A Historic Look Back at the VW Golf GTI

And Where to Find a Speedy Volkswagen for Sale at a VW Dealership Near You

When you think of legendary Volkswagen vehicles, the VW Beetle and its subsequent re-release come to mind. You think of the VW Type 2 Microbus that was a huge hit in the 70s. And, of course, you think of the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Since its release in the 1970s, this small and speedy hatchback has been making a name for itself as one of the most agile and quickest vehicles in the entire Volkswagen catalog. It currently sits at the top of the heap as one of the most sought-after new cars for sale in Houston, not to mention several other new car dealerships across the nation.

However, just like any great automobile, the VW Golf GTI comes from humble beginnings and was limited by the technology of its time. Let’s take a look back and see just how much this vehicle has advanced through the decades.

1976 – VW Golf GTI (Mark 1)

The history of the VW Golf GTI kicks off in the mid 1970s. It was released onto the automobile market using a 1.6L inline-four engine that provided drivers with 110 horsepower and speeds up to 110 mph. If you put it up against an entry-level Porsche, the original VW Golf GTI could smoke it. This got the ball rolling on building the GTI’s legendary status.

1985 – VW Golf GTI (Mark 2)

No sophomore slump here. The second iteration of the Volkswagen Golf GTI maintained much of its design scheme. However, it was given a significant boost in the performance department. In terms of horsepower, the Mk2 improved to 137 HP using a 16-valve version engine.

1991 – VW Golf GTI (Mark 3)

To round out the original trilogy of the VW Golf GTI, designers made some changes to the vehicle to make it sleeker to shake off those 1980s vibes. More importantly, the engine got a much-needed upgrade. The Mk3 ran on a 2.0L inline-four that provided drivers with 115 lb-ft. of horsepower.

1997 – VW Golf GTI (Mark 4)

The fourth iteration of the VW Golf GTI was a huge hit, especially in Europe, where it became the best-selling vehicle in 2001. The length of the car and the wheelbase expanded slightly. Engineers also beefed up a weight a good 200 pounds. Drivers and reviewers alike often compared it to vehicles in the BMW lineup. The Mk4 was initially offered with two engine options: a 2.0L 4-cylinder and a 2.8L narrow-angle VR6 that yielded up to 174 horsepower.

2004 – VW Golf GTI (Mark 5)

After a seven-year slumber, the VW Golf GTI finally hit the market again with the all-new Mk5. Considering that this was the first Golf GTI of the new millennium, people could tell that VW designers and engineers were really trying to make an impression with this one. It was the first VW Golf GTI to offer a 6-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), which drivers and reviewers fell in love with immediately. It also had a top speed of 146 mph. For its time, this little hatchback had some serious zip.

2009 – VW Golf GTI (Mark 6)

The wait for the next VW Golf GTI wasn’t nearly as long as the last time. In 2009, the VW Golf GTI Mk6 officially hit the market. One notable fact is that the chassis development was supervised by German racing legend, Hans-Joachim Stuck. With a name like that attached to the project, expectations were considerably high.

Of course, in traditional VW fashion, this new Golf GTI more than rose to the occasion with a 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder engine that yielded 210 horsepower in international markets (200 in the U.S.). It’s also worth mentioning that this iteration of the VW Golf GTI had some noticeable design upgrades. Included on this vehicle was the new honeycomb grill as well as the dual exhaust at the corners of the rear bumper, two elements that would carry on through subsequent iterations of the vehicle.

2013 – VW Golf GTI (Mark 7)

Lucky number Mark 7 hit the market just four years after the Mk6. For the first time in the illustrious history of the VW Golf GTI, this one was lighter in curb weight compared to its predecessors. Additionally, VW designers and engineers took the liberty of making some structural improvements to strengthen its build and improve its handling and performance.

With the performance package model, the VW Golf GTI Mk7 could get up to 230 horsepower and hit 60 mph in just 6.4 seconds. VW got some serious mileage out of the Mk7. It would go on to have several different facelifts and variants released during its reign as one of the speediest compact vehicles on the market.

2021 – VW Golf GTI (Mark 8)

The Mk8 iteration of the Volkswagen Golf GTI is the current day compact of the age, available at a VW dealership near you. For the first time in its history, this hatchback is finally offered in a four-door variety, making it easier for passengers to get in and out of this speedy vehicle.

Considering that the last VW Golf GTI was released in 2013, VW engineers and designers pulled out all the stops when it came to giving the GTI a complete makeover in performance and design.

Out of all the GTIs we’ve talked about, the Mk8 is definitely the most intimidating of them all. It also yields the highest performance with 241 horsepower and 273 pound feet of torque. Not many vehicles on the road can outperform the Mark 8. You can find this Volkswagen for sale at VW Clear Lake.

Ready to Drive the VW Golf GTI? Head to a Volkswagen Dealer Near You!

Now that you know more about the amazing history behind the Volkswagen Golf GTI, the next step is for you to get behind the wheel of the Mk8 so you can see how impressive it is first-hand. This most recent iteration of the Golf GTI has been wowing drivers and viewers alike since its release and has subsequently been included on many reviewers “best of” lists, including in Car and Driver.

You can test drive the brand-new Golf GTI by visiting VW Clear Lake, which is conveniently located at 15100 Gulf Fwy in Houston. You can also give us a call at (832) 432-7969, or e-mail us directly using the contact form on our website.

Looking for a different type of Volkswagen for sale?

Your local VW dealership near you in Houston carries a wide variety of SUVs, sedans, and compacts. As one of the leading dealerships of new cars for sale in Houston, we have plenty of options that suit any budget, driving style, and family dynamic.

Additionally, we also carry a wide variety of used cars and certified pre-owned vehicles that have undergone a 100+ point inspection. Don’t forget to check out our specials for more great deals on VW products and services.

Are you a current VW owner in need of routine maintenance, service, or repairs? Contact the VW service center to schedule your appointment today.

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