The 2021 Gol arrived discreetly and without much fanfare. Just after turning 20, the model, once considered a favorite by many, lost its value and status as a popular car, which doesn't mean it's not a functional vehicle. 

To keep you informed, we at Senhor Carros are going to take a trip down memory lane and show you the history of this forty-year-old car, as well as what's new in the 2021 model.

Intrigued? Then be sure to check out the following article! 

As mentioned in May, the Volkswagen model It turned 40 years old. That's an age that no one can find fault with; after all, few cars have managed to stay on the market for that long without being discontinued. 

With that in mind, we've created a timeline highlighting the Gol's greatest achievements in its nearly half-century of existence. 

1980: Designed to be the successor to the Beetle as the automaker's flagship car, the Gol was launched to compete in the market against the Fiat 147 and the Chevrolet Chevette. The model was equipped with a 1.3-liter air-cooled engine producing 42 horsepower.

1981: The sedan version of the Gol, the famous Voyage, is launched with a 1.5 water-cooled engine, a spacious trunk, and a distinctive look. That same year, the Gol began to be equipped with a new 1.6 engine, still air-cooled. 

1982: The Parati is launched, retaining the Voyage's engine but with an even larger trunk. The engine is the same as the Voyage's. Also in 1982, the automaker launches the Saveiro on the same platform. 

1984: The Gol GT is launched, the first sporty version of the hatchback, equipped with a 1.8 water-cooled engine with 99 horsepower, firmer suspension and sport seats. 

1987: With 1.6 and 1.8 AP engines, the Gol, Voyage, and Paraty underwent their first restyling, gaining new headlights, bumpers, and taillights. 

1988: Volkswagen launches the Gol GTI, which was the first Brazilian-made car with electronic fuel injection. The model was equipped with a 2.0 AP engine producing 112 horsepower. 

1991: The model undergoes its last restyling, gaining the front end that is still known today as the "Chinese" front. 

1992: The first Gol 1000 is launched.

1994: To compete with the Fiat Uno and the Chevrolet Corsa, the Gol reached its second generation, popularly known as the "bolinha" (little ball). The exterior and cabin architecture were new. Its engines were a 1.0 with 50 horsepower, a 1.6 with 76 horsepower, and a 1.8 with 91 horsepower. In this year, the Voyage was also discontinued. 

1999: The second generation, which still used the platform of the first, underwent another visual renovation and was named G3, making the entire optical assembly straighter and more aligned. Inside, the highlight was the instrument panel, very similar to those used by Audi vehicles at the time. The following year, the Gol and Parati received a 1.0 turbo engine. 

2003: The first Gol Total Flex, the first flex-fuel car in Brazil, is launched.

2006: The 2006 model year begins to be marketed as the G4, although it doesn't undergo a true restyling. The previously straight headlight assembly returns to having rounded contours. 

2008: The exterior and interior designs undergo significant changes, and the 1.0 and 1.6 engines from the EA 111 family are introduced. Production of the Voyage resumes.

2009: The design update arrives for the Saveiro, which gains a new version with an extended cab. Gol and Voyage get the I-Motion automated transmission;

2011: The Gol celebrates 25 years of leadership in the national market. The brand creates a special edition for 2012.

2012: The Gol undergoes another restyling and begins to resemble the Fox. The model also gains the Bluemotion eco-friendly version.

2014: The Rallye version debuts with a 1.6-liter, 120-horsepower engine. In the same year, the Gol's reign as sales leader comes to an end, with the Fiat Palio taking over the position.

2016: The Gol abandons the 1.0 4-cylinder engine and makes way for the arrival of the 1.0 3-cylinder engine. The design undergoes minor tweaks and a new multimedia system is offered as an optional item. 

2020: Model celebrates 40 years of life, still with plenty of energy left in her. 

The main new feature of the 2021 Gol was the adoption of safety items considered mandatory for the Brazilian market. In other words, the automaker was obligated to include this equipment. 

Starting with the 2021 model, the Gol will feature three-point seat belts and headrests for all occupants, in addition to the Isofix fastening system for child car seats. 

As you can see, the 2021 Gol is a bit more robust, and this is the result of a slight restyling adopted last year. The front end was redesigned and now features the same design used in the old Gol Track and the Saveiro (which was the first to feature these lines). 

Also on the exterior, the hood is higher and has striking creases, with larger, more angular headlights connected to the new, wider grille. The bumper has also been restyled, placing the fog lights in a higher position. 

The sides remain unchanged. The only alteration is the new alloy wheels and hubcaps. The rear, however, has not undergone any modifications. 

Inside, the updates include finishing details, with new graphics for the instrument panel and new upholstery options for the seats. In addition, the 2021 Gol received a new limited-edition optional package called Urban Completo II.

This package includes a number of items, such as parking sensors, a flip key, a steering column with height and depth adjustment, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, fog lights, power windows and locks, and 15-inch wheels. The package costs approximately R$ 3,000. 

In addition to these interior updates, the multimedia system is another item that draws a lot of attention. 

In terms of engine options, the 2021 Gol has the same choices as the previous model: one 1.0 engine and two 1.6 engines. 

The 1.0 engine has three cylinders and 12 valves, with components made of aluminum, an independent cooling system for the block and cylinder head, dual variable valve timing, and a starting system that eliminates the need for a separate gasoline tank for cold starts.

This engine produces 75 horsepower on gasoline and 82 horsepower on ethanol. It has a five-speed manual transmission. 

The first 1.6 engine is the well-known 8V MSI flex four-cylinder, capable of producing 101 horsepower on gasoline and 104 horsepower on ethanol. For this engine, only one type of transmission is available: a 5-speed manual, which is also used in the 1.0 version.

Finally, the second engine option is the modern 16V MSI Flex four-cylinder engine that equips the Polo, Virtus, and Saveiro Cross. Belonging to the modern EA-211 family, this engine features an aluminum block and cylinder head, four valves per cylinder, and dual variable valve timing on the intake. 

This more modern engine delivers 110 horsepower with gasoline and 120 horsepower with ethanol, and is coupled to a six-speed Aisin AQ160 6F automatic transmission with torque converter.

Gear changes can be made using a lever or shift paddles behind the steering wheel. There is also a sport driving mode. 

The 2021 Gol comes in the following versions:

Equipped with a 1.0 flex 3-cylinder engine with 75/82 horsepower and a 5-speed manual transmission, this version comes standard with the following features. 

ABS and EBD braking system, cold start system, emergency braking alert, 2 airbags – for driver and passenger, audible and visual seatbelt warning, roof antenna, air conditioning with dust and pollen filter, driver's seat with height adjustment, folding rear seat, keyless entry, seatbelts with pretensioners, external center pillar with black trim, rear window defroster, power steering, headlights with dark mask, rear window washer and wiper, high-mounted brake light, instrument panel with tachometer, speedometer with fuel level indicator, preparation for sound system, fabric seat upholstery, 14-inch steel wheels, slate wheel covers, cell phone holder, 12V socket in the center console, power door locks and front windows. 

Equipped with a 1.6 flex engine producing 101/104 horsepower and a 5-speed manual transmission, this version features the same standard equipment as the previous version, plus 15-inch wheels with Gabro hubcaps. 

This version is equipped with the new 1.6 engine producing 110/120 horsepower and a 6-speed automatic transmission, and includes the same standard features as the previous version, in addition to the automated transmission. 

All three versions can be turbocharged with three different packages offered by dealerships. The packages are:

This package includes an alarm system with remote control, rear parking sensor, front and rear lights, grab handles on the roof, adjustable steering column with reach adjustment, body-colored mirrors and door handles, electric side mirrors with integrated turn signals, fog lights, darkened taillights, sun visors with illuminated mirrors for the driver and passenger, 15-inch alloy wheels, power tailgate, power door locks, and power windows. 

This package is equipped with I-System with Eco-Comfort, on-board computer, 4 speakers and 2 tweeters, touchscreen sound system with App-connect, and a multifunction steering wheel with audio system controls.

And this most basic package includes 4 speakers, 2 tweeters, and the Media Plus infotainment system, with Bluetooth, MP3, and USB, SD-Card, and Aux-In inputs.

The 2021 Gol offers good performance with any of its engine options. The entry-level 1.0 compact engine shows good responsiveness in starts and accelerations, and could even be considered surprising. 

Running at around 3,000 rpm on the highway, it's possible to achieve excellent performance and fuel economy, as well as enough power to maintain momentum during overtaking maneuvers. 

As expected, the 1.6 engines offer satisfactory performance, with enough power to tackle hills and overtake on the road, but also, as anticipated, fuel consumption is higher than the 1.0. 

The average consumption figures are as follows:

Volkswagen Gol 1.0 manual

Volkswagen Gol 1.6 manual 

Volkswagen Gol 1.6 automatic

The dimensions of the 2021 Gol are as follows:

As expected, each version of the 2021 Gol has different prices, with the 1.0 being the... cheaper The 1.6 automatic is the most expensive. The prices are:

Although it lost its sales leadership in 2012 and has not yet regained the position, the 2021 Gol is the continuation of a much-loved model that is still appreciated by many people, and theoretically has a long lifespan ahead of it. 

However, predictions indicate that the model may be discontinued at the end of next year to make way for a compact SUV. Although the German automaker does not confirm this information, the truth is that to compete with rivals such as the Chevrolet Onix or the Hyundai HB20, the Gol would need to undergo some aesthetic restyling, in addition to mechanical changes. 

Now we want to know your opinion. What did you think of the 2021 Gol? Would you pay the amount the manufacturer is asking? Yes or no? Leave a comment with your answer. 

And since we're talking about Volkswagen's vehicle with the largest market presence, how about learning a little more about Fiat's car with the largest presence in the automotive market? We're talking, of course, about the Uno! Click the button below and read an article we wrote about the evolution of this popular car!