VW Golf GTi

When Volkswagen launched the Golf GTi in 1975, it created a new breed of car called the hot hatch, or sport compact. VW combined serious performance -the GTi could out-pace and out-handle most sportscars of the time - with the practicality of a small family car and thus opened a very lucrative market. The GTi looked different from the regular Golf by fitting wider wheels and tyres, which necessitated flared plastic arches, plus it had slightly lowered suspension all around and used a front chin spoiler. Bilstein shocks and a rear anti-roll bar made for terrific handling while the brakes were simple but effective with discs front and drums rear. The engine started out as a 91ci (1.5-liter) four-cylinder, transversely mounted for front-wheel drive, but soon went to 109ci (1.7 liters). Bosch fuel injection allowed the power to be developed while retaining excellent refinement.

VW Golf GTi Specifications