The Original "Hot Hatch"

The Mk 1 Volkswagen GTI started a revolution. Much like a political figure or icon, the GTI is a self-made icon in the car world. In 1975, at the Frankfurt Auto Show, Volkswagen released something that would change the auto industry forever. The car began production in 1976 in Europe but the United States didn't see the GTI till 1983. It was a overnight success, a total trendsetter. It was the first small car to use mechanical fuel injection and it helped give the pocket rocket 108 hp. This may not seem like much, but in this time period, for an average car that didn't weigh much, it was plenty of "pep". What made this car so great was it could be practical, cheap and easy to use. But at the same time you could drive the hell out of it and have a blast. It was a sports car without all the drawbacks. The GTI continued to develop over the years and in that time it lost some of its magic. But more recently, with the MK 5 and 6 models, it's looking to the past to go forward. These models looks great, feel great and go with the same enthusiasm as the original. Like the original, it's practical with three or five doors, relatively inexpensive, and beautifully built.  Its too bad VW didn't patent the "Hot Hatch" design because they would have a monopoly. There are too many carmakers to list who have some type of small, cheap hatchback with sporting credentials. I have VW to thank for this because I too own a "Hot Hatch". My Mini Cooper S is in many ways like the GTI, its fast and looks to its grandparents for inspiration. The Mini is not just an icon in Britain, but in the car world as well. Its the same with the GTI. These are cool cars and someone with any car background will see a Cooper or a GTI and say, "I like that, that's a cool car". My good friend has a GTI and it's fantastic. To be in one means your driving something special, something that has changed the car world forever. And that's how a car should make you feel. It's something that can't be explained, it's just how it is. This is a picture of me and my mate's cars. ENJOY