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For hot-hatch version, see Volkswagen Golf GTI for an FWD version or Volkswagen Golf R for an AWD version.

Volkswagen Golf is a compact hatchback built by the German automaker Volkswagen since 1974. The Golf is a successor to Volkswagen Beetle; the Beetle was still in production until 2003 in the global market to give way the newer version of the Beetle, commonly known as New Beetle, introduced in 1998.

Unlike the Beetle, the Golfs powertrain was shifted to the front. Early prototypes traced back as a project EA in 50's with a same configuration as the Beetle. Further EA prototypes include mid-engine and eventually in-favour of FF. This was the time VW was facing difficulties competing with other manufacturers. Giorgetto Giugario's design is selected by a VW importer thus pushing the production until 1974.

In 1976, VW introduced the Volkswagen Golf GTI as a hot-hatch, and the Golf R in 2003 with a 4motion AWD system.

Most engine codes are EA-series displacing at 1.1 to 2-litre (later 2.5-litre) for inline 4-5; VR6 at 2.8 to 3.2-litre (only on petrol), available both naturally-aspirated or turbocharged and petrol or diesel later added a CNG and hybrid. Turbocharged EA888 is exclusively for Golf R and Golf GTI.

Appearances[]

  • In 1992 Old Top Gear episode, the Mk3 VW Golf GTI has a minor appearance in the comparison to the Toyota Corolla as a review with Jeremy Clarkson, which the Corolla crosses first.
  • In 1994 Old Top Gear episode, Quentin Willson ranked in under 50th out of 63 with only praise it's performance but inferior in reliablity.
  • In 1996 Old Top Gear episode, in which Jeremy Clarkson reviews the newly launched Peugeot 306 GTI-6, the VW Golf GTI (MK1 & MK3) both make appearances.
  • In 1997 Old Top Gear episode, Jeremy Clarkson once again challenged the Mk3 VW Golf GTI in a drag race in comparison of Toyota Corolla which the Corolla crossed first.
  • In Clarkson's Top 100 Cars, the VW Golf GTI Mark I was ranked in 20th place, after Jeremy beat the other hot hatchbacks in a drag race.
  • In Clarkson's Car Years, Jeremy Clarkson praises the VW Golf GTI Mark I.
  • In Teenage Car Challenge, James May picks the VW Golf Mark III 3-door. The only modification made his Golf was adding a large stereo. Upon making stop for toilet his co-presenters successfully sabotages by super-gluing the dials and buttons with a techno CD playing. Jeremy steals the remote so May scored the loudest parents' drive with nearly 100 dB. Nevertheless, he was first to climb festival test and scored well in lap of crashes.
  • In Series 1, Episode 3 of James May's Cars of the People, James discusses the VW Golf and its various revisions over the years and considers the Golf as the people's car of the 21st century.
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