Eight generations, 37 million units sold worldwide, and five decades of production - let’s give the birthday bumps to the iconic Volkswagen Golf as it celebrates its fiftieth.
Back in March 1974, VW’s factory in Wolfsburg, Germany, began putting the Golf hatchback together, with the first models arriving in showrooms in the July of that year.
The Golf - which VW describes as the ‘best- selling European car since the invention of the automobile’ - was the successor to the Beetle, as VW transitioned away from rear-mounted engines.
And as VW ‘reinvented itself’, the firm roped-in legendary designer Giorgio Giugiaro (the same bloke who created the Lotus Esprit, Maserati Ghibli and the DMC DeLorean, among others) to craft a car that was as much about practicality as it was style.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Back in 1974, VW said: “The Golf offers maximum space and safety. It is uncompromisingly geared towards practicality. The low beltline gives drivers a clear overview, and the sloping bonnet ensures that the road right in front of the vehicle is visible. The rear window extends well down, making reversing much easier.”
That founding principle still applies today - and you can lease the VW Golf with Select Car Leasing from just £282 per month*.
To mark the occasion, here’s a look at some key landmark moments for the Golf through its history.
Golf I
The first Golf GTI performance model arrived in 1976, followed by the Golf Cabriolet in 1979.
The diesel-powered Golf GTD also made an entrance in 1982.
Golf II
VW reckons the Mk 2’s arrival in 1983 was the ‘most important moment in the history of the Golf’. Why is that? Because it modernised the car without losing the DNA of the original.
Golf III
Available from August 1991, this Golf was all about safety - with front airbags introduced from 1992. The first six-cylinder VR6 also arrived, bringing power of 174 PS.
Golf IV
Presented in 1997, this Golf arrived with a more curvaceous body shape.
By 2002 VW had presented its sportiest Golf to date, the R32, which had power of 240 PS. Good examples of the R32 are changing hands for up to £30,000 on the used market right now.
Golf V
Comfort was the name of the game for this updated Golf, launched in 2003.
It came with up to eight protective airbags, improved four-link rear suspension, bi- xenon headlights and the first 7-speed DSG.
Golf VI
The sixth-gen Golf was introduced in 2008 - and in 2009 it was promptly named ‘World Car of the Year’. A new raft of safety features helped secure that title, including Park Assist, Hill Start Assist and adaptive chassis control (DCC).
Golf VII
Less weight, less consumption - the Golf VII that pulled onto forecourts in 2012 weighed up to 100 kg less than its predecessor. Adaptive cruise control and automatic post-collision braking made this iteration safer than ever, while the electric e-Golf made its debut in 2014.
Golf VIII
Unveiled in October 2019, this is the variant you can lease right now. There’s a load of different powertrains to choose from - petrol, diesel, mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid - and even entry-level versions get Lane Assist, Front Assist, LED headlights, LED tail light clusters and automatic air conditioning as standard.
Of course, the one you really want is the top-rung Golf R, which gets power of 320 PS and the ability to sprint from 0-62 mph in just 4.7 seconds.
*Prices include VAT. Credit is Subject to Status, Ts and Cs and Arrangement Fees apply. Excess mileage may apply. Stock levels and prices correct as of 03/04/24.
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