The Volkswagen GTI

I'm a huge fan of the Volkswagen GTI. Specifically the first generation with its blocky simple styling and playful demeanor. In my opinion, the first GTI set the benchmark for driving dynamics in any front wheel drive car until the Acura integra type R was introduced. The Volkswagen Rabbit was introduced by Volkswagen in 1974 as a successor to the iconic air cooled Beetle. This marked the fourth time Volkswagen tried to introduce a successor to the beetle. In the 36 years and six generations since its introduction, the Rabbit (also known as Golf andCaribe) has sold more then 25 million units worldwide. That makes the Rabbit the third most successful consumer vehicle ever. The first Volkswagen GTI was unveiled one year later at the Frankfurt Motor show in 1975. That first GTI was powered by a 1,588cc four cylinder engine which produced 110 metric horsepower. No one could have guessed that the diminutive little german hatchback would become the blueprint for all of the hot hatches on the market today.

The First generation of GTI gained a cult following here in the United States and around the world (myself included). The mix of high revving four cylinder engines and the well sorted chassis made for a chuckable terrier like demeanor which endeared the car to its owners. The Mark 1 GTI has a fanatical fan base, who work hard to keep their vehicles on the road. Elements like the spartan interior and golf ball shifter gave the car a focused feeling. A zero to sixty time of nine seconds doesn't sound too swift, but the rev happy four cylinder always keeps things interesting.

In 1984 the second generation GTI was introduced. The gen II GTI was built on an all new architecture. It gained weight and power subsequently. The budding GTI fan base continued to snap them up as quickly as Volkswagen could manage to produce them. These GTI's were powered by 1,781cc four cylinder engines, producing 112 metric horsepower. The front end has a more aggressive look then the first generation cars. The quad headlamps make it look rally inspired. Volkswagen rolled out a very limited production version of the MKII GTI called the G60. They bolted a single scroll supercharger onto the basic GTI engine, and boosted output to 160 metric horsepower. Unfortunately, the G60 was only available in the German market.

The 1990's saw the introduction of the Mark III GTI. Unfortunately, this third generation failed to live up to the reputation established by its predecessors. By this time, competitors from Renault and Citroen were producing just as much power while carrying less weight and looking better. The GTI fan base did not take a liking for the third iteration of their beloved car. However, by 1993 Volkswagen introduced a new 16 valve four cylinder engine, which boosted power from an anemic 115 to a more respectable 150 metric horsepower. Sales never exceeded expectations, but the revised MK III GTI managed zero to sixty in a little over 8 seconds and a top speed slightly north of 130mph.

The 1998 introduction of a fourth generation GTI brought the enthusiasts back to their brand. The fourth generation GTI gained new, more aggressive bodywork, more advanced 2.0 and 2.8 liter engines produced much more power then the older VW group engines. This marked the first time Volkswagen offered a V6 option in a GTI. The GTI VR6 was only available with a manual transmission. I personally love the VR6 equipped 4th generation models. They are a great deal for anyone who might be looking for an R32, but can't necessarily afford one. The 1999-2000 model year saw the introduction of Volkswagen's new 1.8 liter FSI turbocharged four cylinder engine which produced 150 metric horsepower. The fourth generation had one major problem. Weight. The GTi weighed far more then its competitors at the time and lacked the reflexes needed to feel like a true hot hatch. In 2003 Volkswagen introduced a remedy in the form of the rare four wheel drive R32. Overall, the third and fourth iterations of the GTI failed to impress reviewers, but still sold in respectable numbers.

By 2004, the GTI was due for a refresh. In september of that year, Volkswagen showed the Mark V GTI. This car was powered by an updated 2.0L version of the FSI turbocharged four cylinder engine. Reviewers praised the fifth generation GTI for its direct steering and agility. It was still slower then its rivals in a straight line, but delivered superior driving dynamics. Volkswagen introduced a revolutionary new technology in this GTI. The DSG twin clutch gear box. Essentially a sequential gear box with preselected gears, waiting to be engaged. This technology made the GTI the most advanced and desirable vehicle in its class. Volkswagen also introduced a second generation R32 as part of the fifth generation GTI lineup.

I have driven the newest Mark VI GTI, and can say that it drives in a similar fashion to its older brother. The sixth generation car is powered by the same 2.0 liter four cylinder engine, backed by a DSG twin clutch gearbox , but it much more refined in its driving dynamics then the older car. It is still outperformed by the mazdaspeed 3, but I would rather drive the GTI on a day to day basis. What is your favorite GTI? Why does it appeal to you? What other hot hatches do you like?

I would like to make this a bit of a discussion board. I'm interested in seeing who the real GTI lovers out there are. Please leave comments and post links to useful sites for us GTI lovers!

If you enjoy this hub, go check out Dave-d's Hub about the History of the Volkswagen Golf!

You may also want to read My review of the Mini Clubman or My review of the Audi A8