In 1989, Volkswagen surprised the automotive world at the Geneva Motor Show with the “Montana” concept. This wasn’t your typical sleek sports car or practical sedan; it was an off-road variant of the Golf Mark 2, boasting a lifted suspension and all-wheel drive. Initially, the Montana concept was not intended for production. However, the overwhelming positive response and significant demand from dealerships convinced Volkswagen to take a leap of faith. This bold move gave birth to the Volkswagen Golf Country in 1990, a vehicle that would unexpectedly become a forerunner in the crossover SUV category, predating even the Toyota RAV4, a mass-market CUV pioneer, by four years.
An Unconventional Birth for an Unconventional Golf
The production process of the Golf Country was as unique as the vehicle itself. Standard all-wheel-drive Golf Syncro models were manufactured in Germany and then shipped to Steyr-Daimler-Puch in Graz, Austria. This specialized manufacturer, renowned for building robust vehicles like the Steyer Puch Halflinger and the original Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, was contracted to perform the transformation. It was in Austria that the Golf Syncro was reborn as the Golf Country.
Steyr-Daimler-Puch engineers implemented a clever design using a largely tubular lower subframe to elevate the Golf. This innovative approach resulted in a significant lift of 4.72 inches, providing the Golf Country with an impressive ground clearance of over seven inches. In total, a remarkable 438 unique parts were integrated into each Golf Syncro to achieve the distinctive Golf Country specification. These modifications included a revised suspension system tailored for off-road conditions, robust front and rear bumper bars for added protection, a rear-mounted spare tire carrier to enhance its adventurous look, four auxiliary front lights for improved visibility, and comprehensive underbody armor, extending even to protective sleeves for the four outboard constant-velocity joints. The pictured 1990 model showcases aftermarket additions such as a Thule roof rack and PIAA light bar, further emphasizing its adventurous spirit.
Driving the VW Golf Country: Charm and Capability
While the added weight from these off-road enhancements might suggest a sluggish performance from the Golf Country’s 1.8-liter 97-horsepower engine, the driving experience tells a different story. The gearing, slightly lower than that of a front-wheel-drive Mark 2 Golf, provides the four-cylinder engine with surprising responsiveness and sufficient power for everyday driving. The Golf Country is not going to challenge a Golf GTI in a race, but its capabilities lie elsewhere. It confidently navigates uneven terrains and bumpy roads, absorbing imperfections with remarkable ease.
Drivers accustomed to modern Volkswagens might notice pronounced body roll when cornering, a characteristic that adds to the Golf Country’s unique personality. It’s a Golf that embraces leaning into turns, contributing to a driving experience that is undeniably charming, even three decades later. The Vw Golf Country delivers a blend of nostalgic driving feel and unexpected off-road competence.
Rarity and Special Editions: The Collectible Golf Country
The Volkswagen Golf Country is a rare find, with only 7,735 units produced over a brief two-year period from 1990 to 1991. Among these limited numbers, special editions are even more scarce and highly sought after by collectors. The “Chrome” edition, for example, featured distinctive chrome trim on the retrofitted tubular steel bumpers and wheels, along with an upgraded, more refined interior. Only 558 Golf Country Chrome editions were manufactured, commanding a premium price over the standard, already relatively expensive, utility model.
Even rarer was the “Wolfsburg Edition,” equipped with the more powerful 16-valve GTI engine, offering enhanced performance. Despite being legally importable into the U.S., only a handful of Golf Country models, in any trim, are believed to exist in the United States, making them a true automotive rarity and a testament to Volkswagen’s willingness to explore unconventional paths in vehicle design. The VW Golf Country remains a fascinating chapter in Volkswagen Golf history, showcasing an early and adventurous foray into the crossover market.
