A seven-speed dual clutch gearbox, bi-xenon headlights and TSI technology were on board for the first time, and the Golf GT was equipped with the world’s first twincharger with turbocharging and supercharging. The Golf Plus also made its debut in the fifth generation. The new Golf Variant and the Jetta notchback version were also very popular. Total production: 3.4 million vehicles More Golf From December 2004, Volkswagen offered the Golf Plus five-door compact van for those who needed a little more space. A GREAT LEAP Golf V 2003–2008 36 | 37 50 J ah re G ol f M od el lh is to ri e HIGH-QUALITY BESTSELLER Golf VI 2008–2012 ‘A new quality experience’ was the slogan for the market launch of the sixth generation. It was still compact but had been comprehensively modernised in terms of both technology and visual appearance, creating a clearer and higher-quality impression at first glance. A further leap in quality also took place in the interior. The finish, look and feel all seemed to come from a higher class. The same applied to the areas of safety and assistance systems, where the Golf VI followed the motto ‘safety first’ and made a great leap forward. In 2009, the Golf won the ‘World Car of the Year’ award. The Cabriolet model returned in the summer of 2011, followed a year later by the first open-top GTI version. The Golf Plus and Golf Variant complemented the model range. Total production: 3.6 million vehicles Open air comeback After a ten-year break, a new Golf Cabriolet went into production in March 2011. The open-top four-seater had a modern look and dispensed with the distinctive roll bar. 38 | 39 50 J ah re G ol f M od el lh is to ri e STEP FORWARD Golf VII 2012–2019 The seventh generation looked more confident and sportier than ever. The extended wheelbase, shorter overhangs, precise lines and focus on lightweight construction gave it a new dynamic appearance. The Golf VII featured a completely new engine generation.