Photo: Volkswagen
The seventh generation Golf hatch is a well built, well engineered family compact that's popular across Europe. Since the beginning of the year, we've watched VW push for the new 300 hp R version and launch an plug-in hybrid which can sip as little as 1.5 liters per 100 kilometers, despite pushing out over 200 hp. The platform that underpins it is arguably one of the most important ones ever made and we could go on for days talking about it.
It's hard to get you excited about the fact that in 2014, the Golf is turning 40 years old. But think of it this way: in 1974 when the first model came out, ABBA was hot, Planet of the Apes was a TV series, men had big pants on and Richard Nixon became the first US president forced to resign after the Watergate Scandal.
1974 was also a year of shortage, as gas prices rose, causing economic problems in most of the western world's economies. It was so bad that the US imposed a 55mph speed limit to conserve fuel. Volkswagen was not part of the second biggest group in the world, it was the underdog, especially in Europe, where British Layland was still strong. But the Germans had their number with a car that was reliable and fuel efficient. So the Golf was born!
Named after the Gulfstream in a time when VW had a thing for wind-named cars, the car was a hit. In four decades, Volkswagen has sold over 30 million of them, making it the third best selling car of all time, from any brand.
1983 saw the second Golf come out. It was like a better version of the old car, bigger and roomier, fitted with a boot. In 1991 the Mk3 came out and in line with the times adopted a curvaceous design. We live it because it came with the lovely 190 hp VR6 model. The Golf 4 came in 1997 and lasted until its replacement came out in 2003. You probably know about the last two cars because they are contemporary, but in case you don't the attached story should help you brush up on VW history.
1974 was also a year of shortage, as gas prices rose, causing economic problems in most of the western world's economies. It was so bad that the US imposed a 55mph speed limit to conserve fuel. Volkswagen was not part of the second biggest group in the world, it was the underdog, especially in Europe, where British Layland was still strong. But the Germans had their number with a car that was reliable and fuel efficient. So the Golf was born!
Named after the Gulfstream in a time when VW had a thing for wind-named cars, the car was a hit. In four decades, Volkswagen has sold over 30 million of them, making it the third best selling car of all time, from any brand.
1983 saw the second Golf come out. It was like a better version of the old car, bigger and roomier, fitted with a boot. In 1991 the Mk3 came out and in line with the times adopted a curvaceous design. We live it because it came with the lovely 190 hp VR6 model. The Golf 4 came in 1997 and lasted until its replacement came out in 2003. You probably know about the last two cars because they are contemporary, but in case you don't the attached story should help you brush up on VW history.
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