The new Golf is, like its predecessors, absolutely incomparable and distinctive in respect of its visual and technical refinement and dynamics. The first Golf generation dating from 1974 had been endowed with this uniqueness from its inception. When the number 1 was presented to the press at Munich in May 29 years ago, the original generation already bore the typical features that would immediately make it a bestseller: the dynamic C-pillar resembling the drawn string of a bow, the unequaled variability in the segment at the time, the lively engines and, last but not least, the extremely safe, neutral chassis complete with front-wheel drive were impressive all along the line.
And its popularity never lets up: for almost three decades, the Golf has continually been the best-selling car in and from Germany. From a purely statistical point of view, approximately 2,100 customers worldwide have bought a Golf every day over the last 29 years. The Golf is regarded as the epitome of “the car”, as the benchmark for the competition, as the only vehicle in the compact class with a truly classless status across social boundaries.
The competitors have multiplied, but the Golf is still the number 1
The vehicles in the Golf class have in recent years won an increasingly larger share of the market in Western Europe. This rose from 31.7 percent to 36.9 percent between 1976 and 2002. Due to the fragmentation of the segment - for example, due to the success of the so-called A-MPV such as the Volkswagen Touran - the proportion of fastback vehicles decreased from 63.6 percent to 47.5 percent during the same period. However, the absolute sales volume has remained constant. The fourth generation Golf maintained its market share - except from the natural curve during the phase-out period. It remained the undisputed leader in its segment with a share of between 20 and 22 percent.
What makes the fact that the Volkswagen has been able to maintain a constant lead all the more remarkable is that other A-class variants have constantly been pushing their way into the Golf class for years now. When the first Golf generation came out, there were about ten direct rival models in Europe. In 2003, there are about 130 competitors in eight sub-segments of the class, each vying for a share of a market that is dominated by the Golf.
The fourth generation Golf seamlessly continued the success story of the series. The Golf to be replaced in the autumn held a 35 percent share of the worldwide sales of models of the Volkswagen brand. In Western Europe, the Golf accounted for 46 percent of total volume. The new Golf will, it is hoped, continue to increase these shares from 2004 onwards.
The new Golf has all the ingredients to continue in the successful footsteps of its predecessors: a clear plus in terms of dynamics, spaciousness, safety, quality and fascination make it an all-round talent for millions of people from all walks of life.
In this regard, a crucial factor is that the brand, with the models Phaeton and Touareg as well as the top-of-the-range versions of the Passat, has moved up-market while at the same time continuing to strengthen the volume segments and systematically conquer new sub-segments. Crucial to this strategy is the Golf and the millions of Golf customer all over the world. Current plans envisage the production of 135,000 new Golf models in the fourth quarter of 2003. Sales of Germany’s most important car are expected to exceed 600,000 units from 2004 - the first full sales year.
There is no such thing as a typical “Golf driver”. However, all Golf drivers appreciate the value of perfect detail solutions, excellent technology and high aestheticism
It is impossible to reduce Golf drivers, as a target group, to a common denominator. For the new Golf will again reach an incomparably large cross-section of education and income levels. And herein lies the secret of the Golf. Nonetheless, there are decisive aspects for all Golf drivers, whether male or female. A sociodemographic study in the run-up to the market launch of the new Golf showed that, among other things, a “simplification of life with the car”, “authenticity”, “interior comfort”, and hence “comfort” in general, “safety”, unlimited “suitability for everyday use” and “individuality in details” are key criteria for the purchase of a Golf.
Golf drivers also appreciate the value of perfect detail solutions and high-quality material optics, the combination of excellent technology with fascinating aesthetics, intuitive operation and effortless driving. The fifth generation Golf meets these expectations with superior handling dynamics, an inimitable, dynamic and timeless design, top quality, high build precision, well thought-out ergonomics, a high level of passive safety, lots of space and innovative drive train technologies.
Design
- Golf marks the start of a new phase of a far-reaching design campaign
- The Golf’s design is distinctive like a fingerprint
Following the launch of luxury-class models Phaeton and Touareg, Volkswagen will, with the new Golf, begin the next phase of a far-reaching design campaign. Traditional volume models and new niche models will exhibit a fascinating plus in terms of dynamics and emotionality. The models Phaeton and Touareg presented in 2002 set impressive new trends in the luxury class. With the Golf, the design team now includes the most important brand model in the new design line.
Since its debut almost three decades ago, the Golf has been as distinctive as a fingerprint. One of the secrets of its worldwide success is that Volkswagen created with the Golf, as the direct successor to the Beetle, an absolutely “counterfeight-proof” original. This design has been updated and perfected, and has reflected the stylistic approach of the brand over four generations. The fifth generation Golf continues to embody this uniqueness whilst representing the largest evolutionary leap both visually and technically. The design team has created a Golf that is even more dynamic and evokes new emotions.
The arrow-shaped contour of the body front end of the new Golf in overview
Redesigned right down to the last detail, the body front end cuts through the wind in an aerodynamically optimised manner. Here again, a distinctive feature is the twin round headlights which taper strongly towards the centre with their transversal turn signals in the style of the Phaeton. The wing surfaces, which are now distinctly arched upward, rise above the headlights. As an integral part of the bonnet, the headlights together with the radiator grille create a hinted V-shaped design feature that further accentuates the dynamics of the new Volkswagen.
The powerful rear end of the new Golf in overview
The rear end is powerful, too: the dynamic shoulder section underscores the powerful appearance of the Golf. The distinctive tail lights with their twin round design unmistakably reflect the Volkswagen design. They are half-integrated in the clearly structured boot lid. Optically, the large rear window provides clear visibility, and, stylistically, it lends the vehicle an elegance typical of Volkswagen with its glass body that extends as far as the C-pillars. Sporty and aerodynamic final touches are provided by the roof spoiler which is integrated above the boot lid. Grippy: the VW badge. To unlock the boot lid, the badge is swung upward. As the recessed handle moulding is concealed, fingers stay clean at all times.
The distinctive side section of the new Golf in overview
The silhouette of the new Golf is characterised by five main elements: the distinctly rakish, wedge-shaped line below the side windows, the continuous side window graphics together with the door frame, which no longer reaches as far as the roof, the clearly modulated edges in the area of the rear doors and C-pillar, the characteristic angled C-pillar and the elongated roof section.
The C-pillar is worthy of special attention. As the traditional stylistic feature of the Golf, the C-pillar has increasingly characterised the model series and contributes significantly to the dynamics of the new Golf generation. From any viewing angle, the C-pillar resembles the string of a drawn bow. It imparts strength to the Golf body. The side faces look like an arrow being accelerated forward by the string of the bow. The high aestheticism of the C-pillar embedded between the rear door and the rear is perfected by very narrow shut lines.
The design features collectively evoke emotions which give the new Golf a more agile and dynamic appearance than any generation before it.
Equipment / technology
- Extensive comfort and safety features as standard
- New chassis, innovative engines, the highest-quality body in the segment
On its market debut, the volume model will be available in two and four-door versions and in the equipment lines Trendline, Comfortline and Sportline. All equipment lines have in common the same comprehensive comfort and safety package including six airbags, five head restraints (front active) complete with three-point belts, a newly developed safety steering column and foot controls that retracts during a crash. New: the accelerator pedal is arranged in an upright position for ergonomic reasons.
Perfection is characterised by attention to detail. The instruments, for example, are ergonomically designed and easy to operate, all function levels are clearly separate from one another and all buttons and switches can be intuitively operated. In comparison to the predecessor model, every detail has been improved. For example the centre console at the centre of the instrument panel: the controls of the audio/navigation and ventilation/air conditioning are now on a higher level, so they are better placed within the driver’s field of vision and ensure optimal ease of access. The controls of the ventilation and air conditioning system are located directly above the centre tunnel, which has been distinctly raised in the area of the selector mechanism. Above this is a button pad for functions such as the heated rear window, recirculating air mode and seat heating. The new audio systems and navigation systems with large central display, as presented for the first time for the Touareg and Touran, have been integrated above them. Located at the very top are the hazard warning light switch, the air outlet and an additional storage shelf / tray.
Highly innovative technology is often concealed behind the individual functional elements. In the case of the optional Climatronic, for example, the Automatic air conditioner changes over to recirculation mode when reversing (separately adjustable for driver and front passenger). When the windscreen washer system is operated, an intelligent control suspends the fresh air supply momentarily. The seat system, for example, has been completely redesigned to provide maximum comfort. As the first vehicle in its segment, the Golf is optionally available with an electrical 4-way lumbar support (integrated in the electric seat) or an auxiliary heater. In addition to the standard 60:40 folding rear seat back, the front passenger seat backrest can be optionally folded forward to create a long, continuous load surface.
The equipment of the Golf Trendline (excerpt)
· 6 airbags (driver, front passenger, side and head airbags)
· Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors
· Front passenger airbag can be deactivated
· Easy Entry System (2-door model)
· ESP with Dual Brake Assist
· Height-adjustable driver seat
· Electric window lifters, front
· Belt tensioners, front
· 5 three-point inertia reel belts
· 5 head restraints (front: crash active)
· Tyre/steel wheel sizes 195/65 R15 / 6Jx15
· Split-folding rear seat backrest
· Electromechanical power-assisted steering (regulated as a function of road speed)
· Black body mouldings and side protection strips
· Bumper, radiator grille and door mirror housing painted in body colour
· Green heat-resistant glass
· Central locking with radio remote control
Equipment of Golf Comfortline supplementary to Trendline (excerpt)
· Overhead console with spectacles box
· Decorative inlays in “anthracite”
· Footwell light
· Cruise control system
· Rear-view mirror with automatic anti-dazzle function
· Front comfort seats with manually adjustable lumbar support, height-adjustable on both sides
· Light-alloy wheels in size 6.5Jx15
· Light assistant system with rain and light sensors
· Front centre armrest with storage compartment
· Rear seat system with centre armrest and through-loading function
· Drawers below the front seats
· Seat covers in high-quality loop velour
Equipment of Golf Sportline supplementary to Trendline (excerpt)
· On-board computer (MFA) with ambient temperature display
· Overhead console with spectacles box
· Decorative inlays in “titanium”
· Light-alloy wheels in size 6.5Jx16
· Gearshift lever and handbrake lever in leather
· Seat cover “Siempre”
· Sports chassis
· Sports seats for driver and front passenger with manual adjustable lumbar supports, height-adjustable on both sides
· 3-spoke sports steering wheel in leather
· Body mouldings and door handles in body colour
The body of the new Golf - The new benchmark in the A segment
The body itself is wider (1,759 mm / + 24 mm), higher (1,483 mm / + 39 mm) and longer (4,204 mm / + 55 mm) and offers considerably more space (+ 54 mm cabin length), particularly in the rear compartment (+ 55 mm legroom / + 24 mm headroom at the rear and + 8 mm at the front) and luggage space (350litres / + 20 litres). This clear plus closes the gap to the next higher class and reinforces the Golf’s claim to be classless. The same applies to the unique quality level in the segment: the dynamic rigidity of the body has been increased by 15% in torsion and 35% in flexion. The static torsional rigidity of the body has been improved by no less than 80 percent (!), which is the best value in the segment.
The high rigidity was not achieved by adding body weight, rather through systematic lightweight construction. Particularly effective lightweight construction measures worth emphasising are the improved join techniques involving laser welding and the optimised layout of the member structure. This has improved the acoustic characteristics of the body fundamentally. In other words, the new Golf is not only highly stable and safe, but also very quiet.
A worldwide innovation in volume production vehicle: the modular doors on the new Golf
The new door modules on the Golf represent a worldwide innovation in body construction. Until now, the complete doors on all volume models had to be replaced if “irreparable” panel damage occurred in this area. The whole door had to be replaced even if its inner structure was still intact. This was a correspondingly laborious and, for the customer, costly process. Not so with the new Golf: for the first time in a volume production vehicle, the outer skin panel can be replaced separately, thus reducing the cost of damage repairs considerably. From a structural viewpoint, the door inner panel, which comprises two so-called hybrid bars, serves as a load-bearing structure. The outer skin panel is bonded onto these bars. In addition, the inner and outer panels in the sill and topshoulder areas (at window edge level) are bolted together. The outer skin panel can thus be easily detached in order to remove dents of any kind completely.
The safety chassis of the new Golf - Extremely dynamic, safe and comfortable
Volkswagen has configured the new, dynamic safety chassis so it is just as sporty as comfortable. A much-improved suspension-strut-type axle provides perfect wheel location at the front and a newly developed multilink axle is used at the rear. Thanks to the multilink axle (four-link suspension), handling and driving comfort have been decisively improved. Active safety also benefits from the new axle configuration. As inclined dampers with oval auxiliary springs are also used in the new Golf, the through-loading width in the luggage compartment has been enlarged. The optimised front axle provides better handling dynamics in corners through a reduction in lateral inclination and the improved response of the anti-roll bars. In addition to that, the more precise wheel location and optimised suspension response contribute to a significant improvement in overall comfort.
Handling and comfort have been optimised by a likewise entirely new electromechanical steering system which not only offers power assistance as a function of road speed, but also contributes significantly to straight-line stability. The fuel consumption of the Golf has also been reduced by approximately 0.2 litres through the new steering.
The Golf is equipped as standard with the latest generation of ESP and Dual Brake Assist. A, likewise newly designed, brake system with optimised cooling provides the basis for excellent deceleration values. All in all, the Golf chassis offers a unique synthesis of driving comfort across all classes while at the same time achieving the best steering and handling performance.
The engines of the new Golf - Innovation through petrol and diesel direct injection
The drive train area is also characterised by technological leadership. Here, the magic formula is direct injection. For example the TDI: the 2.0 TDI with a power output of 103 kW / 140 bhp and a maximum torque of 320 Newtonmetres is the trendsetter in terms of agility, comfort and thriftiness. The torquey 4-valve four-cylinder engine is handled by a new six-speed gearbox or by an optional six-speed direct shift gearbox - available at a later date - which is used for the first time in the Golf R32 DSG.
The direct shift gearbox has been specially adapted in respect of its design to the sporty and consumption-oriented requirements of European customers. As a key distinguishing feature of the DSG as compared to classical automatic transmissions, a torque converter is not used as a starting element in the DSG. For the first time, the DSG strikes a perfect balance between the agility of a manual gearbox and the comfort of a conventional automatic.
The 1.9 TDI with 77 kW / 105 bhp and a maximum torque of 250 Newtonmetres is deployed as a second turbodiesel in addition to the 140 bhp version. Another new feature is the deployment of the diesel quick-start system as in the 2.0 TDI. Under all climatic conditions, this practically ensures an immediate start without a long glow phase.
The first available petrol direct injection engine of the fifth Golf generation no less innovative: the 1.6 FSI with 85 kW / 115 bhp has already proved its worth in the Touran and, like in the Touran, comes as standard combined with a six-speed gearbox. The driver can leave the task of gear-shifting to a comfortable and efficient six-speed automatic gearbox which is optionally available. The shift programs adapt automatically to driving conditions (e.g. driving uphill or towing a trailer). Alternatively, gears can be selected manually by means of a Tiptronic function (). The extremely sporty shift program “S” provides even more agility.
The second petrol engine to be deployed in the introductory phase is the improved 1.4-litre four-valve engine with 55 kW / 75 bhp. Technical improvements in the new Golf are the low weight and friction pistons, the structurally optimised crankshaft and the likewise optimised exhaust manifold and pre-catalyst converter concept. These measures have made it possible to reduce the weight of the engine by two kilograms and further improve specific fuel consumption.
All engines of the Golf meet the EU 4 standard. Additional four engines will be available shortly after market launch: two FSI engines (1.4 FSI with 66 kW / 90 bhp and 2.0 FSI with 110 kW / 150 bhp), a 1.6-litre engine with 75 kW / 102 bhp and an SDI (2.0-litre engine with 55 kW / 75 bhp) with a unit injection system. The sporty top-of-the-range engines will be introduced in a third phase.
Production
- Economic factor: in Germanyalone, the Golf provides several thousand jobs
- Precision: Golf will be produced in Germanyand Belgiumduring the start-up phase
The Golf is a key factor for the attractiveness of Germanyas a production location. Should Wolfsburg, home to Volkswagen AG and the world’s largest automobile production plant, be referred to as “Golfsburg” in the headlines during the launch phase of the new model from August 25, this is not so much a marketing idea as a reflection of the city fathers’ gratitude. For the Golf is the main economic engine in this city. At the parent plant in Wolfsburg, approximately 20,000 employees are directly involved in the production, development and distribution of the best-selling model. In and around Wolfsburg, 100 suppliers and businesses of every description are involved in the production of the Golf.
The Golf is also produced in Mosel(Saxony) as well as in the Belgian city of Brusselsand will at a later date be produced in the South African city of Uitenhage
The new Golf is produced in halls 1 (Bodyshop), 9 (Paint shop), 12 (Assembly) and 54 (Final production) on state-of-the-art production systems and using modern assembly sequences and technologies, such as laser welding. The production change-over for the new generation was completed at a very early stage, thus ensuring an optimal production ramp-up . The Golf is also produced in parallel at the Mosel Volkswagen plant in Saxony. On top of that there are two international production locations for the Golf: the Brussels plant in Belgiumand - with a time delay - the Uitenhage plant in South Africa.
Irrespective of where the Golf is produced, the production process sets new standards. The proportion of high-strength body panels for example has again risen significantly. The net result is a significant plus in terms of body strength, crash safety and comfort whilst optimising weight. For example the laser-welding process: 140 special robots ensure the high body rigidity of the Golf, among other things, by means of laser-welded seams with a total length of 70 metres, as compared to five metres in the predecessor. Take quality assurance for example: as one of the last of many checks, electronic and electrical components are checked in the so-called “Try Out Room”. The final step is a 10-minute test on the “running-in stand”. After that, the rule is: the Golf runs and runs and runs and…
Chronology
- With over 22 million units sold so far, the Golf is the most successful Volkswagen ever
- For three decades, the Golf has been a mirror-image reflection of automotive progress
The first generation (1974 until 1983):
The Golf generation I was launched in 1974 and is still available today, albeit extensively optimised, as an economically priced entry-level model in South Africaparallel to the current model range. Number produced so far: 6.8 million units.
1974:
Debut of the first Golf
1976:
500,000th Golf in March
1,000,000th Golf in October
First Golf GTI
First Golf with diesel engine
1978:
2,000,000th Golf in June
Debut of the USversion Rabbit in July
1979:
3,000,000th Golf in September
First Golf cabriolet
Debut of the Caddy delivery van
Facelift
1982:
5,000,000th Golf in February
First Golf with turbodiesel engine (GTD)
1983:
phase-out of the first generation in Western Europeafter the production of 6,780,050 units
The second generation (1983 until 1991)
The Golf generation II followed in 1983. 6.3 million units of this generation were produced in ten years - on average approximately 630,000 units per year.
1983:
Debut of the second Golf
1984:
First Golf with closed-loop catalytic converter
Debut of the second Golf GTI
1985:
7,000,000th Golf in March
1986:
First Golf (GTI) with 4-valve petrol engine
First Golf syncro with visco coupling (four-wheel drive)
Golf syncro starting August - the first Golf with ABS
1987:
ABS available for all GT and GTI models
Closed-loop catalytic converter also available for smaller engines
Facelift
Golf GT syncro becomes first model with ABS standard
1988:
Debut of the Rallye Golf G60
Debut of the Golf Limited G60
10,000,000th Golf in June
1989:
11,000,000th Golf in October
Debut of the GolfCityStromer and Golf Hybrid
1990:
all Golf petrol models available with closed-loop catalytic converter from February
Debut of the Golf Country
1,000,000th Golf GTI in November
12,000,000th Golf in November
1991:
First Golf from the Moselplant near Zwickauin March
Phase-out of the second generation in Western Europeafter the production of 6,301,000 units
The third generation (1991 until 1997)
The Golf generation III, of which 4.8 million units were built, was presented to its core markets in 1991. In the nine year period up until and including 1999 (initially, it was produced in parallel with the Golf generation IV), this Golf was - again, statistically - sold to over 530,000 customers per year.
1991:
Debut of the third Golf
First Golf diesel with oxidation catalytic converter
First Golf with six-cylinder engine (VR6); simultaneously
the first model in the lower mid-range with six-cylinder
1992:
13,000,000th Golf in February
Driver and front passenger airbag available from August
1993:
First Golf with turbodiesel direct injection (TDI) engine
Debut of the second Golf cabriolet
First Golf Variant
Debut of the second Golf syncro
14,000,000th Golf in March
1994:
15,000,000th Golf in May
1995:
First Golf with naturally aspirated diesel direct injection (SDI) engine
1996:
20th anniversary of the Golf GTI / anniversary model of the Golf GTI
First Golf GTI with turbodiesel engine
All Golf models available with ABS standard from September
Introduction of optional side airbags
17,000,000th Golf in November
1997:
phase-out of the third generation in Western Europeafter production of 4,805,900 units
The fourth generation (1997 until 2003)
The Golf generation IV debuted in 1997. Over the last seven years until 2003, 4.3 million units of the bestseller were produced and, on average, approximately 614,000 units were sold per year.
1997:
Debut of the fourth Golf with fully galvanised body
First Golf with five-cylinder engine (V5)
1998:
Debut of the new Golf Cabriolet
First Golf 4MOTION with Haldex viscous coupling
Introduction of optional ESP
1999:
Second Golf Variant
First TDI engines with pump-injector unit technology in the Golf
First Golf 4MOTION V6 with six-speed gearbox
25th anniversary of the Golf / anniversary model Golf Generation
19,000,000th Golf in June
ESP becomes standard equipment in Germany
2000:
new TDI engines with 74 kW / 100 bhp and 110 kW / 150 bhp
V5 with four valves per cylinder now develops 125 kW / 170 bhp
20,000,000th Golf
2001:
more powerful 1.9 TDI with 96 kW / 130 bhp replaces the 85 kW TDI
1.9 TDI with 74 KW /100 bhp meets D4 emission standard
Golf GTI 132 kW as special edition marking the 25th anniversary of the Golf GTI
2002:
First Golf with petrol direct injection (FSI with 81 kW)
Golf GTI now standard with 132 kW / 180 bhp
In addition to the front and side airbags, the head airbags are included in the standard equipment
Production of the Golf overtakes the Beetle, at 21,517,415
units of the most-produced Volkswagen model
Debut of the Golf R32,
the most powerful Golf ever with 177 kW / 241 bhp
2003:
The Golf is offered in seven trim versions (Golf, Trendline, Comfortline, Highline, GTI, V6, R32) and with 14 engine variants
Debut of the direct shift gearbox DSG in the Golf R32
End of year: phase-out of the fourth generation after sales of more than 4.3 million units
August 2003: world premiere of the fifth Golf generation
Related articles:
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- The new Passat celebrates its world premiere in Geneva
- Ground breaking new seven-speed DSG gearbox set to debut in Golf
- Touareg - world premiere for Volkswagen’s top-class off-road vehicle at Paris Motor Show
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