The simple yet elegant Giugiaro styled Golf Mk1 was launched in June 1974 and immediately started to sell very well worldwide. It offered a new start for VW who shed their age-old Beetle derived image almost instantly in favour of a public perception based upon quality and reliability; something which they have to this day. Famously called the Rabbit in the USA many other VW Group cars used the Golf's 'A platform' including the Mk1 and 2 Sciroccos, Golf Cabriolet, Caddy pickup, Caribe and Jetta.
The Golf Mk1 was replaced by the Mk2 in 1983 but lived on in South Africa, finally ceasing production in November 2009.