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Reportage: 50 years of sporty Volkswagen Golf

June 27, 2024

Volkswagen Golf GTI: the beginning

The journey of the Volkswagen Golf began 50 years ago with the development of the Golf GTI. In the early stages, in 1974, it was decided that the future GTI (which debuted in 1976) should be homologated according to FIA international regulations. That sporty character has always remained in future Golf generations, according to Volkswagen. In fact, the cars are proof. For the Golf not only shone in motorsport – think of the Group 4 Golf GTI Pierburg, Golf GTI Group A or Rallye Golf G60 Group A – but also made itself heard on the streets with GTI and R violence.

Million hit

The Golf GTI in particular, of course, enjoys iconic status. To date, over 2.4 million units of the Golf GTI have already been produced. That began, of course, with the first Golf GTI with 81 kW (110 hp). But these days, that power is very modest in a Golf. The latest Golf GTI even kicks it up to 195 kW (265 hp). That, too, could be crazier.

Several Golfs together!

Between the first and the eighth Golf GTI, six more generations left their mark on model history. At the event in Osnabrück, a second-generation Golf GTI will be present, as well as a third-generation in 20th Anniversary Edition. The fourth generation is represented by the legendary 25th Anniversary Edition, the fifth as the 30th Anniversary Edition and the sixth as the 35th Anniversary Edition. For imaging purposes, we list the performance of these models. This gives you a good idea of the performance improvements Volkswagen has made over the years.

Volkswagen Golf I GTI

Volkswagen Golf II GTI

Volkswagen Golf III GTI (20th Anniversary Edition)

Volkswagen Golf IV GTI (25th Anniversary Edition)

Volkswagen Golf V GTI (30th Anniversary Edition)

Volkswagen Golf VI GTI (35th Anniversary Edition)

Volkswagen Golf VII GTI (Performance)

Volkswagen Golf VIII GTI (Clubsport)

Further enhanced Volkswagen Golf GTI

By the way, in 2024 the newly developed eighth-generation Golf GTI appeared. The output of the Golf GTI increased from 180 kW (245 hp) to 194 kW (265 hp), but the output of the further improved Golf GTI Clubsport remains at 220 kW (300 hp). The LED headlights and taillights have been redesigned, and the infotainment systems have also been newly developed. In addition, Volkswagen further refined the chassis.

Volkswagen Golf G60
Volkswagen Golf G60

Volkswagen Golf R

Of course, there is also the Volkswagen Golf R. Like the “GTI” badge, the “R” badge is inseparable from the Golf, but not since the beginning. In all, there have been five generations. Two Golf R32s and three Golf Rs will be present during the event.

It started with the G60

The spiritual ancestor of these R-cars is a 1989 Golf: the G60 Limited from Volkswagen Motorsport. With only 71 examples ever built, this 154 kW (210 hp) model matched the dynamics of the Porsche 944 of its time. Number 13 of the 71 is proudly on display in Osnabrück. A modern reinterpretation of the now classic G60 Limited is the first R32, based on the Golf IV. With its compact V6 engine, this is a sought-after vintage car today. It was succeeded by the second R32, the most powerful fifth-generation Golf, presented at the show with an upgraded 331 kW (450 hp) engine.

Goodbye V6, welcome four-in-line

In 2009, with the third generation, Volkswagen switched from the atmospheric V6 engine to the four-cylinder turbocharged EA888 engine series. This change significantly increased power output and reduced fuel consumption. This generation is also represented at the show by an exclusive conversion with a V6 supercharged engine. The first Golf R Variant also debuted in the fourth generation. Recently, the fifth generation appeared on stage. The 177 kW (241 hp) of the first Golf R32 evolved to 245 kW (333 hp). So there too – as with the GTI – there is a substantial increase in power.


A red four-door Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk2 is parked inside, seen from the rear passenger side. The car has a German license plate.


A sleek red Volkswagen Golf GTI is parked inside on a dark floor, proudly displaying its front and side profile with a German license plate.


A red three-door Volkswagen Golf GTI hatchback is parked inside, seen from the passenger side rear seat. The car has a spoiler, alloy wheels and a visible license plate.


A red Volkswagen Golf GTI, with three doors, is parked inside. The car features silver alloy wheels and a rear antenna.


A red two-door compact Volkswagen Golf GTI is parked inside under bright lights. The vehicle has a sporty design and alloy wheels. The license plate reads


A red Volkswagen Golf GTI is parked inside under direct light, elegantly displaying its sleek design and alloy wheels.


A red two-door Volkswagen Golf GTI hatchback is parked inside, showing its rear and side profile. The car has tinted windows, black alloy wheels and a visible European license plate.


A red two-door hatchback Volkswagen Golf GTI with black alloy wheels, parked in an indoor area. The license plate reads


A red Volkswagen Golf GTI is parked inside on a dark floor, with lights highlighting the side and front of the car.


A red Volkswagen Golf GTI hatchback with a sporty design is parked inside, seen from the rear. The vehicle is equipped with black alloy wheels and has visible taillights and dual exhaust pipes.


A red Volkswagen Golf GTI hatchback is parked inside under soft lighting as seen from the rear left corner. The license plate reads


A red Volkswagen Golf GTI is parked inside against a dark background. This sleek car features black alloy wheels and a front license plate that reads


A white Volkswagen Golf GTI hatchback with red accent stripes and black wheels, parked inside against a dark background.


A white Volkswagen Golf GTI hatchback with black details is parked inside, seen from the left rear. The car features sporty red brake calipers and dual exhaust pipes.


Volkswagen Golf G60


Inside, a blue Volkswagen Golf R32 hatchback is parked in three-quarter view from the left front, reminiscent of the iconic Volkswagen Golf GTI.


A blue two-door Volkswagen Golf GTI R32 is parked in an interior space with minimal lighting. The car, seen from the rear, features sporty design elements and alloy wheels.


Inside, on a dark background is a white compact Volkswagen Golf GTI with a sleek design. The car has a glossy exterior and silver alloy wheels. The rear of the car, including the rear license plate, is visible.


A Volkswagen Golf GTI, white and compact with alloy wheels, is parked in a poorly lit interior environment, seen from a three-quarter forward angle.


A brown Volkswagen Golf GTI hatchback with a visible license plate displayed in a well-lit indoor environment.


Inside, a dark brown Volkswagen Golf GTI with European license plates is parked. The car has two doors and is illuminated by studio lights, highlighting its sleek design and alloy wheels.


A white Volkswagen Golf GTI with black rims parked in a dimly lit interior.


White four-door Volkswagen Golf GTI with black alloy wheels, parked inside against a plain background.


A blue, modern Volkswagen Golf hatchback is parked inside under bright lights, highlighting its sporty design.


A blue Volkswagen Golf R hatchback, with its sleek design and alloy wheels, is on display in a dimly lit room, celebrating 50 years of sporting excellence.


Interior of a modern Volkswagen Golf with a logo on the steering wheel, touchscreen display, digital dashboard and sport seats with blue and gray accents. The control buttons add to the sporty design.


A clean and modern car engine bay of a sporty Volkswagen Golf with a large black hood, visible coolant reservoir and various engine parts celebrating 50 years of innovation.