Like so many, at one early stage in my life I yearned for a Volkswagen Golf GTI, but not just the purchase price was the block, but also the cost of insurance! Thankfully, while I never got to own one, on many occasions I was able to test drive the various generations.
The GTI story started back in 1976, then it had by todays standard a modest 110PS. Performance was more than respectable for its time, rest to 100kph (62mph) in nine seconds; but it was the manner in which it handled really impressed. It stood out from the rest of the Golf family with its red grille surround, black wheel arch extensions and the famous golf ball gear knob. The German carmaker planned to produce a mere 5,000 in the first year, however dealers sold ten times as many. Looking back at the figures, over 460,000 first generation models were sold and now we celebrate the 50th birthday of what can best described as the most famous hot hatch of all time.
To date, GTI sales have passed the 2.5 million mark and to celebrate this very important milestone for Volkswagen an exclusive anniversary model the Golf GTI EDITION 50 has arrived and there has been a world premiere of the soon to be GTI EV. Today I suppose it is true to state that this Golf has more fans worldwide than ever before. The recipe that made it an instant hit with so many is still today as strong and appealing as ever; the interplay of agile engine, lightweight front wheel drive and a well-balanced chassis. It is this synthesis that Volkswagen has refined down its fifty years making the Golf GTI very original in its class, Yes it has had many competitors, but for me it remains very much top of the class. Even the first version which still remains a firm favourite, while by today’s standards did not deliver all out performance, but it was so much more, the overall package was just right.
Now with the Golf GTI EDITION 50 bursting on the motoring scene we have the most powerful production version to date with 325PS, almost three times the power output of the original GTI. Worthy of note, the GTI badging has become important for Volkswagen, later this year we shall see a new Polo GTI with 226PS. Away from normal driving, the Golf GTI became and continues to be a popular choice in motor sport, rallying and circuit racing and for many a good choice as a Clubman’s car. For sure Volkswagen is not ignoring the 50th birthday of the Golf GTI there will be a focus on a number of major classic events throughout this New Year. The first will be from 28 January to 1 February in Paris at Retromobile; this classic car show takes place at the Port de Versailles and it is a dual celebration as it is also fifty years old. In Germany there will be the Bremen Classic Motor Show.
So 2026 looks to be a very busy year for the GOLF GTI and its many fans.
Ian Lynas