Created by Lucas Luis at Friday, 21 February 2025
The History of the Volkswagen Golf
The Volkswagen Golf is one of the most iconic cars in the history of the automotive industry. Since its debut in 1974, the Golf has become a benchmark in the hatchback segment, winning over millions of drivers around the world. In Portugal, the Golf has a special status, being one of the most sought-after cars for its balance between performance, comfort and reliability.
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The birth of an icon
The Golf came along to replace the iconic Volkswagen Beetle, bringing a more modern and efficient approach. With a design by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the model featured simple lines, a compact body and front-wheel drive - a significant change from the rear-engined Beetle.
Since then, Volkswagen has maintained the same philosophy with the Golf: a versatile, efficient and technological car, capable of pleasing different types of drivers.
Over the course of almost 50 years, the Golf has gone through several generations and each one has brought innovations and adapted to the demands of the market. Some of the most striking versions include:
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Golf GTI (1976) | The first ‘hot hatch’ on the market, it combined a dynamic engine with a balanced chassis, making it one of the most iconic sports models in history. |
Golf II (1983-1991) | It introduced new safety technologies and improved comfort, further consolidating its position as leader in the segment. |
Golf III (1991-1998) | The first generation with airbags and more efficient engines, which marked a turning point in the concern for safety and sustainability. |
Golf IV (1998-2003) | It has reinforced its build quality and its commitment to electronics, becoming a benchmark in its category. |
Golf V e VI (2003-2012) | Evolution of the design and introduction of new TDI and TSI engines, guaranteeing a more balanced performance. |
Golf VII (2012-2019) | Greater focus on efficiency and technology, with driving assistance systems and more advanced infotainment. |
Golf VIII (2020-today) | The age of digitalisation, with fully digital dashboards, state-of-the-art connectivity and hybrid versions to meet environmental demands. |
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In Portugal, the Golf has always been a huge success, both on the new and used markets. Its robustness, low consumption and affordable maintenance have made it a popular choice among families, young drivers and car enthusiasts.
The Golf GTI and Golf R are particularly appreciated by performance lovers, while the TDI versions are a mainstay of the domestic market due to their efficiency and reliability. In recent years, with the energy transition underway, hybrid and electric Golfs have also begun to gain prominence.
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Translated with DeepL.com
