VW is preparing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Golf in 2024, a model that has been sold since 1974, and over eight generations has sold over 37 million vehicles, making it the most successful European car and the best-selling VW of all time.
The Golf has therefore made its mark not only in Germany but also in the rest of the world, becoming a benchmark model for VW and representing the expression “bestseller” like no other.
The Wolfsburg brand presented the first Golf in 1974, thus succeeding the legendary Beetle: with front-wheel drive (instead of rear engine) and a new design thanks to the large trunk door and the folding rear seatback. In addition, the straight lines design created by Giorgetto Giugiaro helped VW to adopt a new style, which was also maintained in its successors. In this way, the Golf quickly became a true “VW”, and the goal of selling one million units was achieved as early as 1976.
Regardless of the generation, the secret of success has always been and continues to be the sum of all its characteristics. This is because the Golf has always embodied versatility, functionality, reliability, and quality. Over the decades, the range has been expanded to include other variants: the Golf GTI, the Golf Cabriolet, or the Golf Variant, among many others. In each of the new model generations, the most advanced technologies, safety principles, and comfort features in the compact class have been incorporated. The Golf has therefore not only democratized technologies such as the catalyst and the anti-lock braking system (ABS), but also airbags, cruise control, electronic driving assistance systems, as well as mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid propulsion systems.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic model in 2024, VW will present an evolution of the eighth generation of the Golf, which the brand says will feature refined design, new assistance systems, new powertrains, as well as next-generation infotainment and software systems.
The world premiere of the new Golf is only a few weeks away, with the launch in Portugal scheduled for the third quarter of 2024.
