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Following on from the launch of the new Mk 6 Golf GTI, Volkswagen have detailed the model’s extensive 34-year history. The concept was born in March 1973, when a small number of VW engineers thought that a sporty version of their new small hatchback powered by an Audi 80 GTE engine could be a sales success. They were right – over 1.7 million GTIs have been sold globally, spread over five model generations.

Golf GTI Mk 1 – 1977-1984
1975
Original Golf GTI design by Giorgetto Giugiaro, unveiled at Frankfurt Motor Show.

1977
Golf GTI Mk 1 launched in the UK with 1.6-litre, 110bhp engine. Length: 3,705mm/width: 1,630mm/height: 1,395mm. Top speed: 113mph; 0-62mph: 9.0 seconds.

1979
Right-hand drive GTI launched in the UK.

1980
Right-hand drive GTI Cabriolet launched in the UK.

1982
New 1.8-litre, 112bhp engine introduced. Top speed: 113 mph, 0 to 62 mph: 8.2 seconds. 1.6-litre turbo, 70bhp GTD diesel launched in the UK. Top speed: 96mph; 0-62mph: 13.5 seconds.

1983
Special edition GTI ‘Campaign’ launched in the UK. Special edition GTI ‘Pirelli’ launched in Germany.

1984
Golf Cabriolet ‘All White’ launched in the UK with GTI’s 1.8-litre, 112bhp engine.

Total Golf GTI Mk 1 hatchback sales in the UK: 17,039.

Golf GTI Mk 2 – 1984-1992
1984
Golf GTI Mk 2 launched with 1.8-litre, 112bhp engine. Length: 3,985mm (+ 280mm)/width: 1,680 mm (+ 50mm)/height: 1,395 mm (+ 0). Top speed: 119mph, 0-62mph: 8.3 seconds.

1985
25,000th Golf GTI sold in the UK. UK launch of facelifted model featuring double headlights and twin exhausts. Five-door GTI launched in the UK.

1986
More powerful engine; 1.8-litre 16V, 139bhp. Top speed: 130 mph; 0-62mph: 7.9 seconds.

1988
50,000th Golf GTI sold in the UK.

1989
75,000th Golf GTI sold in the UK. Introduction of ‘big bumper’ models.

1990
1,000,000th Golf GTI produced. Left-hand drive GTI G60 announced for special order in the UK. Supercharged 1.8-litre 16V, 160bhp engine. Top speed: 130 mph; 0-62mph: 7.6 seconds.

1991
Launch of limited run of 70, left-hand drive GTI G60 Limited with 1.8-litre 16V 210bhp engine. Top speed: 143 mph; 0-62mph: 7.4 seconds.

Total Golf GTI Mk 2 hatchback sales in the UK: 80,307.

Golf GTI Mk 3 – 1992-1998
1992
Golf GTI Mk 3 launched with 2.0-litre 8V, 115bhp engine. Length: 4,020mm (+ 35mm)/width: 1,710mm (+ 30mm)/height: 1,405mm (+ 10mm). Top speed: 123 mph; 0-62 mph: 10.1 seconds. 100,000th Golf GTI sold in the UK.

1993
Launch of 2.0-litre 16V, 150bhp engine. Top speed: 134mph; 0-62mph: 8.3 seconds. Second generation GTI Cabriolet launched.

1994
ABS brakes become standard on GTI.

1995
Special edition GTI Colour Concept launched with 2.0-litre 8V, 115bhp engine.

1996
21 years after first being unveiled, limited run GTI Anniversary launched. 600 vehicles fitted with 2.0-litre 8V, 115bhp engine and 150 fitted with 2.0-litre 16V, 150bhp engine.

1997
125,000th Golf GTI sold in the UK.

Total Golf GTI Mk 3 hatchback sales in the UK: 39,766.

Golf GTI Mk 4 – 1998-2004
1998
Golf GTI Mk 4 launched with 1.8-litre, 125bhp, and 1.8-litre turbo, 150bhp engines. Length: 4,149mm (+ 129mm)/width: 1,735mm (+ 25mm)/height: 1,439mm (+ 34mm). Top speed: 125mph (1.8-litre)/134mph (1.8-litre turbo); 0-62mph: 9.9 seconds (1.8-litre)/8.5 seconds (1.8-litre turbo).

1999
150,000th Golf GTI sold in the UK. Launch of 2.0-litre, 115bhp engine. Top speed: 121mph; 0-62mph: 10.5 seconds. UK launch of facelifted GTI Cabriolet.

2001
175,000th Golf GTI sold in the UK. First ever diesel-powered Golf GTI, launched with 1.9-litre, 150bhp engine. Top speed: 134mph; 0-62mph: 8.6 seconds.

2002
25 years since the Golf GTI Mk I was launched is commemorated with the introduction of the GTI Anniversary. Available with either a 1.8-litre turbo, 180bhp petrol or a 1.9-litre, 150bhp diesel engine. Top speed: 138mph (petrol)/134mph (diesel); 0-62mph: 7.9seconds (petrol)/8.6 seconds (diesel).

Total Golf GTI Mk 4 hatchback sales in the UK: 61,879.

Golf GTI Mk 5 – 2005-2008
2003
Golf GTI Design Study unveiled at Frankfurt Motor Show.

2004
Golf GTI Mk 5 unveiled. GTI named Top Gear ‘Car of the Year’.

2005
Golf GTI Mk 5 launched with 2.0-litre, 200bhp T-FSI engine. For the first time ever, GTI available as an automatic with the revolutionary DSG twin-plate gearbox. Length: 4,216mm (+ 67mm)/width: 1,759mm (+ 24mm)/height: 1,466mm (+ 27mm). Top speed: 146 mph (145 – DSG); 0-62 mph: 7.2 seconds (6.9 – DSG). 200,000th Golf GTI sold in the UK. GTI named What Car? ‘Hot Hatch of the Year’.

2007
Launch of GTI Edition 30 to celebrate the model’s 30th anniversary, fitted with 2.0-litre, 227bhp engine. Top speed: 150mph; 0-62mph: 6.8 seconds. The most powerful Golf ever produced by Volkswagen, GTI W12-650 design study, unveiled with 6.0-litre bi-turbo 647bhp engine. Length: 4,204mm/width: 1,919mm/height: 1,396mm. Top speed: 201mph (estimate); 0-62 mph: 3.7 seconds. GTI ‘R-Line’ claims 8th place overall and class victory at Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race.

2008
2.0-litre T-FSI 227bhp GTI Pirelli launched to commemorate 25th anniversary of the original GTI Mk 1 variant. Top speed: 152mph; 0-62 mph: 6.8 seconds.

Total Golf GTI Mk 5 hatchback sales in the UK: 18,223.

Golf GTI Mk VI – 2009 onwards
2008
Golf GTI Concept unveiled. Top speed: 148 mph; 0-62 mph: 7.2 seconds.

2009
Golf GTI Mk 6 displayed at Geneva Motor Show. Golf GTI Mk 6 launched. Most powerful standard GTI launched with 2.0-litre TSI, 207bhp engine. For the first time ever, GTI available with Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC), electronic limited slip differential (XDS) and seven airbags. Length: 4,199mm (- 17mm)/width: 1,779mm (+ 20mm)/height: 1,479mm (+ 13mm). Top speed: 148 mph; 0-62 mph: 7.2 seconds. Available to order 23 March 2009, on sale 22 May 2009.

1977-2008
Total Golf GTI hatchback sales in the UK (Mk 1 to 5): 217,214.

Source: Volkswagen UK

When a new Volkswagen Golf is unveiled, enthusiasts hold their breath with anticipation. Why? Because when a fresh generation of VW’s iconic hatchback is launched, a new GTI version is never far away. The wait is a familiar one; the GTI story goes back almost 36 years, and the sporty Golf is the one that enthusiasts lust after most.

So legendary is its status, Volkswagen can’t afford to get it wrong. And largely is hasn’t. Blips in the 1990s notwithstanding, the hot Golf has been worthy of the legend. With every generation comes more weight and refinement, but not at the expense of fun, and general all-round talent, and the new Mk 6 GTI – launched last week in St Tropez – shows no signs of dropping the baton.

The order books are now open, and, 32 years after the original went on sale in the UK, there are many characteristics that remain very much part of the GTI tale. Just like the Mk 1, there is a four-cylinder engine and sharp dynamics, and a discrete hot hatchback edge to the looks. The new 2.0-litre TSI engine gives 207bhp (up 10bhp on the outgoing model), delivered between 5,300 and 6,200rpm, giving a 0 to 62mph time of 6.9 seconds.

The Mk 6 GTI is cleaner, too; emissions fall 19g/km to 170g/km, while fuel consumption rises 3mpg to 38.7mpg. The optional DSG automatic gearbox takes the edge of the figures when compared to the six-speed manual, but delivers smooth and fast gear changes. The maximum speed rises to 149mph.

Every new generation of GTI brings more technology, and the Mk 6 is no exception. A new electronic limited slip differential called XDS ensures greater traction, and along with ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) brings a GTI with greater control and precision. Adding to the handling arsenal are lower springs and dampers, and new anti-roll bars.

The dampers are pneumatically controlled units forming the new Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) system used to great effect on the Scirocco. Allowing the driver to choose between normal, comfort, and sport modes, ACC controls the suspension, steering and accelerator response settings for any particular journey.

The new GTI is clearly a GTI, and builds on the heritage of its predecessors. New aggressive bumpers front and rear feature a wider air dam with fog lamps and diffuser with twin exhausts respectively, while the front grille is trimmed in traditional GTI red, and bears the legendary GTI badge. A roof spoiler and 17-inch ‘Monza’ telephone dial-style wheels provide a link to the outgoing car.

A high standard equipment list includes red and black tartan sports seats with red stitching and headrests featuring the GTI logo, a flat-bottomed GTI multifunction steering wheel, red brake callipers, 2Zone electronic climate control, and seven airbags. Prices start at £21,690 for the manual three door, rising to £24,300 for the DSG-equipped five door.

The first UK-spec cars will be available to drive away on 22 May, and going on the favourable early press reports, it would appear that Volkswagen has kept a hold on the magic that made the Scirocco one of the most hotly anticipated and best new cars of 2008. It certainly seems then, that at first glance, the hot hatch daddy is back.