THE GOLF that was a little bit COUNTRY
If you thought that the new T-Cross was Volkswagen’s first entry into the compactSUV-that’s-really-quite-at-homein-the-city segment, think again.
Way back in 1990, VW created the Golf Country, which was arguably its first SUV — at least an SUV as we think of it today. All-wheel drive was nothing new to the Golf at the time, but after a concept off-road-style version was shown at the 1989 Geneva Motor Show to an enthusiastic reception, VW put the Country into limited production the following year.
What must have seemed like an oddity at that time looks inescapably cool to modern eyes.
The Country models started life as regular Golfs off the Wolfsburg production line; they were then sent to Steyr-Daimler-Puch in Austria to be turned into SUVs.
The Golf Country was powered by a 1.8-litre engine and fivespeed manual transmission. Among the 438 new parts for the model were tubular bumpers front and rear, an external spare wheel carrier, fender flares and raised suspension.
The “Syncro” all-wheel drive system could send up to 50 per cent of power to the rear axle. Combined with the generous 210mm ground clearance, it actually had pretty decent offroad ability. Although it was also coveted as fashionable urban transport; so yes, it really was a modern SUV.
But also a rare one. Just 7735 Golf Country models were built between 1990-91.