The debate will rage, whatever we say. The Hot Hatch may well have existed before the arrival of the GTI, and there are possibly other brands and badges that have been more consistent in the delivery of the formula, but the Golf GTI has to be the best known and most iconic name. Like M3, and Range Rover, Golf GTI is the definitive name, and is always the one to beat, within its respective discipline.
OCT 27th 2016
Video: Ben Collins drives every Golf GTI
This year, the GTI celebrates its fortieth year in service and, no matter your allegiances , there’s plenty of arguments for the claim that it’s a car enjoying its prime in this new-age renaissance of the hot hatch. After seven generations, forty years and with the rough, ready, 'Ring-smashing Clubsport S leading the pack of late, now seems like a good time to ask: Where did it all come from? Watch, in the video above, as Ben Colins gives us the history lesson. GTI, this is your life.
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