Factory code: 1H (A3) Saloon
The three magic letters “GTI” are naturally a must for the third Golf series, and so the GTI makes its debut at the same time as the VW Golf III is launched in November 1991. The new Golf is 4.02 metres long and, as a GTI, weighs in at 1,035 kilograms. The interior is also enlarged. At the heart of the model initially is a powerful 2.0-litre eight-valve engine with 85 kW (115 PS). The three-series GTI sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.1 seconds. Nevertheless, the subjective driving impression is different, because the 2.0-litre engine is powerful and delivers plenty of torque even at low revs – without losing power at high revs. Sales figures are correspondingly good, but many fans still want the GTI to have even more bite. And Volkswagen responds accordingly. From January 1993, the GTI is once again available with a 16V engine, now with 110 kW (150 PS). As a 16V, the GTI sprints to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds and reaches speeds of up to 215 km/h on the motorway.
The Golf III GTI's equipment is sporty and understated. A GTI badge on the front and rear, black wheel arch and sill trims, plus aluminium wheels in the "Le Mans" or "Monte Carlo" design and a twin-pipe exhaust system create an understated composition. The sports suspension lowers the body slightly. The two front seats are equipped with black Recaro sports seats.
The first diesel engine in the GTI comes as a surprise in the 1996 model year. The arrival of the turbocharged direct injection engine, known as TDI, quickly makes it clear that a diesel engine is not only quiet and economical, but also easily outperforms petrol engines of the same power rating thanks to its previously unheard-of torque boost at low revs.
In the first anniversary GTI, the special "20 Years" model of 1996, the RS2 BBS rims reveal four red-painted brake callipers. The seats are upholstered in a striking black, red, and white large chequered pattern.
A total of 327,000 VW Golf III GTIs are produced between 1991 and 1997.
