The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a German manufactured compact car produced in 1974. It was sold worldwide, covering 8 generations. The first Golf Mk1 has its engine in front, front-wheel drive substitute for the air-cooled, back-engined, rear-wheel drive, Volkswagen Beetle. In the past, the Golf was the best-selling model under Volkswagen and it belongs to the top three best-selling models in the world. In June 2013, more than thirty million were built. At first, the Golf was a 3-door hatchback. Other versions include a 5-door hatchback, estate, convertible, and Golf-based saloon also known as the Volkswagen Jetta, Vento or Bora. The mentioned cars have filled many market areas, from being a fundamental, everyday car, to a high-performance hatchback. The Golf GTI garnered many recognitions throughout its lifetime. In 2009, it won the World Car of the Year with the Golf Mk6 and the Golf Mk7 in 2013. The Volkswagen Golf GTI was one of the three cars that were voted as European Car of the Year, two times in 1992 and 2013. The two other cars were the Renault Clio and the Vauxhall Astra.
Launch
Hot hatchbacks are always on the move. Just like the Volkswagen Golf GTI that was launched in 1975. It has a 1.6L engine that can produce 109 hp. Moving forward, 42 years after the 7th generation GTI produces power that’s double of what it originally produced with 227 hp from a 2.0L turbo engine.
Exterior
The exterior features of the Volkswagen Golf GTI include a wheelbase of 2,631mm, 4,267mm long, 1,798mm wide. The wheels are 18-inch split 5-spoke gloss black. The tires are 225/40R18 92H all-season with steel spare wheel. Its compact spare tire is mounted inside the under cargo. It has an express-open and close sliding and tilting glass with a first-row sunroof with sunshade. It comes in body-colored front and rear bumper, black side windows, and black front windshield trim. Its door handles are body-colored, black power heated side mirrors with manual folding and turn signal indicator. It also comes with a fixed rear window with fixed interval wiper and defroster, lightly tinted glass, speed-sensitive rain detecting variable intermittent wipers with heat jets, galvanized steel panels, lip spoiler, black grille, liftgate rear cargo access, tailgate and rear door lock with power door locks, front fog lamps, LED brake lights, and cornering lights.
Interior
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a 5-seater vehicle. It has a good head- and leg-room.
Technology & Safety Features
Tech and safety features of a Volkswagen Golf Gti include the following: adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitor, high beam control, lane-keep system, parking assistant, forward collision warning, independent emergency braking, rear traffic alert, back view camera system, front and back crumple zones, sturdy safety cage, intelligent crash response system, automatic post-collision brake system, and tire pressure monitor.
Platform & Chassis
The steering type for the Volkswagen Golf GTI is a rack-pinion type. It has a turning diameter/radius, curb to curb of 35.8 ft., its front suspension is strut-type while the rear suspension is a multi-link type.
Engine & Drivetrain
The engine for the Volkswagen Golf GTI is a 2.0L TSI DOHC 16-valve turbocharged, 4-cylinder, direct fuel injection. It is a 6-speed manual transmission, 4-wheel drive vehicle.