Evolution of Volkswagen Golf - 7 Generations of Success

The automobile of C-Class have always been a priority work direction of German corporation - Volkswagen. In fact, this particular class was deemed as a national automobile, that is true and which combines low cost and comfortable trip. That's reason why Volkswagen Golf is considered as the creator of the whole trend in the auto market. He gave the name of the whole clan automobiles - Golf class.

Since 1974, the model has gone through the seven generations and almost never left the conveyor. The evolution of the German Golf- class worth to respect. We suggesting you to remember, how the most popular German automobile company has started its way and how it has come up today’s perfect shape.

First-generation Golf –trial attempt

In 1974, the Volkswagen Corporation decided to produce new automobiles that differ with all its parameters and characteristics. It was a Volkswagen Golf 1, which gave rise to such a powerful half-century movement in the automotive industry.

First Golf was incredibly simple, but very reliable. It has allowed the corporation to sell over 6 million units, during the 9 years of production.

At that time already the corporation has launched several lines based on new trends:

  • Hatchback with three doors and a mediocre engine for everyday use;
  • Sedan that later turned into a separate line Jetta;
  • Cargo van, which later became the prototype for the Caddy;
  • Cabriolet that on the idea was built current Eos.

As you can see, Volkswagen Golf 1 was extraordinarily successful development, on which was built a quite large part of the modern model that offers a corporation. The automobiles were produced until 1983, when the Germans decided to slightly update the design and technology.

Volkswagen Golf 1

The second generation - the most tenacious hatchbacks

Golf second-generation started its productions in 1983, additionally almost every year the company has added some innovations to its technology. In fact, it is a little known that about 8000 units of this generation had label of Country and was intended for off-road driving.

Design has been changed a bit slightly, there appear 5-door version of hatchback. The following trends were presented in the current automobile:

  • Fuel-injected engine for version GTI;
  • Atmospheric and turbocharged diesel units for the European market;
  • Version with full actuator Syncro;
  • New comfort suspensions.

The second-generation of Golf is still can be seen today on the roads of Europe. Sturdy and high-quality automobiles overcame the impact of the time. It was stopped releasing the second generation in 1992.

Volkswagen Golf 1

Golf 3 - closer to the modern

The third generation was a real revolution in the automobile business industry in 1992. The Germans were able to create a car that was five years ahead of time. In the model lineup appeared universal Variant, which enjoyed great popularity in Europe.

The engine consisted of nine different units for various versions and modifications. On proposal left GTI version that was associated with a sport.

Along with the growth and technological advancements increased stiff competition to produce comfortable compact cars in the automobile industry. Over the 5 Years Germans were able to market more than 4 million cars that went to all continents of the world.

Volkswagen Golf 1

Fourth Golf – start of revolution

The fourth-generation of Volkswagen Golf was started producing in 1997. It has truly begun to conquest the market. The German Corporation from that moment took the lead with positioning as luxury class automobiles, as such they managed to get comfort competitive place and since then, they do not give it to any corporation.

On the basis of Golf 4 was created Czech Skoda Octavia. The features of the model are as follows:

  • Durable and practical design that has only recently became outdated;
  • Excellent finishing materials, high quality of all components;
  • Comfortable ride, thanks to significant increasing the size of the wheels and replacement of technology suspension;
  • Powerful and yet extremely fuel-efficient engines.

The fourth generation with such parameters had no rights to fail. The model was produced until 2004 and the world bought more than 4 million units of excellent passenger transport.

Volkswagen Golf 1

Fifth Generation - respite before the explosion

The production and sale of new model began a year earlier before removed previous generation of the conveyor. The German automobile technology fans were able to enjoy already in 2003 from a very unusual mood from the high quality automobile.

Volkswagen Golf 5 was not considered successful generation model by many people, because there were found certain cons in the design:

  • childhood diseases and frequent breakdowns of certain mechanisms;
  • fairly simple engines on weight characteristics;
  •  simple and practical interior that could not compete with Japanese manufacturers;

Nevertheless, the Golf 5 was purchased very active in the world. On the conveyor the current automobile remained 5 years, and this generation gave way today’s legendary version of the Golf 6 generation in 2008.

Volkswagen Golf 1

Volkswagen Golf VI - the beginning of a new history

The sixth generation of the car had received quite significant popularity within all models of corporation. In 2008, this version of the car had begun its production. The car was considered just perfect. The corporation has introduced a trendy perfect technology that began offering luxury and premium versions, just after two years of the production of these cars.

The sixth generation of sport model GTI had become a multiple winner of variety of the international competitions. The automobile is dominated by the following points:

  • Line petrol engine of TSI – Economical turbocharged units;
  • Gearbox with robotic mechanism DSG;
  • Huge range of security options already in the basic version;
  • Universality of operation and the complete absence of technical problems;

The production of this model lasted recorded short time - just four years. In 2012, the Corporation had considered necessary to make changes for new generation. Nevertheless, Volkswagen Golf 6 generations remained atop the C-Class even nowadays. This model is incredibly popular in the secondary market.

Volkswagen Golf 1

Last seventh generation - last restyled version

The next generation had not received significant changes in terms of technology or in the design compare to previous model. In 2012, the model had started appearing on the market that was very similar to its predecessor. The exterior had received slight different features, modified optics, specialized sport engine characteristics - and that's all, that corporation updated on its new model.

It did not even worth to make drastic changes, since the sixth generation was sold just perfect till the end of production. Today, Volkswagen Golf VII is bought by the former owners of the sixth generation that is for those who are little tired 3-4 years of driving of the sixth generation. The feedbacks on the current model persuade deep trust in all the technical and functional parameters of the German company.

Volkswagen Golf 1

Are there any perspectives?

Today, there are incredibly lots of options for the Volkswagen Corporation to develop and grow the business. It particularly applies to the C-Class that the company still continues to hold the lead. Of course, modern rivalry in the market may not allow selling millions of cars a month, however the popularity and credibility for the German Golf - class performance is still growing.

We can confidently say that by 2018 the corporation prepares brand new cars, which will also attract a lot of buyers and will surely generates customers’ purchasing behavior for those who value excellent quality and modern technology.

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CarAraC Research

About the authors

The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering

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