Originally conceived in 1974, the Golf GTI came about as the result of a secret plan by a few VW staff members to build a hotter version of the Golf. The car was given the green light by VW management and launched in 1976, and since then it's become one of the most recognized hot hatches all over the globe. It's also one of the originals, and really the first model to make the hot hatch into a mainstream consumer segment.
Today, VW is onto its eighth version of the Golf GTI, which is consistently ranked among the best in its class when it's tested. It's a testament to VW's unwavering commitment to keep developing the model, and it gives gearheads hope that the GTI will carry on even in the face of a shrinking sports car market. So, how did it get to where it is today? Let's take a look at each generation of the GTI and see why they've been enthusiasts' favorites for such a long time.
8 Mk1
When the Mk1 Golf GTI launched in 1976, VW was planning to build just 5,000 units. But, thanks to incredible demand, an amazing 461,690 units were sold. The car sported a 98 hp engine at launch and came with the red accents around the grille that the GTI eventually became synonymous with.
The GTI was also the first car to come with a "golf ball" gear shifter, which it turns out is more of a literal nickname than most car fans would think. VW has said that Herbert Schäfer, the car's chief designer, came up with the idea as he was a keen golfer and simply thought a ball would work well on top of the gear shifter. It turned out to be another of the car's most iconic features.
7 Mk2
The Mk2 GTI had big shoes to fill, and it solidified sporty Golf as a serious name in the industry. Depending on the year, the power of the GTI ranged from 105 hp to 158 hp, with the 1990 GTI G60 being the most powerful.
As well as the shifter and the red accents, this generation also turned the tartan check seats from the previous generation into a must-have option. Even today, most Golf GTI owners will still spec their cars with tartan seats, and it's the Mk2 they've got to thank for it.
6 Mk3
The arrival of the Mk3 saw more design changes than internal ones, with the headlights now housed in a single unit and a new design at the rear of the car. Power output was now ranked at 147 hp, slightly down on the previous generation's special edition but still an improvement for the regular car.
The Mk3 also saw the introduction of the first diesel GTI, which only made 108 hp but marked the start of a new era. The diesel car would eventually be separated from the gasoline version completely, with the two being marketed as the GTD and GTI respectively.
5 Mk4
In 1998, VW ushered in the Mk4, which controversially removed the red GTI accents from the grille altogether. Up until now, it had been optional to remove the red accents, but for the Mk4 the choice was taken away. Nevertheless, the car was improved in other areas, since top-spec models now made up to 177 hp.
The main criticism aimed at the Mk4 was that it wasn't quite top of the class for handling anymore, although it was still competitive. Even so, it received more of a lukewarm reception than previous generations. That does mean however that resale prices have stayed low, for all the bargain hunters out there.
4 Mk5
Because of the Mk4's relative mediocrity, the Mk5 had to handle brilliantly, and VW made sure it did. The car's launch in 2003 was hailed as a comeback for the GTI as a dominant car in its sector, and owners and critics alike were generally very impressed.
The fan-favorite red accents were brought back, and the special 30th Anniversary edition made 227 hp, a significant leap from the previous generation. 0-60 was also reduced to just 6.9 seconds, making the GTI among the fastest hot hatches on the market. It was also brought back to North America as the VW Rabbit, reviving a long-retired nameplate that was used for the original version of the Golf.
3 Mk6
VW employed the old motto of, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" with the sixth-generation car. So, rather than any radical overhauls, the Mk6 focused on improving the power-to-weight ratio and fine-tuning the handling dynamics. It had become traditional at this point for the GTI to increase in power with every generation, and so the GTI Edition 35 was introduced in 2011 with 232 hp.
Rather confusingly, halfway through the Mk6's life cycle Volkswagen decided that they wanted the North American version to be known as the Golf again, after re-introducing the Rabbit name with the last generation. So, after 2009, the famed Golf GTI name was back being sold on US shores.
2 Mk7
By the time of the introduction of the Mk7, VW wanted to diversify the GTI line to attract a wider range of customers. So, for the first time, the car was launched in two different trims, the 217 hp GTI and the 226 hp GTI Performance.
Both trims featured VW's full suite of improvements, including the latest weight-saving innovations from their new global MQB platform. The most powerful Mk7 was the 306 hp GTI Clubsport S, which set a record for FWD vehicles around the Nurburgring in 2016.
1 Mk8
The latest and greatest Golf GTI is VW's meanest looking yet, and like its predecessor, it was heavily influenced by the legendary 'Ring. As a result, it's the most technically accomplished GTI to date, with top-tier handling dynamics that focus on the high-speed performance.
The 296 hp GTI Clubsport, pictured, was released in 2020. But, it's very likely that before the end of the Mk8's life cycle, VW will release an even more powerful edition. Whatever happens in the future, the GTI will remain one of the greatest hot hatches of all time. It's already the best-selling one ever, which considering the car's unbeatable history, is absolutely zero surprises to anyone.