It was a heck of a ride for the Volkswagen Golf, but VW has announced that production of the fun and economical hatchback for the U.S. market has ended. The 2021 model will be its last.
The VW Golf came to the U.S. in 1974 and has sold 2.5 million models over nearly five decades. The hatchback, which has been available as a 2-door and 4-door over the years, was distinguished by its spry driving manners and high practicality. You can see what they looked like over the years in the slide show above.
With a starting price just over $23,000, it also brings European flair and driving manners to those of us on a budget. The current Golf is made at VW’s factory in Puebla, Mexico. Over the decades it has built everything from the classic Beetle to the forthcoming 2022 Volkswagen Taos small SUV.
From a business perspective it makes sense. Few new-car buyers are choosing small hatchbacks like the Golf, in favor of crossover SUVs such as the VW Tiguan and the new Taos.
But wait — the VW Golf story isn’t all lost
Two things to note if this news of the Golf makes you bummed.
The first is that if you want to buy a new one, you still can. VW says there should be enough Golfs to sustain sales through the end of this year.
The second brings even more hope, especially if you are a fan of “hot hatches.” The Golf family name will carry on for an 8th generation with the all-new Golf GTI and Golf R. These sporty and high-performance models are set to arrive this fall. They are basically Golf hatchback models with souped-up performance. That’s a win-win in our book.
Back in the present, the 2021 VW Golf is being offered in one trim but is still available with an automatic or manual transmission.
