The countdown continues for the Eighth generation of the golf, in the interim, we look back at noteable models and tech.

• Golf made airbags and ESC the norm
• Golf assistance systems defuse critical situations

For more than four decades,Golf technologies have been mirrored in the automotive world. What's more: Volkswagen has democratised progress with these innovations. 

In particular, thanks to the Golf, safety systems are no longer the privilege of a few, but an expected feature for all. 

It started with basics such as appropriate headrests and a secure chassis. This was followed by crash- optimised bodywork, airbags and ABS. 

Electronic stability control (ESC) first appeared in 1998 and is still helping drivers today to keep control of the vehicle in potentially dangerous situations. The next stage was innovative assistance systems which created a safety revolution: from City Emergency Braking which anticipates dangers in city traffic and prevents collisions, to the Blind Spot Monitor which takes away the threat of the blind spot. 

The Golf's assistance systems are wide-ranging. Now the countdown for the Golf update is under way – and this will once again make the road safer.

Significant Golf safety systems from four decades at a glance:

• Neutral front-wheel drive – Golf MkI, 1974
• Three-point automatic seat belts and headrests on all Golf cars – Golf MkII, 1976
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS) – Golf MkII, in “syncro” for the first time, 1986
• Driver and passenger airbags – Golf MkIII, 1992
• ABS as standardon all Golf cars – Golf MkIII, 1996
• Electronic stability control (ESC) – Golf MkIV, 1998
• Brake Assist – Golf MkIV, 1999
• ESC first in Germany as standard on all Golf cars – Golf MkIV, 1999
• Crash-optimised pedal clusters (COF) – GolfMkV, 2003.
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), knee airbags – Golf MkVI, 2008.
• ACC with Front Assist plus City Emergency Braking – Golf MkVII, 2012.
• Automatic Post-CollisionBrakingSystem, Proactive Occupant Protection System
• Golf MkVII, 2012.
• Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Traffic Alert – Golf Sportsvan, 2014.