept – an athlete derived from racing sport – is a study. But at the end of the year, we want to make this GTI vision come true." -
The countdown has started: the new Golf GTI top model is set to be the highlight of this year's GTI meeting at Wörthersee
Wednesday 9 May will see the largest GTI meeting in the world get underway. The location: Reifnitz am Wörthersee. Last year, 7,300 cars and around 125,000 visitors turned the Austrian town into the Mecca of the GTI world. Figures of this magnitude are expected again this year. Volkswagen will also present a special highlight to the participants and visitors: the new Golf GTI TCR, which is nearly ready for production. As a tribute to fans, the 290 PS GTI will be unveiled in a world première at Wörthersee. The future top model in the Golf GTI series, which has sold more than 2.2 million units worldwide, will be launched at the end of the year. -
Three world premieres: Volkswagen presents progressive hybrid, natural gas and diesel systems at the Vienna Motor Symposium
Volkswagen will be enhancing its model range by an innovative spectrum of completely new drive systems. These include affordable mild hybrid drives with 48V technology, new high-tech diesel engines that will also be available as hybrid variants and what is currently the world's most cutting-edge natural gas drive. Volkswagen has now announced initial facts as part of the Vienna Motor Symposium (26 to 27 April). The technologies showcased in Vienna as world premieres form a vital part of the progressively aligned Volkswagen drive strategy. It involves the combination of state-of-the-art petrol, diesel and natural gas engines, new hybrid systems and purely electric drives. With this combination, Volkswagen will among other things meet the CO2 fleet emissions target of 95 g/km prescribed in the EU as of 2020. -
Volkswagen in customer sport Milestone: Hundredth Golf GTI TCR handed over in Autostadt
When a Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR in full racing regalia is to be found alongside perfectly polished production models of the Volkswagen Polo, Golf, Passat, Arteon, Tiguan and T-Roc in the striking, futuristic handover towers at Autostadt in Wolfsburg, then there hast to be a special reason. Instead of being handed over at Volkswagen Motorsport in Hannover, as is customary, a special honour was bestowed upon the 100th model of the 257 kW / 350 hp Golf GTI TCR: a handover in Autostadt. -
Fuel-efficient micro-hybrid for the Golf New 130 PS petrol engine is as efficient as a diesel
Progress makes the impossible possible. This is exemplified by a petrol engine like no other before it: a petrol engine that offers diesel-like fuel economy but is significantly cheaper to buy. A petrol engine that during the journey occasionally simply switches off two of its four cylinders or even takes a complete break. A petrol engine that combines supreme torque with low emissions. Volkswagen has developed such an engine: the new 1.5 TSI ACT BlueMotion. It has an output of 96 kW / 130 PS and is currently already powering the Golf and Golf Variant. In the future, the efficient 1.5 TSI ACT BlueMotion will also be available for other Volkswagen models. -
Golf, Polo and up! voted "Best Cars 2018"
The readers of motoring magazine auto motor und sport have voted the Golf, the new Polo and the up! the "Best Cars 2018" in their respective categories. No less than three Volkswagen models thus secured one of the year's most important awards. They were presented this morning in Stuttgart to Dr Herbert Diess (Chairman of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management), Dr Frank Welsch (Member of the Board of Management responsible for Development) and Jürgen Stackmann (Member of the Board of Management responsible for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales). -
Volkswagen Sachsen reduces environmental footprint using Naturstrom® hydropower
The Volkswagen brand is stepping up the use of renewable energy in production with a view to further reducing its environmental footprint. Starting this year, the three production plants of Volkswagen Sachsen GmbH have been supplied with Volkswagen Naturstrom® electric power from 100% renewable sources by VW Kraftwerk GmbH. This measure is playing its part in meeting the target of Volkswagen's Think Blue. Factory environmental program to produce each vehicle and component in a way which is 45 percent more environmentally compatible in 2025 than in the base year of 2010. -
Personalisation – individual settings on demand Arteon, T-Roc, Golf & Co. "recognise" their drivers
People are different. Some are tall, others are short; some like loud rock music, others may prefer classical; some actually freeze in summer, while others are too warm even in winter. If a number of people share one and the same car, each change of driver involves setting, altering and adjusting preferences. Now Volkswagen is putting a stop to all this. "Personalisation" in the true meaning of the word is the key here: the individual settings are allocated to a user name – Driver1, for example – and the respective car key activates them automatically. The personalisation function is already available for the new T-Roc and Arteon as well as all versions of the current Golf, Touran, Tiguan and Passat. As soon as these Volkswagen models are fitted with the feature known as driving profile selection and/or (depending on the model) with a memory function for the driver's seat, personalisation is also included. -
From Wolfsburg to Norway: 150 millionth Volkswagen delivered
The 150 millionth Volkswagen will be driving along the roads in Norway from now on: the anniversary vehicle – a Golf GTE – left the assembly line at the main plant in Wolfsburg in August. Now, Volkswagen has delivered the car to a customer in the town of Lier not far from the Norwegian capital Oslo. Dr. Wolf-Stefan Specht, Head of Sales Europe at the Volkswagen brand, commented: "The 150 millionth Volkswagen symbolizes the brand's long tradition. At the same time, the Golf GTE plug-in hybrid offers a glimpse of the future of mobility at Volkswagen. That is why we are delighted the GTE has been delivered to a customer in Norway, the frontrunner for e-mobility in Europe." -
Let the sunshine in! The panoramic sunroof is a re-interpretation of the legendary folding soft top
The days are growing shorter, the leaves are changing colour, and fall is making its appearance. Despite the season, a lot of Volkswagens are still bright as in summer. There is a tradition here. Ever since the company's early years, intelligent roof systems have been capturing the light of the sun even in wintertime. As early as in 1950, Volkswagen began to offer the Beetle with a folding sunroof. In the mid-1990s, this roof concept was refined in the Lupo and Polo with electrically actuated versions. Today, transparent panoramic sunroofs are experiencing a boom. They are available for all Volkswagen models – from the small up! and new Polo to the large Touareg and new Arteon. -
Volkswagen named "Most Innovative Brand 2017"
The Volkswagen brand won various design and innovation awards yesterday at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA). Most prominently, the jury for the Plus X Award singled out the Volkswagen brand for the title "Most Innovative Brand 2017". Meanwhile, the new Arteon received the "Best of Best" top ranking in the "Automotive Brand Contest 2017". -
GTI meet in Wolfsburg: Coming Home 2017 – Part 2
GTI – these three initials have stood for sport and high performance at Volkswagen for more than four decades. But they also stand for an active fan community that spans the globe. That's because the enthusiasm for this cult favourite Volkswagen performer continues to this day. To mark the end of this year's season – following the GTI meet at Wörthersee lake in May – Volkswagen is inviting fans of the Golf GTI to the Volkswagen Arena in Wolfsburg on Saturday, 16 September 2017. A special highlight: fans will have the opportunity to drive their own Golf GTI in a procession through the factory in which the first GTI rolled from the assembly line 41 years ago. -
Bye bye, hay fever! Volkswagen's "Air Care Climatronic" cleans the air
Happily driving along, everyone in the car is in a good mood. Summer landscapes, forests and meadows pass by outside. But then the tranquillity is shattered by a shrill sneezing from the passenger compartment; the children rub their eyes and now the driver is sneezing, too. Trees, grass, pollen. Hay fever. These are all typical summer ordeals. According to the German Allergy Sufferers and Asthma Association (DAAB), about 20 per cent of all Germans will develop a pollen allergy in the course of their lives. One of the numerous allergy triggers are fungal spores, which are often present in outdoor air in the summer and autumn. In the light of this, Volkswagen has developed a special automatic climate control system, which prevents these pollutants from entering the car: "Air Care Climatronic". -
Production anniversary: 150 millionth Volkswagen leaves assembly line at main plant in Wolfsburg today
A milestone production anniversary: over eighty years ago Volkswagen was founded. Since then, 150 million vehicles, including icons such as the Golf or the Beetle, have been built around the world at over 50 production sites in 14 countries. The brand's current product portfolio includes over 60 models worldwide. Volkswagen moves people – across the globe. Today the anniversary car, a blue Golf GTE, rolled off the assembly line in Wolfsburg. The plug-in hybrid is a symbol of the future of mobility at Volkswagen - and at the same time, it is testimony to a powerful team performance. -
Offering technical refinements: new 1.5 TSI delivering 96 kW/130 PS now available to order for Golf and Golf Variant
Volkswagen is extending the range of engines for the Golf and Golf Variant through the addition of the latest member of the petrol engine family, the 1.5 TSI delivering 96 kW/130 PS. -
Awards for Volkswagen from April to June
Plus X Award 2017: Volkswagen named 'Most Innovative Brand 2017' once again. -
Volkswagen at the 38th Vienna Motor Symposium: Large-scale move to electric power, coasting 2.0 and natural gas propulsion
Electric power, natural gas propulsion and a new coasting function for internal combustion engines – at the 38th Vienna Motor Symposium starting today, Volkswagen is presenting solutions for the CO2-neutral, sustainable mobility of the future. In the case of electric power, the spectrum ranges from the new, affordable micro hybrid system all the way to further optimised battery-powered propulsion. For the first time, Volkswagen is presenting a coasting function for internal combustion engines with a 'Coasting - Engine off' function that shuts off the engine completely. The company is going on the offensive on the natural gas front as well – with a new, compact three-cylinder engine for the Polo. -
Following modifications to plant, first e-Golf rolls off production line at Transparent Factory in Dresden
Following six months of work on modifications to the Transparent Factory, the first e-Golf rolled off the production line today. In the presence of Kai Siedlatzek, Managing Director of Volkswagen Sachsen responsible for Finance, the plant management and the Works Council of the Volkswagen plant in Dresden, the first vehicle was released for delivery to a customer in Norway. The first e-Golf, painted in "oryx white pearlescent", h as a power output of 100 kW (136 PS). The power consumption is 12.7 kWh/100 km. In the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC2), the vehicle has a range of 300 kilometers. Production is to continue at the main Golf plant in Wolfsburg as well as in Dresden. Volkswagen has invested €20 million here. In addition, Dresden's most powerful public solar-powered e-mobility charging station has been commissioned in front of the Transparent Factory. For one year, four electric vehicles will be able to recharge their batteries here at the same time free of charge. -
Golf with new 1.5 TSI engine now available to order
Volkswagen is equipping the new Golf with its most modern engine generation, the 1.5 TSI Evo (110 kW / 150 PS). The four-cylinder petrol engine features common rail direct injection, turbocharger and Active Cylinder Management (ACT). The new Golf 1.5 TSI is available for purchase immediately and from the Comfortline equipment line upwards. The base price for the Golf is €24,350, prices for the Golf Variant 1.5 TSI start from €26,400. -
The new Golf GTI Performance is now available to order
Genuine GTI enthusiasts can now configure and order the vehicle of their dreams. The new Golf GTI Performance with 180 kW/245 PS is optionally available with 6-speed manual gearbox or a new 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG). The sporty compact car impresses with its high lateral and longitudinal dynamics due to the combination of smooth power delivery, perfect chassis tuning and, not least, the electronic front differential lock. Prices for the Golf GTI Performance start from 32,475 euros (with 6-speed manual gearbox). -
Milestone at Volkswagen's main plant in Wolfsburg 44 million vehicles produced
Precisely 44 million vehicles have left Volkswagen's main plant in Wolfsburg since production started about 72 years ago. The record vehicle, a Dark Iron Golf GTE, rolled off the production line today in the presence of the plant management, the Works Council and employees. -
Volkswagen launches international marketing campaign for the new Golf
The international marketing campaign for the new Golf and its derivatives Golf GTI, Golf GTD, Golf Estate and Golf Alltrack begins at the end of February 2017. The campaign kicks off in Germany, followed by the rollout in several other European markets. The 360-degree campaign comprises a TV spot, print ads, digital measures and billboard ads. -
The new e-Golf can now be ordered
One by one, the new Golf models are becoming available for customer orders. The range is now being completed by the new e-Golf with an all-electric drive system. Compared to its predecessor, the new version offers more power, longer range and extended standard features. Prices for the zero-emission model start at € 35.900 (in Germany). -
Perfect visibility with no heating wires – the climate windscreen from Volkswagen
Winter is here and every morning many motorists thus face the same problem: a frozen windscreen. Neither ice scraper nor de-icing spray provides the perfect solution. Volkswagen is offering a genuine alternative with the climate windscreen. It heats up without the use of any filament wires, thus providing perfect visibility. Any renewed misting or icing up is also prevented. -
New Golf GTE and Golf GTD now available to order
With the update of the new Golf in model year 2017, three further sporty, fuel-efficient models can now be ordered: the plug-in hybrid Golf GTE and the dynamic Golf GTD and Golf GTD Variant diesel models. -
The new Golf R-Line and Golf Variant R-Line
Buyers of the new Golf who want to upgrade to sportier features can now order the new R-Line packages. Along with an exterior package, which consists of distinctive front and rear body modifications, there is also an extensive R-Line package. It contains features of the exterior package, alloy wheels and, in addition, sophisticated interior accents. An overview of the packages: -
Other versions of the new Golf can now be ordered
Now it is possible to order nearly all versions of the new Golf. This also means that pre-sales have launched for the entry-level version with 63 kW / 85 PS. The Golf 1.0 TSI Trendline at this power level costs €17,850 – its price has not risen one cent despite substantially improved features. In addition, it is now also possible to order the Golf 2.0 TDI 4MOTION all-wheel specialist and the Golf R which now has a power output of 228 kW / 310 PS. Since the beginning of December it has been possible to configure all Golf and Golf Variant models of the Trendline, Comfortline and Highline equipment lines as well as the Golf Alltrack and the Golf GTI. -
Pre-sales have started: 2017 model year Golf can be ordered now
Volkswagen is heralding the pre-Christmas holidays with an automotive highlight: customers can now configure and order the further perfected best-selling model in Germany. The entry-level price of the new edition is staying constant, even though the base version now includes the Composition Colour infotainment system (6.5-inch colour display), newly conceptualised full-LED tail lights and an upgraded interior as standard. € 17,850 is the price for the Golf 1.0 TSI* Trendline with an efficient 63 kW / 85 PS powerplant. At the next higher power level with 81 kW / 110 PS, the price of the Golf 1.0 TSI is € 19,625. The new Golf Variant is also launching in parallel, starting at a price of € 21,575 for the 1.0 TSI with 81 kW / 110 PS. A very exclusive version of the Variant is the all-wheel drive Golf Alltrack with a striking all-terrain look; it too can be ordered now. The range of models being offered at the pre-sales launch is rounded out by the TGI models with a natural gas drive (hatchback and Variant versions) as well as the Golf GTI with a power output of 169 kW / 230 PS (instead of 162 kW / 220 PS). -
World premiere in Los Angeles: New e-Golf with up to 300 kilometres driving range
Volkswagen is presenting the latest generation of the e-Golf in a world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Compared to its predecessor, the new zero-emission vehicle offers more power, longer range and innovative features. Decisive here is its increased driving range. In terms of an annual average that is relevant to customers, the e-Golf will now cover up to 200 kilometres or more in everyday driving on one battery charge – depending on driving style and the use of air conditioning. This represents a range extension of around 50 per cent. -
Volkswagen is to produce the new e-Golf in Dresden, too
The Volkswagen brand is converting the Transparent Factory in Dresden into a production facility again. From April 2017, the new e-Golf is to be produced there. This was announced in Dresden on Thursday by Dr. Frank Welsch, Member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management responsible for Development, in the presence of Stanislaw Tillich, Prime Minister of Saxony, Martin Dulig, Minister of Economic Affairs of Saxony, and Dresden's Mayor Dirk Hilbert. In the New European Driving Cycle, the new e-Golf offers a range of up to 300 kilometers. In future, the model is to be produced at the facility in Dresden, Saxony, in addition to the main Golf plant in Wolfsburg. -
Wolfsburg employees showcase their plant with a movie to mark the world premiere of the new Golf
Employees at the main plant in Wolfsburg played a part in the making of a movie for the world premiere of the new Golf. Jürgen Stackmann, Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Sales, commented: "Employees at the Wolfsburg plant are proud of the new Golf and of the enormous joint achievement it represents. That is why the movie for the world premiere of the new Golf was filmed where the Golf is built." -
World premiere in Wolfsburg: Volkswagen presents the new Golf
Volkswagen presented a major update of the Golf at the brand's tower in Wolfsburg today. Key features: enhanced design, new engine technologies, new assistance systems and a new generation of infotainment systems. As a world first in the compact class, the top-of-the-range "Discover Pro" infotainment system can be operated by gesture control. With its 9.2-inch screen it forms a conceptual and visual entity with the Active Info Display (digital instrument panel), which is also new to the Golf. The updated Golf is one of the first compact cars to be available with semi-automated driving functions, for instance, the new Traffic Jam Assist function can guide the Volkswagen in stop-and-go traffic. -
Countdown to Golf update: The seventh Golf – bestseller with electric drive
The countdown is under way: in two days, Volkswagen will introduce a major update of the Golf thus continuing the success story of this bestseller. It began in 1974, with the debut of the first-generation Golf. The update of the seventh Golf generation in 2012 – the first Volkswagen model based on the modular transverse matrix (MQB) – brought about a car that was connected with its environment more than ever, establishing a new type of digital display and control elements in the segment and bringing assistance systems from the luxury class into the compact class. -
Countdown to Golf update in November: The sixth Golf – leading the way in terms of safety
The countdown is under way: in six days Volkswagen will present a major update of the Golf in Wolfsburg. That will herald the launch of a Golf which will democratise progress yet again. An ongoing tradition since the launch of the first Golf 42 years ago. With the debut of the sixth-generation Golf (2008), more and more luxury class assistance systems found their way into the compact segment – marking the beginning of a silent revolution in automotive safety. -
Countdown to Golf update in November: The fifth Golf – pure dynamism and the comeback of the GTI
The Golf's debut in 2003 left many a competitor from the higher mid-class standing with its comfort, dynamism and quality. Just one year later, a 200-PS Golf with black radiator grille and sports seats in the legendary tartan "Interlagos" fabric heralded the comeback of the GTI. Demand for the Golf, demand for the GTI has never let up since then. To date, the Golf GTI is the most successful sports car in the compact segment. The Golf itself is unassailable as the best-selling European car ever. Now just before the launch of this bestseller update in November, it's time to take a look back. At the Golf MkV and 2003. -
Countdown to Golf update in November: Just as you like it – the unparalleled variety of Golf
When Volkswagen presented the first generation of the Golf in 1974, this was the beginning of an impressive success story. And by this we are not just talking about more than 33 million Golf cars produced since day 1. But rather the unique fact that Volkswagen is the world's first and only automotive manufacturer to offer all currently relevant drive systems in one series – with the Golf. There are also various car bodies and the most individual of equipment lines. The very first Golf in 1974 thus became the catalyst for a vehicle family that meets an unusual number of mobility wishes. -
Countdown to Golf update in November: The fourth Golf – the style icon of the series
In 1997, the Golf MkIV was created under the direction of the Volkswagen Group Head of Design Hartmut Warkuß (1993 to 2003). Today, the fourth generation is considered a style icon – particularly because of its graphic clarity and fundamental C-pillar series design forming a bridge to the 1974 Golf MkI. However, the Golf MkIV was not only pioneering in terms of its looks, it was groundbreaking in its engineering as well. Volkswagen achieved a totally new standard of quality in this market segment with this car and thus became the first manufacturer to overcome vehicle class boundaries. With the debut of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) in the Golf (1998), the car continued to democratise safety. By 2003, 4.99 million units of the Golf MkIV, including all of its derivatives, had been produced. -
Countdown to Golf update in November: The third Golf - wedge shaped and heralding a new era of safety
The third Golf came onto the market in August 25 years ago. With the benefit of hindsight, it is clear: Volkswagen brought in a new era of safety with this model. On the one hand, the Golf MkIII was the first of the series to have front airbags, starting in 1992, while major advances in car body construction also resulted in significantly improved crash safety. The third generation, however, also made a great design leap: it was the first Golf with a wedge shape that was as dynamic as it was aerodynamic. -
Countdown to Golf update in November: Volkswagen democratises safety with the Golf
For more than four decades, Golf technologies have been mirrored in the automotive world. What's more: Volkswagen has democratised progress with these innovations. In particular, thanks to the Golf, safety systems are no longer the privilege of a few, but an expected feature for all. It started with basics such as appropriate headrests and a secure chassis. This was followed by crash-optimised bodywork, airbags and ABS. Electronic stability control (ESC) first appeared in 1998 and is still helping drivers today to keep control of the vehicle in potentially dangerous situations. The next stage was innovative assistance systems which created a safety revolution: from City Emergency Braking which anticipates dangers in city traffic and prevents collisions, to the Blind Spot Monitor which takes away the threat of the blind spot. The Golf's assistance systems are wide-ranging. Now the countdown for the Golf update is underway – and this will once again make the road safer. -
Countdown for the Golf update in November: The second Golf – the DNA of a worldwide success story
The Golf is unique, forgery-proof. A design icon. In November, Volkswagen will show how this unique gem has evolved with its update of the Golf. A masterpiece in automotive design continuously refined over seven generations. A phenomenon, because the Golf is one of the few affordable cars in the world that is truly classless. Experts agree – the most defining moment in the history of the Golf came in the late 70s when the decision was made to create the Golf MkII by further developing the Golf MkI's design DNA. And so the "Golf Phenomenon" came about – the Volkswagen of all Volkswagen cars; the perfect image of the brand; a compact car with a classless status reaching out to all levels of society. -
Countdown to Golf update in November: The first Golf – birth of an icon
Volkswagen is preparing a major update for the Golf. World premiere coming up in November. It will be the update of a style-icon. Head of Design at Volkswagen Klaus Bischoff says, "there are only a few cars in the world other than the Golf which have so consistently continued to develop their design from generation to generation," Bischoff goes on to explain, "vehicles which successfully manage an evolution of their design over decades have the potential to one day be celebrated as an icon. The most prominent example of such a development is the Porsche 911; in the high volume models segment, however, the Golf is clearly a member of the automobile Hall of Fame." -
World premiere in November: The countdown has begun for an extensive Golf update
The countdown has begun: in early November, Volkswagen will be introducing a major update for its most successful model – the Golf. This bestseller has been around for more than four decades. An entire generation has been named after it as Generation X is known as "Generation Golf" in Germany. No other European car has sold better. By the end of last year, 32,590,025 Golf cars had been sold. In effect, therefore, over the last 42 years someone, somewhere in the world decides to buy a new Golf every 40 seconds. Record-breaking statistics like these have shaped the car's history. And Volkswagen democratises progress to this very day with the Golf. -
Motor show premiere – the new Golf GTD Variant Sporty Golf GTD makes debut as 184-PS Variant car
Ten key facts on the premiere of the Golf GTD Variant: 1. First Golf GTD Variant develops 135 kW / 184 PS of power and an impressive 380 Nm of torque. 2. With a top speed of up to 231 km/h, the Golf GTD Variant consumes a mere 4.4 l/100 km with a 6-speed manual gearbox. 3. Equipped with a Stop-Start system, the Golf GTD Variant combines thrilling dynamics with maximum efficiency. 4. Extremely clean long-distance TDI engine with NOx storage catalytic converter meets the Euro 6 emissions standard with ease. 5. Golf GTD Variant is offered with a 6-speed dual clutch gearbox as an option. 6. Bi-xenon headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, "Composition Touch" radio system and automatic climate control as standard. 7. Sport suspension, XDS+ vehicle dynamics function and ESC Sport ensure superior handling. 8. New Golf GTD Variant accommodates five adults along with 605 litres of luggage. 9. When loaded to the roof, the cargo space of the Golf GTD Variant increases to 1,620 litres. 10. Sport seats, leather-trimmed steering wheel, leather-trimmed gear knob and black headliner are GTD interior features. -
World premiere of the new Golf GTD Variant*
Since 1982 the Volkswagen's GTD logo stands for sporty and economical motoring. Now for the first time, the GTD initials grace the Golf Variant, which like the Golf GTD, boasts the 184 PS (135 kW) TDI engine. The new Golf GTD Variant is set for its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show, and is available to order as of now at a price of 31,975 euros.
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