The Volkswagen Golf GTI is one of the most influential cars in history. When it was introduced, it combined the practicality of a standard hatchback with the performance of a sports car and laid the foundation for the segment we now know as the “hot hatch.” Its success was so great that what was originally planned as a limited series became one of Volkswagen’s most iconic models.
The 1979 model is powered by a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with fuel injection, producing 110 koní. Combined with a low curb weight of approximately 846 kg, it offered nimble handling, precise steering, and driving dynamics that set the standard for generations of sport hatchbacks.
At first glance, it catches the eye:
- the distinctive red line on the front grille
- checkered sports seats
- the iconic golf-ball-shaped gearshift knob
- with extended plastic fender flares and a sport suspension
The Golf GTI has become a symbol of accessible sports driving and remains one of the most highly regarded classic hatchbacks to this day. Even after nearly fifty years, it remains the benchmark against which new sporty compact cars are measured.
