Mass production techniques have long been adopted by automakers to strengthen their footholds in the industry. While some brands evolved into big names, many were left behind being technologically obsolete. Among the renowned auto giants is the Volkswagen, VW, a German auto manufacturer with roots in Wolfsburg. The name ‘Volkswagen’ translates to ‘People’s car’ because the brand caters for every class.
The VW Group has released many iconic models and VW Golf is one of them. VW Golf is known for its refined driving experience, compelling safety features, modern interior and exterior design and value for money. Here we will uncover some interesting facts about VW Golf that will help you learn more about the iconic model.
Facts about Volkswagen Golf
The Volkswagen Group was founded in 1937 to produce economical yet high-performing vehicles. Since then, it has manufactured millions of cars, its first model being VW Beetle. To further build on the success of the VW Beetle, Volkswagen released VW Golf which was an instant hit in the automotive market. Let’s learn more about the iconic model with these interesting facts about VW Golf.
Giorgetto Giugiaro designed the first Golf
Giugiaro is among the most well-known designers in automotive history. He is the designer of several stunning automobiles, such as the DMC DeLorean, BMW 3200 CS, Maserati Ghibli, Lotus Esprit, etc.
One of the fun facts about VW Golf is that Giugiaro was invited to VW’s Wolfsburg corporate headquarters in 1970 to work on the EA337 development project, which finally led to the Mk1 Golf. Although it wasn’t the most magnificent model he ever created, it is unquestionably the most significant because his work served as an example for all subsequent generations of Golf.
Development of a Sportier Hatchback
An interesting fact about Volkswagen Golf is that several employees, including Anton Konrad, who was the company’s senior press officer at the time, began work on the creation of a sportier version of the VW Golf in 1974. Volkswagen did not require the team to complete the project, and they modified a stock Golf secretly after working hours.
The management was shown the model at the beginning of 1975, and they loved the concept and approved the project. It made its premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in March and soon gained enormous popularity.
The interiors of the first GTI were designed by a woman
Early in 1975, after the project received management approval, a new employee joined the GTI’s development team. Gunhild Liljequist, the first female employee of Volkswagen’s design division at the time, was tasked with designing the interior of the standard Golf.
She developed the concept for the well-known golf ball shift knob and designed the enduring plaid interior elements found in all GTI versions ever since.
VW’s Bestselling Model
One of the Volkswagen Beetle facts is that the Beetle is not VW’s best-selling vehicle, despite having been produced in more than 21.5 million units between 1938 and 2003. That distinction belongs to the Golf, which is also the second-best-selling vehicle in history, behind the Toyota Corolla, with well over 35 million units sold since 1974.
A W12-powered Golf was built by Volkswagen
Among the fun facts about VW Golf, one is that the wildest designs in the history of the Volkswagen brand was introduced by the German manufacturer at the 2007 GTI event in Wörthersee, Austria. It looked like a standard Mk5 GTI with a wide-body kit. However, the pocket rocket was powered by a Bentley Continental GT’s mid-mounted 641 horsepower, W12 engine.
One of the interesting facts about Volkswagen is that the W12-powered Golf was developed in just eight weeks. The vehicle featured rear callipers and rotors from a Lamborghini Gallardo. Whereas, the front brakes were taken from an Audi RS4. Although the audio system, air conditioning, or hazard lights didn’t work. The VW Golf model had a top speed of 325 km/h and could reach 100 km/h from a complete stop in 3.7 seconds in a straight line. Unfortunately, the W12-powered Golf never went into production.
The E-Golf was developed
The year 2019 saw the introduction of the VW Electric Golf. It is an electric vehicle that offers inexpensive all-electric functionality. One of the interesting VW Golf facts is that the E-Golf has a 200 km estimated driving range, which is similar to what Hyundai Kona Electric, Tesla Model 3, or Chevrolet Bolt EV offers at twice the price. The VW E-Golf received ten awards for the best compact car segment in 2019. Moreover, it is now one of the most popular used hatchbacks in the UAE.
This is a wrap on our interesting facts about VW Golf. Golf has a certain allure that has been appealing to gearheads for decades. With all its achievements over the years, it is fascinating to acquire a VW Golf. Check out this used Volkswagen Golf for sale in the UAE and get your hands on this iconic model. For other models by Volkswagen, browse through these pre-owned Volkswagen for sale in the UAE and get your ideal one.
For more interesting car facts, stay tuned to the UAE’s leading auto blog.
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