50 years of Golf
Golf GTE - Weighted energy consumption combined: 16.2-15.9 kWh/100 km plus 0.4 l/100 km; fuel consumption with discharged battery combined: 5.4-5.3 l/100 km; weighted CO₂ emissions combined: 8 g/km; CO₂ class weighted combined: B; CO₂ class with discharged battery: D.
Timeless 50 years of Golf design Innovative All 8 generations at a glance Successful More than 37 million units built 50 YEARS OF GOLF Golf GTE – Near-production vehicle Golf GTE – Weighted energy consumption combined: 16.2–15.9 kWh/100 km plus 0.4 l/100 km; fuel consumption with discharged battery combined: 5.4–5.3 l/100 km; weighted CO₂ emissions combined: 8 g/km; CO₂ class weighted combined: B; CO₂ class with discharged battery: D. 2 | 3 50 J ah re G ol f In ha lt 6 18 26 Golf I 28 Golf II 30 Golf III 32 Golf IV 34 Golf V 36 Golf VI 38 Golf VII 40 Golf VIII 42 Golf VIII 20242 8 10 2214 4 Editorial Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, on the importance of the Golf 6 Development Searching for a successor to the Volkswagen Beetle: prototypes on the way to the Golf 8 Creation Development of an icon: Giorgetto Giugiaro designed the first Golf 10 Timeless design Andreas Mindt, Head of Design for the Volkswagen brand, on 50 years of Golf design 14 Technology and innovation The Golf as an innovation pioneer right from the start: milestones in the Golf history 18 Compact sports car The sports car for everyone: Golf GTI.
The new Golf GTI and Golf GTI Clubsport
Golf GTI - combined energy consumption 7.3-7.1 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions 167-162 g/km; CO₂ class: F. Golf GTI Clubsport - combined energy consumption: 7.8-7.5 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 178-171 g/km; CO₂ class(es): G-F. Information on consumption, CO2-emissions and CO2 classes in ranges depending on the selected vehicle equipment.
Media workshop, July 2024 PRESS KIT THE NEW GOLF GTI1 AND GOLF GTI CLUBSPORT2 1 Golf GTI – combined energy consumption 7.3-7.1 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions 167-162 g/km; CO₂ class: F. Information on consumption, CO₂ emissions and CO₂ classes in ranges depending on the selected vehicle equipment 2 Golf GTI Clubsport – combined energy consumption: 7.8–7.5 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions 178.2–171.2 g/km; CO₂ classes: G–F. Where ranges are stated, the values for consumption and CO₂ emissions depend on the selected vehicle equipment 1 Golf GTI – combined energy consumption 7.3-7.1 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions 167-162 g/ km; CO₂ class: F. Information on consumption, CO₂ emissions and CO₂ classes in ranges depending on the selected vehicle equipment 2 Golf GTI Clubsport – combined energy consumption: 7.8–7.5 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions 178.2–171.2 g/km; CO₂ classes: G–F.
The sharper GTI exterior
The exteriors of new Golf GTI and Golf GTI Clubsport differ from each other due to their independently designed front bumpers and roof spoilers. Both models are now equipped with newly developed and designed LED Plus headlights. Their design has been made more linear and visually more striking; the headlight housings now merge visually with the radiator grille towards the inside. A horizontal LED strip in the radiator grille is used as standard; above this, there is the red line characteristic for the Golf GTI – a GTI feature that dates back to the radiator grille surround of the first Golf GTI from 1976. For the first time, the Volkswagen logo at the front is also illuminated. The V and W as well as the circle around the letters are framed by fine light contours on the outside and inside. The illuminated Volkswagen logo and the new LED headlights create an unmistakeable Golf light design. Another lighting highlight is the latest version of the IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights, which is available as an option. As a first, these are equipped with a high-performance main beam that has a range of around half a kilometre – which is significantly further than a conventional main beam headlight. Front aprons as a differentiating feature.
50 Years or the Sporty Golf
Many fans consider this special edition one of the most beautiful Golf GTIs of all time. Golf GTI Generation IV The fourth-generation GTI, introduced in 1998, took a more subdued approach, for example, omitting the red stripe on the radiator grille. And yet, today, the car stands as a timeless masterpiece of design. Background: Under the direction of the then Volkswagen (Group) Head of Design, Hartmut Warkuß, a clear, precise, and purist design emerged, which reflected the brand's heritage more faithfully than ever and simultaneously set the course for the future. Features such as the iconic C-pillar of the Golf GTI IV continue to influence Volkswagen's design to this day, as impressively demonstrated by the 2023 ID. GTI Concept study. → Golf GTI History50 Years of the Sporty Golf Vehicle Number 13 Golf V | GTI 30th Anniversary Edition Manufacturing Year of the Displayed Model / Production Period of Golf GTI Generation IV 2006 / 2004 to 2008 Power / Engine 169 kW (230 PS) / 4 cylinders, 1,984 cc Top Speed 245 km/h The Golf GTI released as the '30th Anniversary Edition' Celebrating 30 years of this cultural icon, Volkswagen introduced the powerhouse 30th Anniversary Edition of the Golf GTI, delivering 230 PS. This horsepower isn't just a number—it represents an additional PS for every year since the GTI's inception, over the standard 200 PS version. Visually striking features include matte black 18-inch alloy wheels, colour-matched front and rear bumpers and side skirts, and tinted rear lights. A '30th Anniversary Edition' badge on the rear hatch identifies this tornado red GTI as a commemorative model at the exhibition. The interior features partial leather sport seats with fabric centre sections showcasing the distinctive Interlagos chequered pattern. Personalised touches include door sill plates inscribed with '30th Anniversary Edition' lettering and a golf-ball-shaped gear stick knob, paired with the optional Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG).
A world bestseller celebrates its 50th birthday – Volkswagen started production of the first Golf on 29 March 1974
Europe’s number 1: the Golf is the most successful Volkswagen and the best-selling European car since the invention of the automobile 37 million units have been produced so far: every day over the last 50 years, more than 2,000 people worldwide have chosen a new GolfGuarantee of job security: 20 million of all Golfs built so far have been produced at the Wolfsburg plant. Over the years, eight generations of the Golf have been produced in eight countries around the worldSecuring the path to the future: major technology update for the anniversary featuring plug-in hybrid drives with an all-electric range of significantly more than 100 km and ChatGPT voice control with artificial intelligence
On 29 March exactly 50 years ago, Volkswagen started series production of the Golf in Wolfsburg. Nobody knew on that day in March that this compact car – the successor to the legendary Beetle – would become the most successful Volkswagen and best-selling European car of all time. It reflected the spirit of the times, gave its name to its own vehicle class, and has accompanied generations of people around the world. To date, more than 37 million units have followed 1974’s first series-production Golf. Purely in mathematical terms, this means that over 2,000 people around the world have opted to buy a new Golf every single day over the last 50 years. Today, Volkswagen is celebrating the Golf’s birthday – and also the start of this world bestseller’s future thanks to a comprehensive technical and visual update.
Volkswagen – from the round Beetle to the angular Golf. The first new Golf models could be seen in dealers’ showrooms in July 1974. Where the Beetle and thus rear-mounted engines had previously dominated the scene for many decades, a new era now finally began: that of the front-mounted transverse engine. Volkswagen had already initiated this transition shortly before with the Scirocco and Passat. With the Golf, the highest-volume class now also used this new technology.
50 years of the Golf: the exclusive Edition 50 model marks start of pre-sales for the new Golf throughout Europe
Starting now, the new Golf can be configured at prices starting from 27,180 euros. The new Golf Variant starts at prices from 28,280 eurosAttractive special-edition series: Volkswagen is launching the exclusive Golf Edition 50 to mark the birthday New hardware and software: the enhanced Golf scores with new generation of infotainment with a fast processor, intuitive operation and ChatGPTThe Golf will shine bright on the road thanks to new IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights with high-performance main beams and an illuminated Volkswagen logo at the front
The Golf is celebrating its 50th birthday. With more than 37 million units sold, the Volkswagen is one of the most successful cars in the world. It all started in 1974. Just in time for the birthday of this compact class icon, pre-sales of the latest evolutionary stage of the bestseller are now starting in Europe. In addition to numerous intricate enhancements, all the new Golf (from 27,180 euros) and Golf Variant (from 28,280 euros) models feature a next-generation, intuitive-to-use infotainment system. Volkswagen is also celebrating the 50th anniversary of the compact car icon with an exclusive special-edition model: the Golf Edition 50.
New front end and light design. The new Golf and Golf Variant models can be recognised by their modified front end. The newly designed LED headlights are now even more visually striking.
World premiere to mark the 50th anniversary: the new Golf is more attractive, intelligent and efficient than ever before
New hardware and software: the Golf will be equipped with a next-generation infotainment system, featuring fast processor, intuitive operation, intelligent IDA voice assistant and ChatGPT integrationNew plug-in hybrid: all-electric range of about 100 km and total range of 1,000 km, plus DC quick-charging function with 50 kW charging capacity Design update: the new Golf features a sharper front end, 3D light graphics on the tail light clusters and, for the first time, an illuminated Volkswagen badge on the front The first Golf rolled off the production line in Wolfsburg 50 years ago, and a total of over 37 million units have been sold worldwide
The Golf is celebrating its 50th birthday this year – and Volkswagen is launching an enhanced version of its bestseller to mark the anniversary. Customers will be able to order the new model in just a few weeks. The new Golf impresses with a next-generation infotainment system, a more intuitive operating concept, a sharper front and rear end design as well as efficient drive systems. These include plug-in hybrid drives with an increased all-electric range of about 100 kilometres. In addition, an illuminated Volkswagen logo adorns the front for the first time on a Golf.
Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars: “The Golf has been at the heart of the Volkswagen brand for half a century now, offering affordable mobility for all at the highest technical level. This is precisely what we are now building on with the new evolutionary stage – with even higher efficiency, comfort and quality and a new operating concept. The Golf does not get any better than this.” Imelda Labbé, Member of the Volkswagen Board of Management for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales: "With Golf, we have written a unique success story. The Golf stands for the Volkswagen brand like no other model. A car for all generations.
The new models at a glance
Volkswagen has enhanced Europe’s most successful car: the Golf Six equipment lines at the launch. Volkswagen will launch the new Golf and Golf Variant with an entry-level version (Golf), followed by trim levels Life (medium), Style (elegant top-of-the-line equipment) and R-Line (sporty top-of-the-line equipment). The product line’s two iconic sports models – the Golf GTE and the Golf GTI – are independently positioned. The Golf powertrain range will initially consist of two plug-in hybrid drives (eHybrid and GTE), two mild hybrid systems with 48 V technology (eTSI), four turbocharged petrol engines (TSI) and two turbocharged diesel engines (TDI). The elite athletes – the Golf GTI Clubsport, Golf R and Golf Variant R – are also set to follow in the second half of the year (R models with 4MOTION all-wheel drive). Further all-wheel-drive versions with TSI engine will also make their debut next year. Common to all Golf models are a newly developed infotainment system generation, new, illuminated controls for the automatic air conditioning system as well as new LED headlights and LED tail light clusters.