Volkswagen Golf
October 22nd, 2008
Most production of the Golf was initially in the 3-door hatchback style. Other variants include a 5-door hatchback, estate/wagon (Variant, from 1993), convertible (Cabriolet and Cabrio, 1979-2002), and a Golf-derived notchback saloon/sedan, variously called Volkswagen Jetta, Volkswagen Vento or Volkswagen Bora (from 1979). The cars have filled many market segments, from basic personal cars, to high-performance hot hatches.
On its home market, the Golf's success popularised the use of the hatchback in the C segment of cars, and began the entire Golf-class car.
In May, 1974 Volkswagen presented the first-generation Golf as a modern front wheel drive long-range replacement of the Beetle. Early versions included a now-sought-after 'swallowtail' rear end. Later Golf variations included the Golf GTI (introduced in June, 1976), a Diesel-powered version (from September, 1976), a notchback saloon version called Jetta (from October, 1979), the Cabriolet (from January, 1980) and a Golf-based pickup, the VW Caddy. All variants proved instantly popular with the only notable technical flaw being the poor braking in RHD models, due to the master cylinder for the brakes being placed on the left for LHD cars, as Volkswagen never intended the Golf to be sold abroad.
In North America, the Golf Mk1 was sold as the Volkswagen Rabbit. In Mexico, the Golf Mk1 was sold as the Volkswagen Caribe.
As of 2008, the Golf Mk1 is still being produced in South Africa as the Volkswagen Citi Golf.
Volkswagen intends to base the next-generation Golf on the existing Golf V platform. This vehicle is expected to be debuted at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.
The Mk6 Golf will be designed by Volkswagen's chief designer Walter de'Silva with design cues inspired from the previous generations of the Golf, particularly of that from the Mk1 and the Mk4. The designs are also said to be more aerodynamic helping fuel efficiency and is quieter than its predecessor. Following criticism of the downgraded interior trim quality of the Mk5 Golf in comparison to the Mk4, Volkswagen had opted to overhaul the interior to match the quality that is on par with the Mk4 Golf, while maintaining the same user friendliness from the Mk5. The car will also be cheaper to build than its predecessor, Volkswagen claims that it will be able to pass on these savings to the customer as a result.
Turbodiesels will use the common rail direct injection which will replace the Pump Duse system. New on the Golf is the optional Volkswagen Adaptive Chassis Control which will allow the driver to select between normal, comfort and sports modes which will vary the suspension, steering and accelerator behaviour accordingly.
In Europe, Golf is very popular. Due to it's good size, relialability, low fuel consumption, it became one of the most selling cars in Europe.
