A Brief History Of Golf Gti

By Author: Toby Sutton
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A Brief History Of Golf GTI

The Golf GTI is the pioneer in the stylish hatchbacks when it was introduced in 1976 and every other manufacturer followed to get their share in this sector. Now Volkswagen is going to launch MK 7 and hopes to rediscover the same market. The first Golf was made in early 1970’s by workaholics at Volkswagen. These engineers working after-hours were given the green light from management to reveal their hard work at the 1975 Frankfurt Motor show, where the redesigned Giugiaro styling and red highlighted grille were very much appreciated. The GTI was born. Golf’s GTI wasn’t available in the UK market till 1977 and even then, only 34 left hand drive models came here from VW’s Wolfsburg factory. Although few were made in the beginning but its sports car like abilities made it famous all over Europe in a very short time.

In 1979 GTI were made in right-hand-drive and were delivered to British customers. By this time other manufacturers had cottoned on to the idea of a putting a high revving engine into an agile front-wheel drive hatchback body. GTI was also introduced in cabriolet edition ...
... so that the sun worshipers can enjoy. The hot hatch market has developed a lot. Compared to today’s hot hatches the MK1 GTI’s performance was just a one third at 112 bhp with 1.6 litre four cylinder engine. Though it weighed only 810kg, it did 0-60mph in 9secs and had a top speed of 110mph. But in those days it was a huge hit and the next generation MK2 had a lot to exceed.

The 2nd generation picked up where the original left off and came out with an all new 139bhp 1.8 litre 16-valve model. This one had two trims to offer in its range which included the supercharged G60 and the Syncro-equipped for wheel drive Rallye. These two variants were priced double than the ordinary GTI.The Mk3 and Mk4 models were fairly disappointing. The Mk3 was underpowered and a letdown where as Mk4 dull and heavy and couldn’t be called a driver’s car. Although Mk3 and Mk4 models were not up to the mark but couple of lovable diamonds are worth mentioning; the 2.9 litre V6-engines Mk3 VR6 and the all-wheel-drive 3.2 litre V6 Mk4 R32.

Mk5 gave a rebirth to the GTI brand as it was powered by a sweet 197bhp 2.0 litre turbo four cylinder engine. It looked right too and offered the driving experience of the original GTI. Mk5 fought the VXR, ST and Type R and was known as the best all round car in the hot hatch market. Mk5 had another weapon in its arsenal, a V6 powered R32 engine with all wheel drive. It churned out 247bhp and its style was different from the Mk5. The fast swapping DSG gearbox was introduced in this Mk5.

Toby Sutton is an expert in Volkswagen Golf GTI Engine UK. If you are interested in learning more about quality Replacement Volkswagen Engines, please contact us by visiting: Replacement Volkswagen Engines or by calling us at 442085960396