by 9 people |
Volkswagen Golf GTi
This lens is dedicated to the greatest and hottest hatch of them all, the VW Golf GTi. (If you are in America then the Golf is known as a Rabbit and the GTi version as just "GTi").
The VW Golf is the best selling small car ever, and the Mark 1 GTi version, launched in 1976, is widely acknowledged as the first ever hot hatch.
Here are some things you might not know about the VW Golf:
- It is not named after the game of Golf (although VW have often used elements of the game as a recurring theme in design details such as golf ball gear knobs.) In fact it is named after the German word for the Gulf Stream, and so fits in with the weather / wind themed names of the rest of the VW range.
- The car was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, who also designed the Lotus Esprit, Fiat Punto, Maserati Quattroporte and Seat Ibiza, among many other cars.
- Mark 1 Golfs are still in production today, in South Africa.
- "Band" themed variants of the Mark 3 Golf were available - Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones and Bon Jovi.
- The saloon version of the Golf is called the Jetta or the Bora. Coupé versions have been called Scirocco or Corrado.
HIC Staff Rides
Golf's owned by Herts Insurance staff.
Many at the Staff are Golf enthusiasts, just to prove it, here are pics of some of our cars.
Ramshackle Rally
This foolishness is all in aid of CHIPS a charity which organises integrated play-schemes for disabled and able-bodied children in Hertfordshire.
If you would like to sponsor the boys, please e-mail your name and contact details to; sponsor@hertsinsurance.com
Thank you for your generosity.
Our VW Golf Slideshow
Browse a selection from literally hundreds of VW Golf photos we have taken at various shows.
We go to all the main VW shows, and as enthusiasts, we always take the HIC camera.
As a result we have taken hundreds of photos of VW Golfs. Check out our Flickr for the rest.
The new Golf GTI - Initial Facts
The fifth generation Golf GTI stands for uncompromising driving pleasure
First Volkswagen with new high-torque FSI turbo engine
The new Golf GTI is on its way. The first of the new Golfs powered by a 147 kW / 200 PS turbo engine are due to be delivered this autumn. The new model is a thoroughbred GTI following the sporting tradition of its original GTI ancestor, which was unveiled in 1976. Although almost thirty years separate the first and the current fifth generation, the standard remains the same: to give uncompromising driving pleasure.
Like the pioneering original, the present day Golf GTI, available with two or four doors, is dominated by an unmistakeable sports look inside and out, a very dynamic engine and extremely taut suspension.
The GTI letters are an absolute phenomenon: 93.2 percent of all Europeans and 98.5 of Germans associate them with the Golf. GTI = Golf = Volkswagen. Volkswagen has now started the fifth chapter of its GTI success story. The GTI based on the fifth generation Golf takes cues from its ancestor, but reinterprets typical GTI values with fascinating drive and running gear dynamics and a design which combines power with aesthetics.
GTI Engine
To power the Golf GTI, Volkswagen is using a newly developed 2.0 litre FSI turbo engine. The 147 kW / 200 PS direct injection petrol unit with a high-compression ratio of 10.5:1 makes an ideal GTI engine thanks to its dynamic torque curve (280 Nm between 1 800 und 5 000 rpm). With a standard six-speed gearbox, the four cylinders accelerate the Golf GTI to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 7.2 seconds. The GTI goes from 60 km/h (37 mph) to 100 km/h in 5th gear in only 7.5 seconds and reaches its maximum at 235 km/h (146 mph). The Euro 4 engine has an average fuel consumption of a frugal 8.0 litres per 100 kilometres. The extremely quick dual clutch gearbox (DSG) for uninterrupted power in gear changes is available as an option. It enables the Golf GTI to charge to 100 km/h in under 7 seconds (6.9).
GTI Exterior
The Golf GTI has a powerful presence with an exterior design which is typical GTI: black radiator grille with red frame, striking front and roof edges and rear spoiler with twin tail pipes, distinctive 17 inch alloy wheels (wide 225 tyres) and red calipers on the four large disc brakes. The GTI look continues with a distinctive bumper, black widened sill panels, high-gloss B pillar trim, blue heat-reflective windows and darkene
VW Golf on Wikipedians
30 Years of Golf facts collected by Wikipedians
The Volkswagen Golf is a hatchback / small family car manufactured by Volkswagen since 1974 and marketed worldwide across six generations, in various body configurations and under various nameplates -- prominently as the Volkswagen Rabbit in the United States and Canada (Mk1 and Mk5), and as the Volkswagen Caribe in Mexico (Mk1).
The front-wheel drive Golf was Volkswagens first successful replacement for the air-cooled Volkswagen Beetle. Historically, it is Volkswagen's best-selling model and the world's third best-selling model, with more than 25 million built by 2007.
Most production of the Golf was initially in the 3-door hatchback styleFigures for 1974 to 1987: 4.7 million 3-door models, 2.55 million 5-doors, according to: . Other variants include a 5-door hatchback, estate/wagon (Variant, from 1993), convertible (Cabriolet and Cabrio, 1979-2002), and a Golf-derived notchback saloon/sedan, variously called Volkswagen Jetta, Volkswagen Vento or Volkswagen Bora (from 1979). The cars have filled many market segments, from basic personal cars, to high-performance hot hatches.
The nameplate Golf derives from the German word for Gulf Stream — and the period in its history when VW named vehicles after prominent winds, including also Passat (after the German word for Trade wind, Jetta (after Jet stream), Bora (after Bora) and Scirocco (after Sirocco).
HIC @ Edition 38 Show
Another great show for watercooled VW fans, and we were there, of course.
The best ever Golf GTi
Which Golf GTi is your all-time favourite?
Was the original the best? Or do you prefer the sexy shape of the Mark 2? Perhaps you think VW have saved the best for last.
Cambridge VW & Golf GTI meet
HIC sent Martin and Andy along to cambridge for a VW meet organisied through some of the vw forums of Golf GTI's and other modified and standard VW's!
GTi TV
Golf GTi on Youtube
Here are our fave Golf GTi vids. Vote for the best or add your own.
Modding and maintaining your VW Golf GTi
Fixing Up or Kitting Out, here's how and where to do it.
- Mods and fitting guides on Boompa.
- See what other folks have done to their GTi and learn how to do the same to yours.
- Golf Mk 5 Wiki
- All the technical info you could ever need on the Mark 5 Golf is here.
- Awesome GTi
- VAG specialists. Good quality mods.
- Extreme Auto Accessories
- Car Modding superstore.
- VW Golf parts on Demon Tweeks
- The number one for car modifications.
- Free Golf Mods
- Performance mods that cost you nothing!
Martin's Golf GTI
Here is just a small taster of the mods on my golf:
Custom Turbo conversion using turbo from a Peugeot 306 turbo dsl
Custom manifold
Engine bored out to 1900cc
Uprated forged pistons
Uprated (G60) fuel injectors + 2 extra injectors fitted
Dump valve
Full Scorpion Stainless exhaust system with twin DTM style upswept tail pipes
Ford RS turbo intercooler
BBS RA 15" alloy wheels (keeping it subtle!)
Induction Kit
Uprated springs and shocks
Single wiper conversion
De-badged single lamp grille with custom air holes drilled to improve airflow to the intercooler
Crystal clear indicators and clear side repeaters
German style number plates
Mk2 golf gti 16v (140mph) clocks fitted
Trimsport "vw motorsport" alloy golf ball gearknob and alloy mirror adjusters
Wolfsburg edition leather gear gaiter
Mk3 golf gti chrome grille badge
Crystal "M3" style tail lights
Oil Cooler
Golf G60 wheel arch trims
Uprated sony CD player + 10 disk cd changer
Red I on rear GTI badge to indicate turbo as on mk4 Golf gti turbo models
Chrome mk4 GTI badge one dash (passenger side)
crystal cross hair headlights
280mm Momo Team Steering wheel
Rear end of the GTI
Martin showing his passion for all things GTI!!
Martin and Andy are both sales advisors at Herts Insurance and attend as many GT...
Cool Golf Owners Clubs
The good kind of Golf Club!
- Matey Matey
- A top notch Golf GTi site with tons of good quality info and articles.
- GolfGTi.co.uk
- Online community for UK Golf GTi owners.
- Mk1 Golf Owners Club
- If you like your Golfs classic, this is the place for you.
- Club GTi
- For GTi nutters by GTi nutters.
- GolfGTI.org.uk
- With tips on mods and repairs.
- VW Vortex
- Volkswagen Enthusiast Site
- UK Mk IVs
- Covers Mark 4 and Mark 5 Golfs, as well as Boras and Jettas. If you've got a more recent Golf, this is a great site for you to use.
- MyFastGTi
- VW Volkswagen MKV GTI Forum, Mods, accessories, Images, Contests and More.
- Rabbit Owners Club
- US based VW Rabbit (Golf) club.
Build your dream machine
Create your ultimate Golf GTi
- VW Golf GTi configurator
- If the current production model is your thing, build your dream package at the VW site.
- DubModder Customiser
- If you're into modding though, or want to see how your GTi would look with side skirts, this is the place to do it. (All Golfs from Mk1 to Mk5 included as well as Corrado.)
- Spec your GTi Mk5...
- ... and then take it for a joyride.
- Customise your desktop.
- Wallpapers and screensavers featuring Golf GTi.
Golf GTi News
All the latest news on the VW Golf GTi
Golf GTi news from Topix
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byVW Golfs for sale
on ClassicCarsForSale
Find your next project or runner here...
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byGolf GTi Info
Facts, figures and things you need to know.
- Official VW Golf GTi site.
- Find out all about the latest VW Golf GTi at the Volkswagen site.
- Wikipedia on VW Golf
- Details on the history and development of the Volkswagen Golf, as well as information on the cars performance and statistics.
- Golf GTi Mk 1 Info
- A truly comprehensive 11 page pdf resource on the history and development of the Mark One Golf GTi from Dan at Matey-Matey.
- VW One
- Another comprehensive resource on the Mk One Golf GTi - the uber-daddy of all hot hatches ever.
- The MK2 Dub Club
- A forum for all VW enthusiasts
- The MK1 Golf Owners Club
- A one stop shop for all things MK1...
Golf GTi Insurance
Specialist Golf GTI Cover
- Herts Insurance Consultants
- The VW Golf and Golf GTi experts.
- Adrian Flux Insurance
- Specialist hot hatch insurance with great rates for all VW Golfs and especially GTis
- GolfGTI.co.uk Insurance Scheme
- Specialist Golf GTi insurance scheme set up by GolfGTi.co.uk
- Golf+ Insurance
- Another specialist scheme from Golf+ Magazine.
- Modified Car Insurance from Wolfrace
- If you are in need of modified car insurance, then Wolfrace's new insurance offering may be for you.
Golf Bookmarks
Our fave VW Golf bookmarks
Golf GTi Magazines
- Performance VW
- The official website for all Performance VW junkies.
- Golf+
- Golf+ (or Golf Plus if you prefer): all modified VWs.
- VWm: VW Motoring
- Covering the whole VW scene.
- Volkswagen Driver
- The place for all VW information.
US Golf GTi Commercial
Un-pimp my Ride!
Golf GTi on eBay
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Golf GTi Stuff on Amazon
Volkswagen Jetta, Golf, GTI Service Manual: 1999-2005 1.8l Turbo, 1.9l TDI, Pd Diesel, 2.0l Gasoline, 2.8l VR6
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $69.27 (as of 07/06/2009) 
List Price: $109.95
Usually ships in 24 hours
Volkswagen Gti, Golf, Jetta: Service Manual : Gasoline, Diesel and Turbo Diesel Including 16V 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $37.77 (as of 07/06/2009)
List Price: $59.95
Usually ships in 24 hours
VW GTI, Golf, Jetta, MK III & IV: Find It. Fix It. Trick It. (Motorbooks Workshop)
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 07/06/2009)
List Price: $24.95
Usually ships in 24 hours
VW Golf GTI 1976-1991 -Limited Edition Extra
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $18.21 (as of 07/06/2009)
List Price: $24.95
Usually ships in 24 hours
Volkswagen Jetta, Golf, GTI: 1993-1999 Cabrio: 1995-2002 Service Manual
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $44.07 (as of 07/06/2009)
List Price: $69.95
Usually ships in 24 hours
New Guestbook
alicesy wrote...
Excellent Lens. I like the quality insight you have provided here about VW Golf GTi. Keep up the good work.
Please check out my Police Jobs Blog.
Posted July 26, 2008
Chris wrote
There are some sweet Golf's pictured here, nice collection guys. The Golf has to be the classiest hot hatch around at the moment, more civilised than the Focus ST and less brash than the Astra VXR. Definitely my choice.
Posted July 03, 2008
alicesy wrote...
Excellent Lens. I like the quality insight you have provided here about VW Golf GTi. Keep up the good work.
Please check out my Police Jobs Blog.
Posted June 27, 2008
petergrizzly wrote...
That bouncing Golf just made my day. :)
Did the Golf GTI ever made it into popular culture? (movies, songs, tv, whatnot) That would be an excellent addition.
Anyway, thank you for this lens. 5 stars!
-Peter G
Co-owner,
Classic Cars for Sale
Posted May 27, 2008
More Golf GTi for sale
from Pistonheads classifieds
Click on the links for pics and further details.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand bySome of our other VW lenses
Check out our lenses on the Scirocco and Corrado - the Golf's coupé siblings, as well as the Bora, its brother with a boot.-
Volkswagen Corrado
-
The ulitimate VW Corrado lens. History of the Corrado Volkswagen followed its tradition of naming cars after winds, by naming the Corrado after the Spanish for 'wind current or Jet Stream'. 'Corrado' is derived from the Spanish verb 'Correr', whi...
-
Volkswagen Scirocco
-
This lens is all about the classic VW Scirocco coupe, and to start off, here are some interesting facts about the 'rocco: 1.) Like most of the VW range, the Scirocco is named after a wind. The Scirocco wind blows northwards off the Sahara at hurrica...
-
VW Bora
-
The VW Bora is disparaged by many as 'just a Golf with a boot.' In many respects that's true, but a VW Golf is not a bad car to start with. Its reinvention as the Bora saloon is really no different to the Corrado and Scirocco sports coupes that were...
Latest Blog Posts from Google
Find out what other people are up to in their Golfs
- Multi function steering wheel issues with my golf GTi - VWnavi.com
- Multi function steering wheel issues with my golf GTi RNS 510 Navi System.
- (SWAP) Mk4 golf gti 2.0 for a Bike preferable 250f - MX Trax
- Thread, Thread Starter, Forum, Replies, Last Post. VAN WANTED, SWAP FOR MY GOLF GTI, bunn53, MX Swap Shop, 0, 31st January 2009 09:25 AM. bike wanted swap for golf cabriolet, bizizwiz, MX Swap Shop, 5, 15th October 2008 10:08 PM ...
- Johns Car Blog: Mk6 Golf GTI Millbrook test day
- And now my golf GTI summary. Ive not been a fan but the looks can and do grow on you, by far the rear is the least fluid. And the twin exhaust just dont work for me. A much nicer and fruity exhaust note though :happy2: ...
- Problems with the VW golf gti mk5 ipod connection - uk-mkivs
- I am having trouble with the ipod connection for my golf gti mk5. I bought the car 2nd hand and it came with the ipod connection built in. When i plug the ipod in, the ipod recognises that a connection has been made. ...
by drjwilson
(more)
