The Golf Mk2: Changes in the Second Generation Golf

Volkswagen's second generation Golf model had some big shoes to fill, but not as big as the first model did. The original Golf had the daunting task of replacing the iconic Beetle. The "Bug" was synonymous with the brand and was the best selling car ever.

The big changes in the original Golf was moving from a rear engine air cooled design to one with a liquid cooled engine in the front. The car was so successful and well received that it has continued to hold this basic design up to today's model.

The Golf Mk2 was released in 1983 and remained in production until 1992. It was significantly larger than the Mk1, both in size and in spirit. The wheelbase was stretched and the interior volume grew substantially. This made the Mk2 a much more practical family car than the original.

The Mk2 also benefited from much improved build quality over the original. Volkswagen had developed their manufacturing techniques considerably in the intervening years, and this showed in the fit and finish of the Mk2. Wind noise and water ingress, which had been issues with the original, were much less of a problem with the second generation model.

In performance terms, the Mk2 GTI was initially offered with the same 1.8-litre, 112bhp engine as the late Mk1. Later versions got a 16-valve head which pushed power up to 139bhp, making it one of the quicker small cars of its day. A 1.8-litre 8v engine was also available for those who wanted GTI looks without quite the GTI performance.