Volkswagen Golf I (Mk1) photos

1974 — 1983 · hatchback, convertible

photos

specifications

50–110

8.6 s

best 0–100

Photos

1976

1976

1976

1976

1976

I (1976) & VI (2010)

I (1976) & VI (2010)

I (1976), II (1983), III (1991)

Golf I GTI (1976)

Golf I GTI (1976)

Golf I GTI (1976)

I (1979)

I (1979)

Golf I — 1974

Golf I — 1974

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About this generation

The first generation Volkswagen Golf, introduced in 1974, created the modern front-wheel-drive hatchback segment and became an iconic model for the brand.

The first generation Volkswagen Golf (Typ 17) was officially introduced in May 1974 as the revolutionary successor to the air-cooled Beetle. Designed by Italdesign under the guidance of Giorgetto Giugiaro, the car brought a modern transverse engine layout paired with front-wheel drive. It quickly captured global market success owing to its compact exterior dimensions, surprisingly practical cabin layout, and low running costs. Body options included three-door and five-door hatchbacks, complemented by a distinctive roll-bar cabriolet introduced in 1979.

Engine choices encompassed carbureted gasoline units from 1.1 to 1.8 liters, alongside naturally aspirated and turbocharged 1.5 and 1.6-liter diesels. The launch of the hot Golf GTI in 1976, powered by a 110 hp fuel-injected 1.6-liter engine, defined an entirely new high-performance compact segment. Over its production lifecycle, the Mk1 received updated safety features and plastic bumper trims before European production concluded in 1983.

Specifications

29 in 2 body styles

Hatchback 17 18 specifications

3705 mm145.9 in

Length

1610 mm63.4 in

Width

1410 mm55.5 in

Height

2400 mm94.5 in

Wheelbase

350 l12.4 cu ft

Trunk

Petrol

1.1

50hp(37 kW)

1.1 l 4-speed manual FWD 0–100 16.5 s

1974–1979

Torque: 77 Nm (57 lb-ft)
Top speed: 140 km/h (87 mph)
Displacement: 1093 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: FA
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 750 kg (1653 lb)
Fuel tank: 45 l (11.9 gal US)

1.1

50hp(37 kW)

1.1 l 4-speed manual FWD 0–100 16.8 s

1979–1983

Torque: 80 Nm (59 lb-ft)
Top speed: 142 km/h (88 mph)
Displacement: 1093 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: GG
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 790 kg (1742 lb)
Fuel tank: 40 l (10.6 gal US)

1.3

59hp(44 kW)

1.3 l 4-speed manual FWD 0–100 14.2 s

1979–1983

Torque: 95 Nm (70 lb-ft)
Top speed: 150 km/h (93 mph)
Displacement: 1272 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: GF
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 800 kg (1764 lb)
Fuel tank: 40 l (10.6 gal US)

1.5

68hp(51 kW)

1.5 l 4-speed manual FWD 0–100 13.0 s

1974–1975

Torque: 114 Nm (84 lb-ft)
Top speed: 160 km/h (99 mph)
Displacement: 1471 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: FH
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 790 kg (1742 lb)
Fuel tank: 45 l (11.9 gal US)

1.5

68hp(51 kW)

1.5 l 3-speed automatic FWD 0–100 15.5 s

1974–1975

Torque: 114 Nm (84 lb-ft)
Top speed: 155 km/h (96 mph)
Displacement: 1471 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: FH
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 810 kg (1786 lb)
Fuel tank: 45 l (11.9 gal US)

1.5

68hp(51 kW)

1.5 l 4-speed manual FWD 0–100 13.0 s

1977–1983

Torque: 110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
Top speed: 158 km/h (98 mph)
Displacement: 1457 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: JB
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 805 kg (1775 lb)
Fuel tank: 45 l (11.9 gal US)

1.5

68hp(51 kW)

1.5 l 5-speed manual FWD 0–100 13.2 s

1979–1983

Torque: 110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
Top speed: 158 km/h (98 mph)
Displacement: 1457 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: JB
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 815 kg (1797 lb)
Fuel tank: 40 l (10.6 gal US)

1.5

68hp(51 kW)

1.5 l 3-speed automatic FWD 0–100 15.5 s

1977–1983

Torque: 110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
Top speed: 154 km/h (96 mph)
Displacement: 1457 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: JB
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 830 kg (1830 lb)
Fuel tank: 40 l (10.6 gal US)

1.6

74hp(55 kW)

1.6 l 4-speed manual FWD 0–100 12.0 s

1975–1977

Torque: 119 Nm (88 lb-ft)
Top speed: 162 km/h (101 mph)
Displacement: 1588 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: FP
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 805 kg (1775 lb)
Fuel tank: 45 l (11.9 gal US)

1.6

74hp(55 kW)

1.6 l 3-speed automatic FWD 0–100 14.5 s

1975–1977

Torque: 119 Nm (88 lb-ft)
Top speed: 157 km/h (98 mph)
Displacement: 1588 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: FP
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 825 kg (1819 lb)
Fuel tank: 45 l (11.9 gal US)

1.6 GTI

109hp(81 kW)

1.6 l 4-speed manual FWD 0–100 9.0 s

1976–1979

Torque: 140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
Top speed: 182 km/h (113 mph)
Displacement: 1588 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: EG
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 810 kg (1786 lb)
Fuel tank: 45 l (11.9 gal US)

1.6 GTI

109hp(81 kW)

1.6 l 5-speed manual FWD 0–100 9.1 s

1979–1982

Torque: 140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
Top speed: 182 km/h (113 mph)
Displacement: 1588 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: EG
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 840 kg (1852 lb)
Fuel tank: 40 l (10.6 gal US)

1.8 GTI

110hp(82 kW)

1.8 l 5-speed manual FWD 0–100 8.6 s

1982–1983

Torque: 153 Nm (113 lb-ft)
Top speed: 186 km/h (116 mph)
Displacement: 1781 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: DX
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 860 kg (1896 lb)
Fuel tank: 40 l (10.6 gal US)

Diesel

1.5 D

50hp(37 kW)

1.5 l 4-speed manual FWD 0–100 18.0 s

1976–1980

Torque: 82 Nm (60 lb-ft)
Top speed: 140 km/h (87 mph)
Displacement: 1471 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: CK
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 835 kg (1841 lb)
Fuel tank: 45 l (11.9 gal US)

1.6 D

54hp(40 kW)

1.6 l 4-speed manual FWD 0–100 16.8 s

1980–1983

Torque: 100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
Top speed: 143 km/h (89 mph)
Displacement: 1588 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: CR
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 850 kg (1874 lb)
Fuel tank: 40 l (10.6 gal US)

1.6 D

54hp(40 kW)

1.6 l 5-speed manual FWD 0–100 16.8 s

1980–1983

Torque: 100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
Top speed: 143 km/h (89 mph)
Displacement: 1588 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: CR
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 840 kg (1852 lb)
Fuel tank: 40 l (10.6 gal US)

1.6 D

54hp(40 kW)

1.6 l 3-speed automatic FWD 0–100 20.5 s

1981–1983

Torque: 100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
Top speed: 138 km/h (86 mph)
Displacement: 1588 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: CR
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 865 kg (1907 lb)
Fuel tank: 40 l (10.6 gal US)

1.6 TD

68hp(51 kW)

1.6 l 5-speed manual FWD 0–100 13.5 s

1982–1983

Torque: 133 Nm (98 lb-ft)
Top speed: 160 km/h (99 mph)
Displacement: 1588 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: CY
Aspiration: turbo
Curb weight: 870 kg (1918 lb)
Fuel tank: 40 l (10.6 gal US)

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Convertible 155 11 specifications

3815 mm150.2 in

Length

1610 mm63.4 in

Width

1410 mm55.5 in

Height

2400 mm94.5 in

Wheelbase

280 l9.9 cu ft

Trunk

Petrol

1.5

68hp(51 kW)

1.5 l 4-speed manual FWD 0–100 14.3 s

Torque: 110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
Top speed: 150 km/h (93 mph)
Displacement: 1457 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: JB
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 910 kg (2006 lb)
Fuel tank: 40 l (10.6 gal US)

1.5

68hp(51 kW)

1.5 l 5-speed manual FWD 0–100 14.3 s

Torque: 110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
Top speed: 150 km/h (93 mph)
Displacement: 1457 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: JB
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 915 kg (2017 lb)
Fuel tank: 40 l (10.6 gal US)

1.5

68hp(51 kW)

1.5 l 3-speed automatic FWD 0–100 16.8 s

Torque: 110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
Top speed: 146 km/h (91 mph)
Displacement: 1457 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: JB
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 940 kg (2072 lb)
Fuel tank: 40 l (10.6 gal US)

1.6

74hp(55 kW)

1.6 l 4-speed manual FWD 0–100 13.5 s

1983–1983

Torque: 125 Nm (92 lb-ft)
Top speed: 154 km/h (96 mph)
Displacement: 1595 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: EW
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 930 kg (2050 lb)
Fuel tank: 40 l (10.6 gal US)

1.6

74hp(55 kW)

1.6 l 5-speed manual FWD 0–100 13.5 s

1983–1983

Torque: 125 Nm (92 lb-ft)
Top speed: 154 km/h (96 mph)
Displacement: 1595 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: EW
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 935 kg (2061 lb)
Fuel tank: 40 l (10.6 gal US)

1.6

74hp(55 kW)

1.6 l 3-speed automatic FWD 0–100 15.5 s

1983–1983

Torque: 125 Nm (92 lb-ft)
Top speed: 149 km/h (93 mph)
Displacement: 1595 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: EW
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 955 kg (2105 lb)
Fuel tank: 40 l (10.6 gal US)

1.8

89hp(66 kW)

1.8 l 5-speed manual FWD 0–100 11.2 s

1983–1983

Torque: 145 Nm (107 lb-ft)
Top speed: 164 km/h (102 mph)
Displacement: 1781 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: EX
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 950 kg (2094 lb)
Fuel tank: 40 l (10.6 gal US)

1.8

89hp(66 kW)

1.8 l 3-speed automatic FWD 0–100 13.0 s

1983–1983

Torque: 145 Nm (107 lb-ft)
Top speed: 159 km/h (99 mph)
Displacement: 1781 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: EX
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 975 kg (2150 lb)
Fuel tank: 40 l (10.6 gal US)

1.6 GLI

109hp(81 kW)

1.6 l 4-speed manual FWD 0–100 10.2 s

1979–1979

Torque: 140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
Top speed: 172 km/h (107 mph)
Displacement: 1588 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: EG
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 940 kg (2072 lb)
Fuel tank: 40 l (10.6 gal US)

1.6 GLI

109hp(81 kW)

1.6 l 5-speed manual FWD 0–100 10.2 s

1979–1982

Torque: 140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
Top speed: 173 km/h (107 mph)
Displacement: 1588 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: EG
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 945 kg (2083 lb)
Fuel tank: 40 l (10.6 gal US)

1.8 GLI

110hp(82 kW)

1.8 l 5-speed manual FWD 0–100 9.8 s

1982–1983

Torque: 153 Nm (113 lb-ft)
Top speed: 175 km/h (109 mph)
Displacement: 1781 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: DX
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 960 kg (2116 lb)
Fuel tank: 40 l (10.6 gal US)

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