VW Golf Gti

VW Golf Gti - History

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.

VW Golf Gti - Overview

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.

Volkswagen Golf Gti History

Mk 1 1977-1984

1977 first UK registration

1.6-litre, 110 bhp

Mk 2 1984-1992

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

Mk 3 1992-1998

2.0-litre, 115 bhp

1993 2.0 16V, 150 bhp

Mk 4 1998 onwards

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

2004 Mk 5 Gti launched

2007 - Turbo FSI Golf GTI offers 235 km/h

2007 Golf Gti - Mk 5 Golf Gti Features

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

2007 VW Golf GTI Models - Performance Specification

2007 VW Golf 2.0T 200PS 3 door and 5 door

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

2007 VW Golf 2.0T 200PS dsg 3 door and 5 door

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

2007 Standard VW Golf Gti Specification (addtional to standard Golf spec)

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

Standard VW Golf Spec 2007

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