Volkswagen Have Unveiled a New Version of the Iconic VW Golf to Celebrate a Half Century Since It Rolled Off the Production Line.

The legendary Volkswagen Golf is 50 years old this year and what better way to mark the occasion than with the unveiling of a new version which, just like its predecessors, brings numerous innovations into series production to wow motorists in Wales and across the world.

When the first Golf rolled off the production line at the Volkswagen factory in Wolfsburg on 29th March 1974, nobody could have predicted the global best-seller status that this compact car would achieve – particularly as it had so much to live up to as the successor to the all-conquering Beetle.

From the get-go, the Golf sparked an automotive revolution with its front-mounted engine, front-wheel drive and straight-line design featuring a tailgate and folding rear seat backrest that appealed to drivers seeking both practicality and flexibility. Such was its instant popularity that the first million units sold as early as 1976.

Five decades and eight generations later, with 37 million sales to its name, the Golf has become the most successful Volkswagen and best-selling European car of all-time – a true icon in its own right. In statistical terms, the figures are mightily impressive and equate to over 2,000 people worldwide buying a new Golf every single day for the last 50 years.

No matter which generation – the secret of success was and still is the Golf’s ability to blend affordable mobility with an ever-evolving high standard of technology ensuring that it has always been a perfect companion for everyday life, embodying versatility, functionality, reliability and quality. With each new model generation, state-of-the-art technologies, safety concepts and convenience features have been incorporated into the compact class.

Developments such as the monitored catalytic converter and anti-lock braking system, but also airbags, cruise control and electronic assist systems as well as mild and plug-in hybrid drives have meant that the Golf has led the way and been at the forefront of innovation for half a century.

During that time, the Golf portfolio has expanded with a host of exciting derivatives such as the Estate, Cabriolet and Sportsvan, the all-electric e-Golf and sporty models bearing the renowned GTI, GTD, GTE or flagship R badging – all of which have helped to widen appeal and win admiration from the international motoring press which has bestowed countless awards on the range.

Almost 50 years to the day since the very first series Golf was built, the first car from the technically and visually revamped eighth model generation line – a Golf Style in anemone blue metallic – rolled off the production line in Wolfsburg to begin a new chapter in the legend’s history.

Now available to order from Sinclair Volkswagen retailers, the 2024 Golf is easily recognised by its modified front end. Visually defining features include the Volkswagen logo, which is illuminated for the first time on the model, plus newly designed LED headlights. The top-of-the-range IQ.LIGHT – LED matrix headlights incorporate a new high-performance main beam with a range of up to 500 metres.

Inside, the model series features a newly developed, intuitive infotainment system with a free-standing touchscreen that is ergonomically optimised with illuminated touch sliders for temperature and volume control at its base. Also new are the enhanced multi-function steering wheel and new IDA voice assistant which integrates the artificial-intelligence-based chatbot ChatGPT for the first time.

This ingenious addition to the Golf’s specification can not only be used to control functions such as the air conditioning system, telephone or navigation system but also enables occupants to access online information and have researched content read aloud to them while travelling – from the weather forecast and flight details to general knowledge questions.

Among the other new driver assist systems being introduced are enhanced parking functions. Park Assist Pro makes its Golf debut and permits owners to guide their vehicle in and out of parking spaces using their smartphone. Meanwhile the new Area View system provides a 360-degree all-round view by merging four cameras, with the corresponding image relayed to the infotainment system touchscreen thus making it much easier to see kerbs and parking space markings.

Golf fans will be spoilt for choice by the range of powertrain options on offer. The new plug-in hybrid drives offer increased power and an electric range of about 60 miles and are additionally equipped with a DC quick-charging function whilst the famed Golf GTI has become even sportier with added power compared to its predecessor.

Life, Match, and Style trims for the Golf; Hatch, Life, and Style trims for the Estate as well as Golf R-Line models were the first models to go on sale and order books have subsequently been opened for eHybrid, GTI and GTE versions. Prices start from £27,035 on-the-road.

Sinclair Volkswagen retailers in Newport, Cardiff, Bridgend, Port Talbot, Swansea and Neyland are all reporting significant interest so please contact your nearest location for further information or visit www.sinclairvolkswagen.co.uk to find out more.