Five decades of greatness — plus one!

What does 50 years of the Golf hold? A future of greatness! After what has been five decades of success, including the sale of 37 million Golfs, the next evolutionary stage fittingly follows. Introducing the Golf 01, boasting all new hardware and software and equipped with next-generation infotainment equipment, among other key features, all that are sure to please. Today’s driver enjoys such enhancements as impressive lighting, higher efficiency, comfort and much more. At the heart of VW’s brand, the Golf, with more power and more style, just got that much better!

Here’s more….

What we know!

The New Golf 01 represents the next evolutionary stage, as well as supports and upholds 50 years of greatness from when production kicked off in Wolfsburg in March, 1974.

This compact icon, featuring new infotainment within its newest model, has not only been developed from scratch, but boasts a next-gen plug-in hybrid drive. The best in this 50-year stretch makes its way to dealerships this spring.

The updated Golf is presented in several flavors, including a hatchback that comes in eHybrid and GTE plug-in hybrid forms, as well as the America-bound GTI. A more practical Variant state is shown in the R-Line guise.

On the outside, change is evident, including redesigned LED light fixtures with higher trim levels boasting a full-LED headlight setup with and impressive and illuminated VW badge. At a higher cost, drivers will be able to choose for an even more sophisticated matrix LED setup with a high beam nearly twice as powerful as the regular high beam.

At back, fancy taillights featuring 3D-like graphics with three selectable patterns round out the design.

Four new metallic paints take center stage for the new Golf’s exterior, including hues like Crystal Ice Blue, Anemone Blue, Oyster Silver and Grenadilla Black. Also new are five alloy wheel designs that span 16 to 19 inches.

Trim levels, including Golf, Life, Style, R-Line, GTE and GTI all feature updated bumpers and for the style grade higher get a black roof.

A peak within reveals conventional buttons on the steering wheel as part of an updated cabin as well as a new next-gen infotainment system with a large tablet-style screen measuring 10.4 inches on the less expensive Golfs and 12.9 inches on the pricier models. Air conditioning system sliders are illuminated as part of upgrades and an optional head-up display is available.

VW will be phasing out touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel and added such new technological features as the digitally controlled “Smart Air Vents, which take their inspiration from the ID.7. Increased driver-assistance systems or ADAS are also anticipated and serve to complement the existing central airbag introduced for the 2023 model year.

In the area of power, the entry-level Golf will feature a 1.5 TSI gasoline unit rated at 113 or 148 horsepower, both of which send power to the front axle via a six-speed manual gearbox. A mild-hybrid version of the same engine, called the 1.5 eTSI, has the same output but is presented exclusively with a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. A larger 20 TSI with 201 hp and seven-speed DSG is also available.

On the diesel front, the 2.0 TDI will have 113 hp and a six-speed manual or 148 hp and a seven-speed DSG. Both versions are solely front-wheel drive. Those opting out from the diesel can enjoy the eHybrid with 201 hp, a six-speed DSG and front-wheel-drive. The electrified model uses a larger 19.7 kilowatt-hours lithium-ion battery pack good for up to 62 miles of electric range, compared to 50 miles on the previous Golf eHybrid.

For the Golf GTE, combined output of 268 hp is realized and delivered to the front axle via a six-speed DSG. The fantastic GTI, boasting Alfa-Romeo styled wheels, routes 261 hp to the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG.

Among its praise: “The Golf is a design icon,” Andreas Mindt, head of design at Volkswagen Passenger Cars, said. “Often imitated, never duplicated.”

“With its visual stability and superior appearance, its one-of-a-kind in the world of the compact class,” he continued.

Exuding clarity and self-confidence that breaks down class barriers, the all-new Golf will be a source of inspiration moving forward when developing the design of the Golf for years to come, Mr. Mindt added.

In its ninth generation, it is expected that the VW Golf, with its important visual and technological revisions, will be strictly an electric model, entering production near the end of the decade in Germany.

Regarded as a benchmark in the compact segment, these improvements boost what is already a stellar reputation. With an official unveiling planned for 2024, the new Golf and its world premiere is well worth the wait! See five decades of greatness — plus one, and reserve yours today!