Which is the best VW Golf GTI ever made – Video

Carfection tries to find out Which Generation of Golf GTI was best?

40 years of the Golf GTI – a retrospective

Golf GTI / 1976. In 1974, six men forged the secret plan to develop a ‘Sports Golf’. They carry the project through to the end, although there is no recorded date for when the first full-production GTI was built in 1976. With its 110 PS and 112 mph top speed, it stirred up the world of compact cars and redefined what a sports car represents. In 1983, the first special edition makes its debut—the 112 PS  ‘Pirelli GTI’.

Mk2 Golf GTI / 1984. A strategic stroke of genius follows one year later with the Mk2 Golf GTI. Still with 112 PS, it continues the conceptual course of the first generation. As a result of the introduction of the catalytic converter, the power output briefly goes down to 107 PS in 1984. Two years later, Volkswagen compensates for the reduced power with a new 16-valve engine, which delivers 129 PS even with a catalytic converter and matches the agility of the original GTI (139 PS, no catalytic converter). In 1990, a ‘G-Lader’ supercharger in the Golf GTI G60 increases power output to 160 PS.

Mk3 Golf GTI / 1991. In 1991, Volkswagen transfers the GTI insignia to the third generation. This begins with 115 PS. A year later, the power output goes up with a new 16-valve engine to 150 PS. In 1996, a turbodiesel version (TDI) delivering 110 PS enriches the GTI concept. In 1996 the ’20 Years of GTI’ anniversary model is launched.

Mk4 Golf GTI / 1998. The fourth GTI generation, introduced in 1998, is very conservative in appearance. Technically, however, the 150-PS Mk4 Golf GTI is a car that keeps the competition at bay with its agility and quality. The four- and (in one case) five-cylinder petrol engines deliver up to 170 PS, while the diesels manage 150 PS. In 2001, the 180-PS ’25 Years of GTI’ turbo model heralds a renaissance of the sporty icon.

Mk5 Golf GTI / 2004. With the debut of the fifth generation, the Golf GTI 2004 celebrates a grand comeback. With a much sharper look, a 200-PS turbo engine and superb driving characteristics, it catapults the GTI concept into the future. In 2006, to mark the cult car’s 30th birthday, Volkswagen gives its fans the 230-PS ’30 Years of GTI’ model. Identically powered, the reincarnation of the ‘Pirelli GTI’ is then launched in 2007.

Mk6 Golf GTI / 2009. With the sixth-generation in 2009, the Golf GTI redefines the subject of traction with an electronic transverse differential lock (XDS). Now with 210-PS, the GTI is even more fun and features a redesigned exhaust system that creates a dynamic sound as well. For the first time it is also available as a Convertible. This generation’s crowning glory comes onto the market in 2011 for the 35th birthday: the ‘Golf GTI Edition 35’ with 235 PS.

Mk7 Golf GTI / 2012. The seventh generation of the GTI launches in 2012 with two levels of power output: 162 kW / 220 PS from the base version and 169 kW / 230 PS from the Golf GTI Performance, the latter being equipped with a new electronically controlled, torque sensing limited slip differential. In early 2016 the Golf GTI Clubsport, delivering up to 213 kW / 290 PS, goes on sale.