Gti stands for Grand Touring Injection. Various cars have GTI in their model names although arguably the most famous example is the VW Golf GTI. The VW GTI version, launched in Europe in 1976 and the US in 1983 started the hot hatch craze. The first Golf GTI was originally planned as a limited series of 5,000. However, when In June 1976 a 182 km/h Volkswagen Gti appeared in Germany the reaction was so overwhelming that it became clear this was going to be a bestseller. The simple idea to take the affordable Golf compact car and give it a high-performance engine and sport looks was hugely successful, leading to more than 1.5 million sales during its now 30 years of production. By its 25 anniversary year, the Golf GTi was is in its fourth generation, and remained as popular as ever. Total UK Golf sales in 2003 exceeded 67,000, with GTI models accounting for a quarter of sales. The recent MK5 models have continued its popularity and are considered to be the most exciting to drive since the original genre defining Mk 1s.
Many car enthusiasts regard the Mark 1 Gti to be one of the best cars ever made due its amazing handling. In fact, in 2004 The Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk I was declared the greatest car of all time by Auto Express. The first MK 1 models raised power output of the 1588 cc engine to 110 PS - 108 hp. Successive models got larger and heavier with higher levels of spec, but slightly less exciting to drive, according to many enthusiasts. MK 4 models were a significant development including the V5, V6, 4MOTION with 115 bhp (2.0) to 150 bhp (1.8T). The TDI PD diesels produced 130 - 150 bhp. In 2004 VW launched the Mark 5 Golf which has been seen as an even bigger improvement. Not only looking more dynamic, launched at the Paris Motor Show the MK5 GTi offered 200bhp 2.0-litre FSI petrol engine and six-speed manual gearbox, acceleration from 0-60 in 7.2 seconds and a top speed of 146mph. Fuel consumption of 35.3mpg was not bad either considering the performance. Versions fitted with the DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) clutchless transmission could do 0-60 in 6.9 seconds. In 2005 the VW Golf MK5 GTI confirmed its potential by receiving the BBCs Top Gear's Car of the Year and also top Hot Hatch Award. The journalist team felt it was the first true replacement for the original Golf GTi built 25 years ago.
1977 first UK registration
1.6-litre, 110 bhp
1.8-litre, 112 bhp
1986 launch of 16V; 1.8-litre, 139 bhp
1989 introduction of big bumpers
1990 production of one millionth Golf GTI
2.0-litre, 115 bhp
1993 2.0 16V, 150 bhp
1.8-litre, 125 bhp
1.8-litre turbo, 150 bhp
1999 2.0-litre, 115 bhp
2002 1.8-litre, 180 bhp and 1.9-litre GTI PD, 150 bhp
2003 - Golf GTI celebrates 25th Anniversary with special edition model
2007 - Turbo FSI Golf GTI offers 235 km/h
Three or five doors
147 kw / 200 ps at just 5,000rpm
280 newton meters from 1,800 rpm
Turbocharged 2.0-litre t-fsi engine
0 to 62mph, 7.2 seconds
Max speed of 146 mph
6-speed manual transmission as standard
Optional automatic direct shift gearbox (dsg).
Lowered sports suspension
Unique black honeycomb grille
5-spoke 17" monza alloy wheels
Chrome twin exhaust tailpipes
Roof spoiler
Sports seats
Gti logo on the head restraints
Three-spoke leather-trimmed sports steering wheel
Aluminium-look pedals
Engine cubic capacity - 2000
Combined - 35.3mpg - 8.0l/100km
Engine maximum Speed - 146mph - 235km/h
Engine acceleration - 0-62mph7.2secs
Insurance group rating 17
Engine cubic capacity 1984
Combined - 35.8mpg - 7.9l/100km
Engine maximum Speed**145mph - 233km/h
Engine acceleration 0-62mph6.9secs
Insurance group rating 17
12V socket in luggage compartment
Front seat back storage pockets
Front sports seats with height and lumbar adjustment
2Zone electronic climate control
GTI styling pack - uniquely shaped front and rear bumpers with honeycomb front air intake
Alarm with interior protection
Front footwell illumination
Alloy wheels, four 71/2J x 17 'Monza' with 225/45 R17 tyres and anti-theft wheel bolts
Aluminium-look pedals - clutch, brake and accelerator
Automatic coming/leaving home lighting function
Exterior temperature gauge
Bag hooks in luggage compartment x 2
Vanity mirrors - illuminated
Body-coloured bumper strips
Body-coloured side bump strips and door handles
Two-tone horn
Leather trimmed three-spoke steering wheel with GTI logo and red stitching
Brushed aluminium instrument surrounds with GTI logo
Luggage net under rear parcel shelf
Carpet mats, front and rear
Load-through provision
Radio/CD player with 8 speakers
Multifunction computer (Midline)
Chrome twin exhaust tailpipe
Disc brakes, front and rear (front ventilated), with red calipers
Rain sensor and automatic dimming interior rear-view mirror [P]Roof spoiler, rear
Reading lights, chrome surrounds
Dusk sensor, automatic driving lights
Electric windows, front and rear (rear 5 door only)
Sports suspension, lowered by approx. 15mm
Steering wheel including paddle shift (DSG gearbox only) [P]Flat tyre indicator
Upholstery - 'Interlagos' cloth
Front fog lights
Speedo and rev counter, electronic odometer, trip, service interval display and fuel gauge
12-year body protection warranty
Height and reach adjustable steering wheel
Isofix child seat preparation (for two rear child seats)
3 rear three-point seat belts
Air Conditioning, 'Climatic' semi-automatic control
Automatic hazard lights activation under emergency braking
Black door mirrors with integrated indicators
Rear screen wash/wipe with intermittent wipe
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assist)
Instrument lighting, blue adjustable panel illumination
Height adjustable front three-point seat belts with tensioners
3-year/60,000 miles warranty (whichever is soonest)
Non-smoking pack
3-year paintwork warranty
Interior light delay
Heat insulating tinted glass
Halogen clear headlights, range adjustable
3 rear head restraints
Body-coloured bumpers, front and rear with black bump strips
Black side bump strips and door handles
Cup holders, front x 2, rear x 1 (for up to 1.0 litre bottle)
Body-coloured front grille
Remote central locking with 2 remote folding keys
Curtain airbag system, for front and rear passengers
Power-assisted steering, speed-sensitive
Disc brakes, front and rear (front ventilated)
Driver's and front passenger's airbags with passenger's airbag deactivation switch
Luggage compartment cover
Driver's seat height adjustment
Reading lights, front
Luggage compartment light
Split folding rear seats
Storage compartment in rear doors
Coat hooks, rear x 2
Easy entry sliding seats (for access to rear seats - 3 door only)
Driver's and front passenger's whiplash-optimised head restraints
Remote interior fuel flap opener
Electric windows, front
Electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors
Storage area, centre (S only)
Dust and pollen filter
Steel space saver spare wheel
Reflectors in front and rear doors
Vanity mirrors
ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) including EDL (Electronic Differential Lock)
Three-spoke steering wheel
Front seat side impact airbags
Electronic engine immobiliser
Storage compartments in front doors (for 1.0 litre bottles)
Storage compartment in the roof console
Volkswagen Assistance
Grab handles, front x 2, rear x 2 with integrated coat hooks
Glovebox, cooled
Warning 'lights on' buzzer
Warning buzzer and light for front seat belts not fastened
Windscreen wiper with intermittent wipe and 4 position delay
Full size wheel trims