Happy 50th from OneShift's Volkswagen Golf Fans

It’s the 1970s. The long-running Volkswagen Beetle - a legend in its own right - served as the People’s Car well post-WWII, but it was high time for a more efficient front-engine, front-wheel drive package to carry the brand over the next few decades.

That car was the Golf, introduced in 1974. With its hatchback layout, it had a larger boot as well as a folding rear-seat backrest - more practical for growing families. It was an instant hit, suited for everyday life while being reliable and well-made.

Over 50 years, 8 generations of Golf were eventually made - sealing the legacy of the humble little hatchback forever. Of those 37 million units, a fair number went to enthusiasts who have enjoyed the Golf as it is or with hot GTI or R badges.

Here, we share the story of 3 members of the OneShift team who are all ex-Golf drivers, eager to pay their tribute to the icon.

Gerald Yuen, Content Producer, OneShift

Owned: Mk5 Golf GTI, Mk5 R32, Mk6 Golf

Gerald started his Golf story with the MkV in 2009. The favourite of boy racers of the era, the irresistible MkV Golf GTI was affordable, tunable and cutting-edge with its dual-clutch gearbox.

Gerald had one in Magic Black and changed the iconic red stripe of his car’s front grille to yellow, as was popular in the day.

He then moved on to the R32 as he wanted to try the venerable 3.2-litre VR6 engine. Such a large engine in a hatchback was something so unique he couldn’t resist. He also had a Mk6 Golf which impressed him with its fuel efficiency. He adds: “I like Golfs in all performance levels and form factors”.

James Wong, Automotive Editor, OneShift

Owned: Mk2 Golf GTI 8v, Mk5 GTI Golf x2

Like Gerald, James had the Mk5 Golf GTI - but it was his 2nd car. The reason he got it? A close shave with his very first car, a Mazda NA MX-5. “I was young and reckless back then - I was in Malaysia with the MX-5 on B-roads next to towering trucks, and one of them nearly ran me over. After that episode, I wanted something bigger and safer - so I looked at the Golf”.

After, he left to study in the UK where he started to look for cars to buy there. “It’s just hard to ignore, compared to prices back in Singapore,” he said. He ended up with something with a VW badge as well, this time a Golf Mk2 GTI 8v which he bought for 1500 pounds. Using it to drive to the evo Triangle, Wales, as well as car events, it was a special taste of British motoring in something familiar.

When he came back, he leaned towards a Golf again - a mint, one-owner MkV GTI in Tornado Red. He quipped: “It had only 73,000 km on the clock after a decade. I mean, could I say no?”

Wilson Tan, Senior Product and Engineering Manager, OneShift

Owned: Mk6 Golf GTI, Mk7 Golf GTI

The Mk6 Golf GTI was in Wilson’s hands only briefly but it was the car that began his love for the Golf. He first drove a friend’s Mk5 Golf GTI during his teenage years and fell in love with its handling, the DSG “farts” and refined engine.

So much so that many years later, his first car purchase would be a Mk6 Golf GTI. In fact, he enjoyed it so much that he bought the Mk7 Golf GTI after.

He bought it right before the COVID-19 lockdowns - but it was a blessing in disguise as the car was his way to unwind and escape from being stuck at home while doing grocery runs. The roads were also clear, allowing him to drive aimlessly around to enjoy the Mk7 Golf GTI. In fact, he liked it so much that he then bought another one-year left Mk7 Golf GTI as the previous one was going to expire!

What do they think of the Volkswagen Mk8 Golf?

All three ex-Golf owners got to check out the latest 8th generation Golf - and immediately, they were impressed by the car. "It's much more aesthetically pleasing, much sharper - very suited for the Singapore market," Gerald said.

James added: "It has a 1.5 eTSI engine that has more than enough power for Singapore traffic. It has really nice 18-inch rims as well."

When they sat in the interior, they praised the car's familiar ergonomics as well as the spacious rear seats with adjustable air-conditioning.

James concludes: "It's functional, very easy to use and enough space for the whole family - the Mk8 Golf continues to be a car well-loved by one and all".

Photos by Cheng Yuhung, Gerald Yuen, James Wong, Wilson Tan and Volkswagen

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