“Generation Golf” now definitely had more space in the Golf. Quote from the 1983 press folder: “The overall length has increased by 170 mm (3.99 m) and the vehicle has become 55 mm wider (1.42 m)”. Even though the new Golf generation had become considerably larger, Volkswagen was able to significantly improve the vehicle’s aerodynamics: the Cd value dropped from 0.42 to 0.34.

It is also a fact that the Golf Mk II set new technical benchmarks in the compact vehicle class. This vehicle generation saw the introduction of the catalytic converter (1984), anti-lock braking system (ABS, 1986) and power steering. The Golf was also available with all-wheel drive for the very first time (syncro, 1986). Additionally, the engine in the GTI was the first Golf engine with four-valve technology (1986).

1988 saw the sporty highlight of the series be released as the Rallye Golf G60, generating 160 PS and featuring a G-Lader supercharger. In that same year Golf production hit the 10 million mark: a tremendously high figure. In 1990 the all-wheel drive Golf Country also gave us the first taste of modern sport utility vehicles (SUV). From 1991 the Golf Mk II was not only assembled in Wolfsburg, but also at the new Mosel plant near Zwickau (Saxony).