In the early '80s, the original GTI finally came to the U.S. in an era when there wasn't much excitement coming out of showrooms.
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With a zippy four-cylinder engine and tight suspension, the first generation GTI quickly became a bit of a legend when it debuted in 1983.
Fast forward into this next century and the new eighth generation 2022 Golf GTI is here for a base price of just over $30,000. It's a lot bigger, a lot heavier, and crammed with much more luxury and tech.
Nonetheless, the decades-long GTI driving spirit remains.
There's much more power under the hood now to more than make up for the extra bulk of a modern interpretation of the hot hatch.
The 2.0 liter turbocharged engine makes 241 horsepower, and yes, you can still get a manual transmission, which includes the famous golf ball-styled shift knob. It all comes together to create a car that's practical, yet provides tons of fun on the road at the same time.
The GTI tends to tug at a lot of heart strings.
For many car buyers, it was fun-to-drive hatchback that wasn't too expensive and for some, it was the first car they ever owned.
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The fun hatchback segment survives, though in smaller numbers. Honda's newest Civic redesign includes a five-door hatchback (with a stick if you like.)
Same goes for the Toyota Corolla hatchback, though its sales are a drop in the bucket compared to how many of the sedan version Toyota sells.
If you want a hatchback Corolla with a stick, you're in luck. You may have more luck finding a Corolla hatchback with a manual than a sedan.
So sure, the Volkswagen GTI is a bit of a throwback in today's increasingly electrified world. But for those who think a sporty hatchback is the perfect all-around car, it's a good thing VW is keeping it around.
Maybe the GTI can exist, in one form or another, well into the future.