VW Golf generations
Discover all different Volkswagen Golf generations over the years
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The Volkswagen Golf is one of the most coveted cars ever made. With more than 37 million ever made, it’s no wonder this German hatchback is well into its eighth generation.
Spanning more than 50 decades, here are all the VW Golf generations in order, including notable features of each. A close-up look at all eight VW Golf generations and what makes each unique.
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Full list of VW Golf generations
A close-up look at all eight VW Golf generations and what makes each unique.
Mk1 - 1st VW Golf generation
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Kicking things off in 1974 was the Mk1 VW Golf, also known as the ‘Rabbit’ in America.
This car paved the way for almost all hatchbacks we know today with its water-cooled, front-engined, and front-wheel drive layout.
Back in the day, it was the successor to the air-cooled, rear-engined, and rear-wheel drive Beetle.
It’s most well-known for its golf ball-like gear knob and economical design, while still being practical enough for families – hard to fathom now, but family cars used to be much smaller.
This was also when the first Golf GTI was born – a name that’s still popular and continues to be used today.
Mk2 - 2nd VW Golf generation
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In 1983, Volkswagen launched the Mk2 Golf, which added a larger wheelbase and a more rounded design, making it a larger car overall.
The car itself felt more well put together, was popular with driving instructors and, like all Golfs, had a lusted-after GTI variant on offer.
In this generation, the first all-wheel drive Golf was unveiled in the form of the ‘Golf Syncro’, though naturally, front-wheel drive variants were still the most popular.
Mk3 - 3rd VW Golf generation
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VW kicked off 1991 with a bang when it introduced the Mk3 generation of Golf.
Being the first Golf available with front airbags, it was the safest model ever made, and went onto win European Car of the Year in 1992.
This was truly a car for firsts for the Golf, also introducing the first six-cylinder engine version (VR6) and cruise control, among other things.
Mk4 - 4th VW Golf generation
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Taking the Golf into the 21st century was the Mk4 that came out in 1997 and ran until 2003.
Retaining design cues from the Mk1 while still innovating with the introduction of an electronic stability programme (ESP) and the introduction of the sportiest Golf yet: the R32.
It was a heavy car in period and not generally received all that well, but looking back, the R32 especially is a cult classic.
Mk5 - 5th VW Golf generation
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The Mk5 Golf (launched in 2003) is often revered as being the best Golf ever made thanks to its lightweight design and nimble driving characteristics – a real return to form after the slightly lukewarm Mk4.
Mated to its range of engines is either a manual gearbox or a newly revised seven-speed DSG automatic for smoother, faster gear shifts.
Selling over three million units, it’s easy to see why it’s still such a popular model even today.
Mk6 - 6th VW Golf generation
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2008 saw the introduction of the Mk6 Golf, which featured a much more grown-up design, loads more tech and more interior space.
It was an all-round safer and more competent car when compared to its predecessor, bringing park assist, hill start assist and dynamic chassis control.
It even won World Car of the Year, proving its worth among the five legendary models prior.
Mk7 - 7th VW Golf generation
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2012 saw the introduction of the Mk7 generation, which was made until 2016.
Major improvements over the Mk6 include a new fresh look, even more features and an improved cabin.
It was lighter too, which helped it offer better driving feel, especially in GTI guise which went on to become the favourite among hot hatches.
And buyers put their money where their mouth is with this one, with more than six million Mk7 Golfs sold in total.
VW Golf Mk7.5
Following swiftly on from the Mk7 came the Mk7.5 in 2017, which refreshed the interior and added a few styling tweaks to the exterior.
Available as a three-door or five-door hatch, or five-door estate, the MK7.5 is a versatile model that is often referred to as being the best Golf ever made.
And, of course, you could take your pick of the standard, GTI, GTD, or R models depending on your performance requirements.
Mk8 - 8th VW Golf generation
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When the Mk8 Golf landed in 2020, it had a lot to live up to following its now legendary older relative in the Mk7 and Mk7.5.
It introduced a completely redesigned interior and exterior, reducing physical buttons and adding touchscreens and touch-sensitive controls to the steering wheel and for the air-con.
Alongside the standard petrols and diesels, there’s also the plug-in hybrid, which offers up to 38 miles of all-electric driving.
VW Golf Mk8.5
A mid-generation refresh in the form of the Mk8.5 brought a few main revisions such as the welcome return of physical steering wheel buttons and a completely new infotainment system.
There were a few engine tweaks too, aiding efficiency and overall performance – which were already impressive in the previous model.
Golf GTI generations
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Golfs have been using the GTI name badge since the Mk1, adding the famed red stripe to the front grille as well as handling improvements and power upgrades.
From tartan seats to fun driving characteristics, all generations of Golf GTI put a smile on your face.
The most popular models include the Mk2, Mk5 and Mk7 GTIs because of their lightness, charm and handling credentials.
Golf R generations
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Sitting at the top of the Golf tree is the iconic R model, which has been in production since the Mk4 Golf R32 in 2002.
Since then, VW has introduced a new ‘R’ with every generation of Golf, each bringing more power, all-wheel drive capabilities and those memorable blue accents.
One of the most popular R models was the Mk5 R32 which, thanks to the car’s already lightweight design, was – and still is – a hoot to drive compared to its rivals.
In 2010, Volkswagen dropped the ‘32’ from the name and simply named the Mk6, Mk7 and Mk8 models the Golf R.
What is the best VW Golf generation?
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Picking out the best Golf generation is like choosing between a litter of puppies – you want them all.
But if you had to just pick one, it would be the Mk7 Golf. Because of its modern tech, striking looks, and the way it drives, there’s no wonder it’s a true fan-favourite.
The pick of the bunch for us is the Mk7.5 Golf GTI which has it all. It’s powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine with 230hp and 380Nm of torque.
Plus, it’s jam-packed with all the tech you could ever need in a modern car.
What’s more, used Golf GTIs are a really attractive proposition these days to get into some budget hot hatch motoring.
Explore the latest VW Golf cars for sale
It’s no surprise that the Golf is the big seller it is. It’s a nippy, comfortable, practical and well-put-together family hatchback that can do it all.
Buying a used VW Golf is probably one of the most sensible things you can do outside of a well-thought-out financial plan and eating your five-a-day.
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