On 29 March exactly 50 years ago, Volkswagen started series production of the Golf in Wolfsburg. Nobody knew on that day in March that this compact car – the successor to the legendary Beetle – would become the most successful Volkswagen and best-selling European car of all time. It reflected the spirit of the times, gave its name to its own vehicle class, and has accompanied generations of people around the world. To date, more than 37 million units have followed 1974’s first series-production Golf. Purely in mathematical terms, this means that over 2,000 people around the world have opted to buy a new Golf every single day over the last 50 years. Today, Volkswagen is celebrating the Golf’s birthday – and also the start of this world bestseller’s future thanks to a comprehensive technical and visual update.

Volkswagen – from the round Beetle to the angular Golf. The first new Golf models could be seen in dealers’ showrooms in July 1974. Where the Beetle and thus rear-mounted engines had previously dominated the scene for many decades, a new era now finally began: that of the front-mounted transverse engine. Volkswagen had already initiated this transition shortly before with the Scirocco and Passat. With the Golf, the highest-volume class now also used this new technology.

Volkswagen reinvents itself. As the successor to the legendary Beetle that had been produced more than 21.5 million times, the Golf developed by Giorgio Giugiaro and Volkswagen Design had to live up to high expectations in order to continue the success story of the most successful car of all time up to that point. And it did so in every way: customers were so impressed by the modern drive concept, variable interior and new design that the Golf had already hit the one million mark by October 1976.

The Golf principle. In 1974, Volkswagen wrote the following about the new vehicle with its large tailgate: “The Golf offers maximum space and safety. It is uncompromisingly geared towards practicality. The low beltline gives drivers a clear overview, and the sloping bonnet ensures that the road right in front of the vehicle is visible. The rear window extends well down, making reversing much easier.” And this all still applies up to the present day for every Golf ever built.

The Golf and the factory. From the very beginning, the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg and its employees also benefited from the successful start of the Golf I. To date, more than 20 million Golfs have been built in Wolfsburg alone. The 17 million Golfs built so far outside Wolfsburg have been produced in other German plants as well as in Belgium, Brazil, China, Malaysia, Mexico, Slovakia and South Africa. In this sense too, the Golf is a world car. However, its technologies have always been typical examples of progressive German engineering.

Golf I – A reflection of progress. Just like all following Golf generations, the first generation was also a reflection of the technical state-of-the-art and current automotive trends. And that was not just true of the ingenious use of space for the time and the vehicle’s front-wheel drive.With the first Golf GTI (1976), Volkswagen initiated the dynamic development of the compact class. The Golf D (1976) and the later Golf GTD (1982) ensured the breakthrough of diesel in the compact segment. In 1979, Volkswagen launched the Golf Cabriolet – for a time the best-selling convertible car in the world. This was like a breath of fresh air for this vehicle class, which had by then already long been known as the Golf class. A total of 6.9 million units of the first generation of the Golf, including all derivatives, were sold on all continents by 1983 – the Golf I thus proved itself to be a worthy successor to the Beetle.

Golf II – The milestone. Today’s Volkswagen Chief Designer, Andreas Mindt, sums up the most important moment in the history of the Golf: “It was the switch from Golf I to Golf II. Volkswagen’s then Chief Designer Herbert Schäfer did everything right there. He modernised the second Golf but kept the DNA of the first generation. This bridge is extremely important for the Golf’s history. The Golf has always remained a further development of this original model. That is the special thing about the Golf, and the credit for this belongs to Herbert Schäfer.” Technologies such as the controlled catalytic converter, ABS and all-wheel drive made their debut in the Golf II. A total of 6.3 million Golf II cars were built between 1983 and 1991.

Golf III – Safety first. From August 1991, Volkswagen kick-started a new era of safety with the Golf III. This was the product line’s first model available with front airbags from 1992, and great progress in the area of body design also led to significant improvements in its crash properties. A number of the product line’s other milestones are associated with the Golf III, which had been built 4.8 million times by 1997: for example, the first six-cylinder engine (VR6), cruise control system and the first side airbags. For the first time, this Golf was also available as an estate model.

Golf IV – The style icon The Golf IV presented in 1997 is today considered to be a style icon – no doubt also due to the fact that it bridged the gap to the Golf I from 1974 with its clear features and the striking C-pillar design of the product line. With the Golf IV, Volkswagen achieved a new standard of quality within the segment. In parallel, the debut of ESP made a further contribution to making safety available to the masses. In 2002, Volkswagen also presented the sportiest Golf to date on the basis of the fourth generation: the R32 with a top speed of 250 km/h. In 2003, this was the first Volkswagen to receive a direct shift gearbox (DSG). The Golf IV was replaced in the same year after 4.9 million units built.

Golf V – Class limits abolished. With its outstanding comfort, the fifth Golf – which was launched in 2003 – was miles ahead of many competitors in the upper mid-sized class. The same was true for quality. A value that underlined the stability of the laser-welded body was the 35-per-cent increase in torsional rigidity. For the first time, up to eight protective airbags were also on board. In addition, the Golf V, which had been built 3.4 million times by 2008, impressed with a new four-link rear suspension, bi-xenon headlights and the first 7-speed DSG.

Golf VI – High-tech compact class. By the end of July 2012, a further 3.6 million Golfs had been produced in only four years on the basis of the sixth generation that was introduced in 2008. And safety once again took a great leap forward: the again laser-welded body was so stable that it scored the maximum of five stars with flying colours in the Euro NCAP crash test. New technologies such as Light Assist (advanced main-beam control), Park Assist, Hill Start Assist and adaptive chassis control (DCC) made the 2009 ‘World Car of the Year’ one of the most advanced compact cars of its time.

Golf VII – Less weight, less consumption. In September 2012, Volkswagen celebrated the world premiere of the seventh Golf. Its weight was reduced by up to 100 kg compared with its predecessor, which meant that fuel consumption was also reduced by up to 23 per cent. New technologies such as the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control and Front Assist including City Emergency Braking System rounded off the range of assist systems. In 2014, Volkswagen set its course for the era of electric mobility with the new e-Golf. A total of 6.3 million Golf VII cars were produced up to 2019.

Golf VIII – The progressive modern era. Volkswagen presented the Golf VIII in October 2019. With its new mild and plug-in hybrid drives, it electrified the compact class. And as one of the first compact cars, it enabled assisted driving by means of Travel Assist. Even the entry-level version today has features such as Lane Assist, Front Assist, LED headlights, LED tail light clusters and automatic air conditioner on board as standard. In combination with the optional adaptive chassis control DCC and the vehicle dynamics manager, the Golf VIII also achieves an unprecedented spread between comfort and dynamics in this class. More than one million units have been sold so far.

Now – in 2024 – the new evolutionary stage of the eighth generation has arrived. The new Golf impresses with a next-generation infotainment system, a more intuitive operating concept, a sharper front and rear end design as well as efficient drive systems. These include plug-in hybrid drives with an increased all-electric range of significantly more than 100 kilometres. An illuminated Volkswagen logo02 also adorns the front for the first time in a Golf. In addition, the new Golf with voice control and the AI-based chatbot ChatGPT once again makes technical innovations available to the masses.

Articles source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

Volkswagen is significantly expanding the range of drive systems that are available for the new Passat: pre-sales of two new plug-in hybrid drives are now starting. The eHybrid models have outputs of 150 kW (204 PS) and 200 kW (272 PS). Electric ranges of up to 120 km mean they become electric cars in everyday life. Two further turbodiesel (TDI) versions are also being launched: the Passat TDI with 90 kW (122 PS) will be the entry-level version in future. The most powerful TDI engine in the Passat will now deliver 142 kW (193 PS) and is coupled to the 4MOTION all-wheel drive as standard. The new Passat has already been available for configuration with a mild hybrid drive (eTSI) and a TDI with 110 kW (150 PS) since autumn last year.

Four lines. The Passat is generally offered as a Variant as well as in the equipment lines Passat (entry-level version), Business, Elegance and R-Line. The Business version is geared to frequent business drivers, while the Elegance and R-Line versions offer the top-of-the-line specification packages. The different drive variants are linked to specific equipment lines:

Plug-in hybrid drive with 150 kW and 200 kW. The two Passat eHybrid models have one of the world’s most modern plug-in hybrid drive systems on board. An 85 kW electric motor is combined with a 110 kW (150 PS) or 130 kW (177 PS) high-tech turbocharged petrol engine (1.5 TSI evo2). As both Passat eHybrids permit an electric range of up to 120 km, they often become electric cars in everyday life. This is all the more true as their 19.7 kWh battery takes on new energy with a charging capacity of 11 kW at an AC wall box and up to 50 kW at DC quick-charging stations. Both eHybrid models are also ideal long-distance vehicles thanks to their long combined ranges. The Passat eHybrid with 150 kW (204 PS) system power (350 Nm system torque) can be configured at prices from 50,320 euros and in the Passat, Business and Elegance equipment lines. The 200 kW (272 PS) version has a system torque of 400 Nm, starts at 62,330 euros and can be ordered together with the Elegance and R-Line specifications.

TDI with 90 kW. The new Passat TDI with 90 kW (122 PS) is one of the most economical estate models in the mid-sized class. With a maximum torque of 320 Nm, even the smallest turbodiesel engine in the Passat range offers superior power delivery. The Passat can be ordered with this drive system at prices from 41,745 euros; the 90 kW TDI is offered for the Passat and Business equipment lines.

TDI 4MOTION with 142 kW. The Passat is one of Europe’s most successful business vehicles. The powerful turbodiesel engines are particularly popular with frequent drivers. The reason for this is that they offer large power reserves with the lowest consumption values. A prime example of this is the Passat TDI 4MOTION with 142 kW (193 PS) and all-wheel drive as standard. Other advantages of the powerful Passat TDI 4MOTION drive include optimum traction on any terrain and a maximum trailer weight of 2,200 kg. The Passat TDI 4MOTION can now be ordered at prices from 57,335 euros; it is exclusively reserved for the two top versions Elegance and R-Line.

TDI and eTSI with 110 kW. It has already been possible to configure the Passat models with 110 kW (150 PS) TDI and eTSI engines since November last year. The Passat eTSI (mild hybrid) is equipped with a 48 V belt-driven starter alternator and can be ordered at prices starting from 39,995 euros; the eTSI is available for the Passat and Business equipment lines. The 110 kW TDI starts at 48,495 euros and can be configured in the Business, Elegance and R-Line equipment lines.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

Volkswagen presents the new ID. Buzz GTX: The electric Bulli equipped with a powerful performance drive system will in future be available with two wheelbases, two battery sizes and a choice of 5-, 6- or 7-seater. It also comes with standard 4MOTION all-wheel drive for optimum pulling power and traction in every driving situation. In addition, both GTX models share an individualized design. Pre-sales of the ID. Buzz GTX will start in the summer. This year, Volkswagen is once again expanding its range of sporty GTX models alongside the ID.3, ID.4, ID.5 and ID.7 Tourer.

Electric all-wheel drive: The new ID. Buzz GTX is equipped with two electric motors – both together form all-wheel drive. The top speed of the GTX models is electronically limited to 160 km/h. The electric motors are supplied with energy by batteries in two sizes, which can be recharged from 10 to 80 percent in 26 minutes at DC fast charging stations with up to 185 kW or 200 kW (maximum charging capacity).

GTX towing capacity: Thanks to an extra power and the 4MOTION drive system, the ID. Buzz GTX offers a higher maximum trailer weight: the version with normal wheelbase can effortlessly pull up to 1,800 kg (braked, 8 per cent gradient), while the ID. Buzz GTX with long wheelbase has a maximum towing capacity of 1,600 kg. The maximum trailer weight was thus increased by 800 kg and 600 kg respectively. The 4MOTION system offers great traction advantages when towing a trailer on wet or loose surfaces in particular. The new ID. Buzz GTX is therefore an ideal towing vehicle – for example, for boat or horse trailers, which are often moved on slippery ground.

GTX exterior: The ID. Buzz GTX is characterised by an individualised front end. A bumper in GTX styling with a black air intake grille in honeycomb design and new side air guide elements also ensure a dynamic, distinctive appearance. New daytime running lights are integrated into the bumper on the left and right. All black body elements such as the new air intake grille, air guide elements, GTX lettering and the exterior mirror housings are finished in high-gloss black. In addition, the Solna 20-inch alloy wheel is standard equipment for the ID. Buzz GTX. The range of GTX wheel rims is supplemented by two new 21-inch alloy wheels. Always fitted as standard are IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights. A new paint finish in the colour Cherry Red is offered exclusively for the ID. Buzz GTX. This red will be configurable as a solid paint finish and optionally in combination with Mono Silver metallic as a two-tone paint finish.

GTX interior: Volkswagen has also customised the interior equipment. Dark tones underline the sporty character of the most powerful ID. Buzz. For example, both ID. Buzz GTX versions are the only models in the product line to be equipped with a black headliner. The seats also feature the specific GTX design. Electrically adjustable comfort seats with memory function are used in the front. The seats are enhanced by covers in black ArtVelours Eco microfleece with a new diamond pattern as well as red contrasting seams and red piping. Red cross-stitching is a distinctive feature on the multifunction steering wheel, which is refined by a red application on the centre trim and the GTX lettering integrated there in chrome.

GTX passenger compartment: The ID. Buzz GTX with standard wheelbase is available as a five-seater with a 40:60 split three-seat bench in the second row (2/3) or as a six-seater with two individual seats each in the second and third rows (2/2/2). The long-wheelbase ID. Buzz GTX will also launch as a five-seater with a three-seat bench (2/3) and as a six-seater (2/2/2). This version will additionally be offered as a seven-seater with a three-seat bench in the second row and two individual seats in the third row (2/3/2). Depending on the model, the seats in the second row can be moved longitudinally by 150 mm (standard wheelbase) or 200 mm (long wheelbase).

GTX luggage compartment: The luggage compartment volume of the ID. Buzz GTX (standard wheelbase) as a five-seater is between 1,121 litres (loaded to the upper edge of the rear seat backrests) and 2,123 litres (rear bench seat folded down, loaded up to the upper edge of the front seat backrests). The extended ID. Buzz GTX is even more spacious: when loaded up to the upper edge of the backrests of the second row of seats, a capacity of 1,340 litres is available. If the large ID. Buzz GTX is loaded right up to the first row of seats, the volume increases to 2,469 litres. Even when occupied by seven people, there is still 306 litres of load space available behind the third row of seats in the long GTX. Depending on the seat configuration, both ID. Buzz GTX models can be equipped with a long or short Multiflex board (including two folding boxes). The Multiflex board creates a second loading level and – when the rear seats are folded down – a flat load area.

New hardware and software plus ChatGPT: A major hardware and software update for the product line will be incorporated into the GTX models. New on board are a head-up display (optional) and the next generation of infotainment systems (standard) with new menu navigation and graphics as well as fast processor power. The system’s touchscreen is now 12.9 inches in size instead of 12.0 inches (33 cm diagonal instead of 30 cm). Also new are the illuminated touch bar for temperature and volume control. The new IDA voice assistant is operated with natural voice commands. It not only allows control of numerous vehicle functions, but also provides answers to general knowledge questions using the online connection to databases such as Wikipedia. The innovative IDA voice assistant additionally features ChatGPT integration (AI/artificial intelligence). Another new feature is a Wellness app that uses preconfigured programmes to adjust various vehicle functions to improve well-being while driving or charging. The exit warning system is another new addition. This warns of motorised vehicles and bicycles approaching from the rear when a door is opened.

Samba bus of a new era: From now on, the ID. Buzz with long wheelbase will be available with the panoramic sunroof with smart glass as an option. The multi-layered smart glass has an integrated liquid crystal film and can be electronically switched so that it is transparent or opaque. The largest panoramic sunroof ever used in a Volkswagen evokes memories of the legendary "Samba Bus" and transfers the typical roof windows of the classic car into the present.

GTX concept: Since 2021, the sportiest models of the all-electric ID. series have carried the GTX label – in reference to the dynamic VW models with the designations GTI, GTD or GTE. Including the new ID. Buzz GTX, a total of five ID. models will be available to the GTX range soon. 

Articles source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

Volkswagen is expanding its range of sporty GTX models. As a double world premiere, the new ID.3 GTX and ID.7 GTX Tourer models are now the first to make their debut. The two highly dynamic Volkswagen models will be launched soon with an individual exterior design, including their own front and rear light signatures, sporty design details in the interior and powerful performance drives. The sportiest models from the all-electric ID. product line have already borne the GTX label since 2021 – based on the dynamic Volkswagen models with the designations GTI, GTD or GTE.

GTX success story. The sporty and dynamic GTX models offer a completely unique and particularly fascinating type of electric mobility. The fact that every fifth newly registered ID.4 and ID.5 in Europe is already a GTX model shows just how popular this is with customers. Volkswagen has now transferred the successful driving dynamics to the ID.3 GTX and ID.7 GTX Tourer – with an individual technical setup in each case.

The character of the ID.3 GTX. Volkswagen will launch the rear-wheel drive ID.3 GTX in two variants. The top-of-the-line model is the ID.3 GTX Performance – a snappy, compact sports car. Kai Grünitz, Member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management responsible for Development, says: “With its spontaneous and superior power delivery, the new ID.3 GTX Performance is for me the electric counterpart to our sporty compact icon, the Golf GTI Clubsport. Of course, an electric drive and a turbocharged petrol engine each have their own unique character. Yet the ID.3 GTX Performance and the Golf GTI Clubsport share the same fascinating lightness when they accelerate.” Grünitz continues: “With the ID.3 GTX, Volkswagen is transferring the almost 50-year tradition of its compact GT models into the world of electric mobility. Driving pleasure is guaranteed.”

The design and equipment of the ID.3 GTX. The ID.3 GTX stands out from all other models in the product line thanks to its individualised exterior design. The GTX-specific front bumper features a new independent black air intake in a diamond-style design and has new daytime running lights on the left and right. The black elements of the body have a high-gloss finish. This additionally applies to the newly designed side sills and the new lower area of the rear end with diffuser.

Also new are the 20-inch Skagen alloy wheels fitted as standard. A host of GTX-specific features customise the vehicle interior. With their ergonomic design, premium sports seats (in fabric and leatherette) equipped as standard underline the sporty character of the most powerful ID.3 models. Another classic GTX design element: red decorative stitching on the seats and multifunction steering wheel. The high-quality cockpit surface is also GTX-specific. The more powerful ID.3 GTX Performance comes with DCC adaptive chassis control.

The character of the ID.7 GTX Tourer. Pre-sales of the new ID.7 Tourer started only last week – and now the new ID.7 GTX Tourer is already making its debut as the most powerful model in the product line. Like the ID.4 GTX and ID.5 GTX, it has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system that can drive the front axle in parallel with the rear axle. Kai Grünitz: “The ID.7 GTX Tourer paves the way for a new type of sporty mobility by combining the spaciousness of a large estate with the performance of a sports car. What is fascinating here is the instantaneous punch with which the electric motors provide their maximum output and torque in fractions of a second.”

The design and equipment of the ID.7 GTX Tourer. The front of the ID.7 GTX Tourer is distinguished from the other models in the product line by a distinctive bumper with honeycomb grille and GTX-specific light graphics including illuminated badges. As with the ID.3 GTX, all black elements have a high-gloss finish. This additionally applies to the side sills and the lower area of the rear bumper in GTX design. As on the ID.3 GTX, 20-inch Skagen alloy wheels are fitted as standard on the ID.7 GTX Tourer. The interior is refined by features such as individualised seats (heated in the front) with perforated GTX lettering in the backrests, red piping on the seats, red seams on the dash panel and door trims as well as a GTX-specific multifunction steering wheel with red decorative stitching. The luggage compartment capacity of up to 1,714 litres is just as large as for the rear-wheel drive variants.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com