The world’s most famous hatchback turned 50 in 2024 – key reasons why it’s still going strong and loved by millions
50 YEARS, eight generations, and still going strong.
That’s the story of the Volkswagen Golf in 2024 – the definitive compact hatchback.
Over 37 million Golfs have been built since it first rolled off production lines in 1974, and half a century later it’s still very much going strong.
Better yet, while today’s car market is largely dominated by cookie-cutter mid-sized SUVs, the Golf remains relatively true to its original philosophy; a practical, affordable, well-built, fun-to-drive hatchback, which all started with the Mk1.
But what is it that truly makes the little motor so special?
In November, I was lucky enough to meet Anna Bebbington, Events Manager at the Mk1 Golf Owners Club, at the NEC Classic Motor Show in Birmingham.
Standing next to a gleaming selection of Mk1 Golfs, including Volkswagen’s original press car and the very first GTI, I first asked her what makes the model resonate so deeply with car fans.
“I think it’s iconic, and it brings back people’s memories of childhoods of that era – it’s like their dad’s car,” she said.
“And I also think it’s all about getting in one. It’s the smell when you climb in.
“It’s the way it looks, they’ve got a certain shape. There’s not a shape like that around now.”
But Anna, who herself owns a Mk1 Golf Cabriolet from 1991, also talks about how it’s the perfect daily driver, as well as a budding classic car.
“My Cabriolet was my daily car for five years. I used to go to work in it,” she said.
“I’ve had my car for nearly 17 years. It’s part of the family. But I also think people are seeing these now as a kind of investment.
“But even so, they’re still very drivable.”
This isn’t just unique to Anna either, as she explains that other members of the Mk1 Golf Owners Club, which itself is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024, have driven their near-50-year-old machines from all corners of the country – including Ireland and Scotland.
Over the years, the Golf has evolved with each generation – each boasting its own distinct design and features.
The Mk4, released in 1998, is often considered the first ‘modern’ Golf and introduced features like a fully galvanised body and all-wheel drive.
In 2019, VW released the Mk8 iteration – their most technologically advanced and sophisticated version to date.
Indeed, the model was initially criticised by many for its complex infotainment system, which has since been significantly improved by the release of the Mk8.5 facelift earlier this year.
It seemed VW listened to its fans, offering a more user-friendly interface, sometimes even bringing back physical buttons, while still maintaining the famous level of quality throughout its interior.
Despite her proclivity for the Mk1 Golf, Anna is also a big fan of the newer models.
“I particularly love them,” she told me.
“I’ve actually just ordered a new Golf GTI for delivery next year. I think they’re amazing, and they’re such a drivable car.
“I just think maybe the shape of them has gone away a little bit.”
Naturally, I had to ask an expert like Anna what I should look for, should I be in the market for a classic Mk1 Golf one day in the future.
She said: “You’re looking for something either in a very original condition or restored to a high standard. The cars that are very original tend to be worth more.
“There’s a lot of highly modified Mk1s out there, but they need to have been done well.”