Used Volkswagen Golf GTI cars

The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a fast, sporty version of the hugely popular hatchback (and estate car). The first GTI version of the Golf was introduced in 1976, offering high performance and a fun driving experience in a practical hatchback car. The term ‘hot hatchback’ was coined to describe it and soon other car manufacturers rushed to create something similar. Despite that competition, the Golf GTI, now in its eighth generation, has always been one of the best hot hatchbacks. 

The first Volkswagen Golf was introduced in 1974 as a replacement for the ancient Beetle. The Golf became hugely popular and remains so today. It’s still one of the best mid-size hatchbacks and one of the best-selling cars in the world – nearly 40 million have been built so far. 

The term GTI was created by Volkswagen’s marketing department and has been used since then by many other car manufacturers for their own hot hatchback models. The letters stand for Grand Touring Injection. ‘Grand touring’ is a term that has been applied to fast road cars since the early days of motoring, while ‘injection’ refers to an electronically controlled system that delivers fuel precisely into an engine. When the Golf GTI was first sold in 1976, it was the only mid-size car that had an engine with fuel injection, rather than an old-fashioned mechanical carburettor.    

The GTI was the top-of-the-range Golf trim level for many years – at least, until the even-faster Golf R was introduced in 2002. It’s still one of the most high-end Golf models you can buy, with prices for a new model starting at more than £36,000. 

The main difference between the Golf GTI and the trim levels lower down the range is the engine and the power it makes. The latest Golf GTI has a 2.0-litre, turbocharged petrol engine with 242bhp; the ‘regular’ Golf models have 148bhp at most. The GTI has other distinguishing features: a red stripe around the front grille, deeper bumpers, bigger wheels, rear spoiler and a wider exhaust. Inside, there are more red stripes, a golf ball-shaped gear knob and tartan seat upholstery. Upgraded suspension and brakes are designed to make driving it more fun.