Golf II GTI (1984–1991)

The Golf II GTI is refreshed this year to sharpen its understated appearance a little: it is given two additional headlights for the high beam, red lines around the protective strips and bumpers, and a red-rimmed radiator grille. And then, of course, the fanfare of youthful sportiness: a silencer with twin tailpipes. Especially in the early version without a catalytic converter, the GTI is an exceptionally powerful and fast-accelerating vehicle with its lowered and taut suspension and short-ratio gearbox – and all this with good overall comfort. Following a preliminary decision in December 1982 ("higher engine power project"), a 4-valve cylinder head is developed for series production.

In May, Volkswagen announces the new engine with the impressive name Golf GTI 16V. Compared to the normal GTI, the multi-valve engine is lowered by another ten millimetres and has harder springs and stiffer dampers.

The long-awaited GTI 16V goes into production in March. With 139 PS (without catalytic converter), it is the most powerful and fastest Volkswagen. The rod antenna is moved to the roof. The reason for this is hidden under the front bonnet: the design of the 16V cylinder head does not allow for a distributor in its usual place. It is moved to the rear end of the second camshaft – and thus too close to the usual antenna location. From the second half of the year, the Golf GTI 16V is available with a catalytic converter, and the engine output drops slightly to 129 PS.

The series of special models is expanded this year with a new addition to the GTI family: the Golf II GTI "Edition One". It is a particularly well-equipped version that is retained until the end of production. Edition One means special paint finishes in Quartzite Metallic and Dark Burgundy Pearl, elegant 15-inch BBS wheels, white front indicators, power steering, and a 37 cm sports leather steering wheel, plus a Mauritius Blue interior.

In August, the Golf II undergoes its last major facelift: in addition to minor changes to the interior (reinforced front seat backs, hazard warning lights on the steering column like the Passat), the new voluminous bumpers are particularly striking – although only GL and GTI drivers get to enjoy this innovation.

In February, Volkswagen ups the ante once again in terms of performance with the Golf GTI G60, which develops 160 PS with electronic fuel injection and a spiral-type supercharger. The regulated catalytic converter is standard equipment in all petrol engines. The Golf GTI is equipped with fog lights in the front apron as standard.

In November, there is something to celebrate: the millionth Golf GTI is sold.

To mark the end of the Golf II series, a special edition of the Golf GTI is produced in a limited run of 2,100 units: the "Edition Blue" features a sunroof, leather-covered gear lever and handbrake, Mauritius Blue carpeting, and BBS aluminium wheels that give it a sporty look on the road. In its final year of production, the Golf II GTI is equipped with power steering as standard.

Production of the Golf II in Wolfsburg is discontinued in the summer to make way for its successor.