THE END OF AN ERA

Picture this: after five decades and a whopping 37 million sales, Volkswagen has unveiled the latest and greatest Golf to the world. But hold onto your seats, folks, because this isn't just any old Golf – it's the swan song of the iconic hatchback as we know it. Yep, you heard that right. Say your goodbyes to the Golf we've all come to know and love, complete with its trusty piston engine and front-wheel drive. The Golf is dead, long live the Golf!

Now, before you start shedding tears into your cup of morning coffee, let's take a closer look at this final hurrah. Sure, it may seem like the end of an era, but fear not, for this latest iteration is more of a revamped version of its 2020 predecessor – think of it as the Golf 8.2, if you will. And let's not forget, the Golf 8 itself was essentially a souped-up version of its 2012 ancestor, which, might I add, was not only a stellar Golf but also a gem in the world of mass-production cars.

But let's rewind a bit and talk about the drama behind the scenes. Remember Herbert Diess, VW's big cheese at the time? Well, he was all about the ID.3 – you know, that blobby, electric ride that had everyone scratching their heads. Meanwhile, the Golf faithful were left twiddling their thumbs, craving something more, well, Golf-like. Enter Thomas Schäfer, the new sheriff in town, who thankfully understands the importance of holding onto beloved classics instead of tossing them aside like yesterday's news.

Ah, the Golf – a true marvel of automotive history. It's been the backbone of Volkswagen for a solid 50 years, offering top-notch mobility at prices that won't break the bank. As Schäfer puts it, "The Golf does not get any better than this." And hey, who are we to argue with that?

But what's next for our beloved Golf, you ask? Well, brace yourselves because the next chapter won't unfold until 2028, and spoiler alert: it's going electric. Of course, given VW's track record of zigzagging through promises like a lost puppy in a park, we'll just have to wait and see.

Now, let's rewind even further and dive into the origins of this automotive legend. Back in 1974, Volkswagen was in a bit of a pickle, desperately searching for a successor to the age-old Beetle. Sales were tanking, and all they had to show for it were a few lackluster prototypes and a whole lot of head-scratching. But fear not, dear readers, for salvation came in the form of a fateful trip to the Turin Auto Show, where the stars aligned, and the first Golf was born.

Oh, and let's not forget about the name – Golf. Why Golf, you ask? Well, there are a few theories floating around, ranging from winds and sports to, believe it or not, a horse named Golf. Yes, you heard that right – a horse named Golf.

Fast forward to today, and the Golf has evolved from a humble hatchback to the beating heart of the entire Volkswagen Group. It's inspired spin-offs like the Polo, Passat, and even Audi's posh lineup. And let's not forget about the GTI – the OG hot hatch that stole our hearts back in '76.

But alas, all good things must come to an end. As we bid adieu to the Golf we've come to know and love, let's raise a toast to its glorious past and the countless memories it's given us over the years. So, here's to you, Golf – you may be saying goodbye, but your legacy will live on forever in the annals of automotive history. Cheers!