In 1974, the Golf succeeded the Volkswagen Beetle and quickly became a pioneer in its class – another seven Golf generations followed selling more than 37 million vehicles. Volkswagen is celebrating its 50th birthday in 2024.
It was an automotive revolution when Volkswagen presented the first Golf and successor to the legendary Beetle in 1974: with front-wheel drive (instead of rear engine) and a variable overall concept thanks to the large boot lid and folding rear seat backrest. In addition, the straight-line design created by Giorgetto Giugiaro helped Volkswagen adopt a new style. The Golf sold the first million units by 1976. More than 37 million vehicles have been delivered to date making it the most successful European car, the best-selling Volkswagen of all time – and an icon.
No matter which generation – the secret of success was and still is the sum of all its characteristics. This is because the Golf has always been a perfect companion for everyday life, embodying versatility, functionality, reliability and quality. Over the decades, the portfolio has been expanded to include further variants: whether Golf GTI, Golf Cabriolet or Golf Variant, or many others. With each new model, state-of-the-art technologies, safety concepts and convenience features have incorporated into the compact class. The Volkswagen Golf adopted technologies such as the monitored catalytic converter and anti-lock braking system, airbags, cruise control and electronic assist systems as well as mild and plug-in hybrid drives.