Volkswagen Golf I 1.1
A small hatchback that helped teach the world a new shape for the everyday family car.
1976 Volkswagen Golf I photographed in Australia. · ZidaneHartono · CC BY-SA 4.0 International
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More than a set of wheels.
Volkswagen began Golf production in March 1974 and sent the first cars to dealers in May. By 1976 the Golf was already a million-car success. This profile focuses on the basic European 1.1-litre version in 1976, not the faster GTI. Its engine sat sideways at the front and drove the front wheels, leaving useful room behind for people and luggage.
Look a little closer.
The first Golf was about 165 kilograms lighter than the Beetle it was designed to replace.
Photos show an example of the model or generation. The pictured vehicle’s year, equipment, or modifications can differ from the specification described here.
A clean-sheet successor
Volkswagen moved away from the Beetle’s rear engine and rounded body. Giorgetto Giugiaro and Italdesign shaped a crisp hatchback, while the engineers used water cooling, a transverse front engine and front-wheel drive. The change was much bigger than a new body style.
Source: Volkswagen Newsroom · Golf I ↗Small outside, flexible inside
The tailgate opened high and the rear seat folded, so the same car could carry a family or a bulky load. That useful two-box layout became a pattern copied by many later hatchbacks.
Source: Volkswagen Newsroom · Golf I, the pioneer ↗Where these facts come from
- Volkswagen Newsroom · Golf I profile
- Volkswagen Newsroom · Golf I engine versions
- Volkswagen Newsroom · Golf I vehicle data
- Volkswagen Newsroom · Golf I, the pioneer
Selected facts checked for this edition. Some source pages link to broader model families. Last reviewed September 29, 2026.