Volkswagen’s Golf, the answer to many a question, turned 50 this year, as you’ll know if you follow the Golfing news. More remarkably, perhaps, the hatchback that almost started all hatchbacks is now in its eighth (and a half) generation, which perhaps explains why it’s so well preserved. But it’s not, surprisingly, the most reborn car nameplate ever, according to the internet. So it must be true. The answer to that you’ll find at the end. Not that I’m scared of losing you along the way or anything…
So everyone, a team challenge: name your favourite generation of Golf. Chances are, this being a site for car enthusiasts, you’ll say the Giugiaro original. Or if you’re Andrew Frankel, the 7.5. Mark four anyone…? Thought not. Could that be because when I say Golf you think GTI? Which, car folklore says, reached a low point with fourth-generation Golf. But if we exclude GTI derivatives, may the fourth be with you?
Terrible jokes aside, the Mk4 Golf, launched in 1997, left such a gulf (sorry, last one) over the Mk3 that the media reception at the time suggested there must have been a generational gap. More so because the Mk3.5 content was little more than some body-coloured bumpers. The new exterior styling was recognisably Golfy yet more mature and more elegant, taking clear inspiration from the crisp-cut B5 Passat that just preceded it.
