Volkswagen Golf

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Volkswagen Golf
US-spec Golf Mk5 (Rabbit) 3-door
Manufacturer Volkswagen,
Karmann (for convertibles)
Also called Rabbit, Caribe
Production 1974–present
Predecessor Volkswagen Beetle
Class Small family car
Subcompact (1974-1984)
Compact (1985-present)
Platform Volkswagen Group A platform series

The Volkswagen Golf or VW Golf (Mk1 badged as Volkswagen Rabbit in the United States and Canada, Mk1 badged as Volkswagen Caribe in Mexico) is a compact car/small family car manufactured by Volkswagen. The front-wheel drive Golf was Volkswagen's first successful replacement for the air-cooled Volkswagen Beetle. Historically, it is Volkswagen's best-selling model and the world's third best-selling model, with more than 25 million built by 2007.[1]

Most production of the Golf was initially in the 3-door hatchback style[2]. Other variants include a 5-door hatchback, estate/wagon (Variant, from 1993), convertible (Cabriolet and Cabrio, 1979-2002), and a Golf-derived notchback saloon/sedan, variously called Volkswagen Jetta, Volkswagen Vento or Volkswagen Bora (from 1979). The cars have filled many market segments, from basic personal cars, to high-performance hot hatches.

On its home market, the Golf's success popularised the use of the hatchback in the C segment of cars, and began the entire Golf-class car.

Contents

[edit] Golf Mk1 (A1 17) (1974-1983)

Main article: Volkswagen Golf Mk1
VW Golf Mk1
VW Golf Mk1

In May, 1974[3] Volkswagen presented the first-generation Golf as a modern front wheel drive long-range replacement of the Beetle. Later Golf variations included the Golf GTI (introduced in June, 1976), a Diesel-powered version (from September, 1976), a notchback saloon version called Jetta (from October, 1979), the Cabriolet (from January, 1980) and a Golf-based pickup, the VW Caddy.

In North America, the Golf Mk1 was sold as the Volkswagen Rabbit.

As of 2008, the Golf Mk1 is still being produced in South Africa as the Volkswagen Citi Golf.


[edit] Golf Mk2 (A2 19) (1983-1992)

Main article: Volkswagen Golf Mk2
VW Golf Mk2
VW Golf Mk2

August, 1983 saw the introduction of the second-generation Golf Mk2 that slightly grew in terms of wheelbase, exterior and interior dimensions while retaining in somewhat more rounded form the Mk1's overall look. In 1986, the first Golfs with four wheel drive (called Golf Syncro) appeared.

A Mk2 based second-generation Jetta was unveiled in January, 1984. There was no Mk2-based Cabriolet model; instead, the Mk1 Cabriolet was continued over the Mk2's entire production run.


[edit] Golf Mk3 (A3 1H) (1992-1998)

Main article: Volkswagen Golf Mk3
VW Golf Mk3 North American version
VW Golf Mk3 North American version

The third-generation Golf Mk3 made its home-market début in August, 1991 and again grew slightly in comparison with its immediate predecessor, while its wheelbase remained unchanged.

New engines included the first TDI diesel in a Golf and a narrow-angle 2.8 L V6, called, in VW terminology, a VR6 engine. For the first time ever, a Golf station wagon (Golf Variant) joined the line-up in September, 1993 (although most markets did not receive this model until early 1994), at the same time a completely new Mark 3-derived Cabriolet was introduced, replacing the 13-year-old MK1-based version.

The notchback version, called VW Vento (or Jetta III in North America), was presented in January, 1992.

It was European Car of the Year for 1992.


[edit] Golf Mk4 (A4 1J) (1998-2006)

Main article: Volkswagen Golf Mk4
VW Golf Mk4 (US)
VW Golf Mk4 (US)

The Golf Mk4 was first introduced in August, 1997, followed by a notchback version (VW Bora or, in North America, again VW Jetta) in August, 1999 and a new Golf Variant (estate) in March, 1999. There was no Mk4 derived Cabriolet, although the Mk3 Cabriolet received a facelift in early 1998 that comprised bumpers, grille and headlights similar to those of the Mark 4 saloon models. New high-performance models included the 3.2L VR6 engined four-wheel-drive Golf R32 introduced in 2002. There was also a 2.8L four-wheel drive Golf V6 4Motion version available, succeeding the Mk3 VR6 which used a 2.8L VR6 and only had front-wheel drive.

As of 2008, certain variants of the Golf/Bora Mk4 are still in production in Brazil, China, and Mexico. Revised versions of the Mk. 4 are currently on sale in Canada marketed as the City Golf and City Jetta. The two models are VW Canada's entry-level offerings. They received a significant freshening for the 2008 model year, including revised headlamps, taillamps, front and rear fascias, sound systems, and wheels. Both models are offered only with the 2.0L SOHC 4-cylinder gasoline engine, rated at 115 hp.


[edit] Golf Mk5 (A5 1K) (2003-present)

Main article: Volkswagen Golf Mk5
VW Golf Mk5
VW Golf Mk5

In Germany, the Volkswagen Golf Mk4 was succeeded by the Golf Mk5 in 2003 in Europe, This model did not reach the North American markets until model year 2006, where it was marketed as the GTI MKV.

Volkswagen also introduced the "Fast", a marketing ploy dedicated to the "fast" that lives inside every driver. Drivers who purchase new GTI MKV's from a dealership are shipped a model of said Fast, which employs GTI-like features, and appears as a small animal.

The notchback version, again called VW Jetta in most markets and built exclusively in Mexico, followed in 2004, a new Golf Variant in 2006. The Golf Cabriolet has been effectively replaced by the Volkswagen Eos.

In a comparison test conducted by Car and Driver Magazine, the Volkswagen Rabbit S was named the winner among eight small cars. While it was praised for its excellent driving position, fine instruments, and strong engine. it was criticized for having high levels of road noise, uncomfortable seats, and a thirsty engine. Though, the final verdict stated, "This one is all about driving pleasure, so it wins." The Rabbit also placed first in their last comparison in December 2006.

[edit] Future platforms

Volkswagen intends to base the next-generation Golf on the existing Golf V platform.[1]

[edit] See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:
Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

[edit] References

  1. ^ Gareth Kent (30 March 2007). VW Golf build passes 25 million. carmagazine.co.uk. Retrieved on 2008-03-11.
  2. ^ Figures for 1974 to 1987: 4.7 million 3-door models, 2.55 million 5-doors, according to: Oswald, Werner (2001). Deutsche Autos 1945-1990, vol.3. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag, 86-87. ISBN 3-613-02116-1. 
  3. ^ All dates for Mark 1 to Mark 4 according to: Oswald, Werner (2001). Deutsche Autos 1945-1990, vol.3. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag, 72-137. ISBN 3-613-02116-1.  and Kittler, Eberhard (2001). Deutsche Autos seit 1990, vol.5. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag, 266-313. ISBN 3-613-02128-5. 

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