Predecessor Volkswagen Beetle Successor Volkswagen Golf Mk2 Related Volkswagen Jetta Mk1 Volkswagen Scirocco Mk1/Mk2 Main article: Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit Mk1 In May 1974[3], Volkswagen presented the first-generation Golf as a modern front-wheel-drive, long-range replacement for the Volkswagen Beetle. Later Golf variations included the Golf GTI “hot hatch” (introduced in June, 1976), a Diesel-powered version (from September, 1976), the Jetta notchback saloon version (from October, 1979), the Golf Cabriolet (from January, 1980) and a Golf-based pickup, the Volkswagen Caddy. All variants proved instantly popular with the only notable technical flaw being the poor braking in RHD models, due to the master cylinder for the brakes being placed on the left for LHD cars, as Volkswagen never intended the Golf to be sold abroad. The Golf Mk1 was sold as the Volkswagen Rabbit in the United States and Canada, and as the Volkswagen Caribe in Mexico. A facelifted version of the Golf Mk1 was produced in South Africa as the Citi Golf from 1984-2009