We’ve been asking Volkswagen Golf owners what makes them tick about their car. In this series, we meet the people behind the builds, the drivers, dreamers and tinkerers, who’ve turned their Golfs into personal expressions.
After all, owning a Volkswagen Golf isn’t just about driving; it’s about being part of a community and a legacy. For many, the Golf is a connection to memories, family and a community that celebrates individuality and creativity. From your first Golf core memory to the day when you finally get your keys, being a Golf owner is a journey full of joy, tinkering and turbo sounds that never get old.
It’s a Golf Thing
First up, we meet William, whose lifelong love for Volkswagens was inspired by his dad’s Polos and the unmistakable charm of the MK4 Golf SE. Fast forward to today and William is living his childhood dream with his 2008 Golf GTI. With carefully chosen mods like air ride, an induction kit and an Edition 30-style front lip, he’s made the car uniquely his own while preserving what makes a Golf so special: its driver-focused dynamics and timeless appeal.
So, William, what made you pick a Volkswagen Golf in the first place? Was it love at first sight or more of a practical choice?
My love of VWs came from my dad, as growing up he had Polos and the one that did it for me was the MK4 Golf SE. I love that car a lot and from that day on my dream was to own a Golf of my own.
Which Golf do you drive (year/model), and what mods have you done so far?
I drive a 2008 Golf GTI. The mod list includes:
- Air ride
- Induction kit
- Edition 30 style front lip
- R32 style headlights
- Black Suede headliner
- 18-inch Dare wheels that will be changed for my first set of real wheels next year
What's the best part about driving a modified Golf?
Best part is just the joy it brings me being in one of the best hot hatches ever made and the fact that you don't have to do much to them to be a great driver's car.
Which upgrade/mod makes you smile the most when you’re behind the wheel?
The induction kit is the best part for me, getting to hear that turbo spool up and make all the cool noises just brings a massive smile to my face every day 😁
How does your Golf fit into your daily routine? Your commutes, meets, weekend fun, or just garage therapy?
I daily drive mine to work and back every day which is a 60-mile round trip, and it's been a champ. Golfs were built to be driven not sat in a garage so that's what I do.
Has a mod ever surprised you? Whether in performance, looks, or how much attention it gets?
The first time I ever aired out really made me stop and just think about the dream I had for years, owning my own Golf on air was always the goal so when I finally got there it was such an amazing feeling. I also love how it confuses people so much as I'm always being asked how I’m able to drive it so low 😂
Any memorable stories since modifying your Golf (a car meet, a race, a funny mishap, a proud moment)?
For me I'm always making memories in the Golf, but the best part is the friends I have made along the way. These cars bring people together from all ages. No matter how you like yours to look, the VW community are always happy to help you no matter what.
What’s the reaction you get most often when people see or hear your Golf?
I have styled my Golf on the Euro look that was massive in 2010, so I get a lot of people saying how cool it is to see that style come back which is amazing, as it was the style that really got me into loving VWs!
Are you already planning your next mod, or is your Golf finally ‘finished’ (if that’s ever possible)?
The Golf is never finished, there is always something to do. As for my next mod I haven’t really decided yet but that's all part of the fun. I don't force myself to do stuff to my car as that spoils the fun; you have to enjoy the build and enjoy all the small changes.
As William has illustrated, at the end of the day, a Golf isn’t just a car. It’s a lifestyle. Whether it’s the friendships forged at meets, the satisfaction of a perfectly fitted mod, or the daily drive with family that still feels special years later, the Golf represents something timeless for those who get it.
The Golf has always been the people’s car. Built to bring joy, reliability and connection to every kind of driver. From first cars to forever cars, from backroad adventures to nursery drop-offs, its role in a family has always been multifaceted. And that’s what makes it a truly special car. No matter the generation, the Volkswagen Golf brings people together, just as it always has.
- Volkswagen