Description

The fourth generation of the Volkswagen Golf (Type 1J) was a C-Segment car launched in 1997. The performance version, Golf IV GTI was more of a trim level than a specific version of the fourth generation Golf, available with different gasoline and diesel engines in various outputs.

The VW Golf IV GTI 150 was fitted with a turbocharged 1.8-litre engine producing 150 hp (110 kw) of power and 210 Nm of torque, mated to a 5 speed manual gearbox. The car accelerated from 0-100 km/h in 8,5 seconds and could reach a top speed of 216 km/h (134 mph). The model had a lot of equipment and moved upmarket with higher quality materials, larger brakes and more comfortable suspension, however the heavy weight of 1240 kg and the lack of visual changes compared to the base model, disappointed a large part of the GTI fans. Visually, the car was only distinguished by the GTI badge on the hatch and the larger alloy wheels.

The more powerful VW Golf IV GTI 180 was fitted with an updated version of the 1.8 liter engine producing 180 hp (132 kw) of power and 235 Nm of torque, mated to a 6 speed manual gearbox. Thanks to the power upgrade, it accelerated from 0-100 km/h in 7,9 seconds and could reach  atop speed of 222 km/h (138 mph)

In 2002, the VW Golf IV GTI 25th Anniversary launched, to celebrate the 25 years from the launch of the original Golf I GTi. The limited edition model was offered with a choice of two engines, a gasoline 20 valve turbocharged 1.8 liter (180 hp, 132 kw) and a diesel turbocharged 1.9 liter TDI (150 hp, 110 kw). Other modifications included larger brakes and reworked suspension while the car maintained the rich equipment of the top of the range model with ABS, EBD and ESP as standard. Visually, the car was distinguished by the body coloured sporty bumper extensions and widened side sills, the tinted headlights, the roof spoiler, the chrome exhaust and the 18 inch BBS alloy wheels. It was only available in Tornado Red, Reflex Silver or Diamond Black colours. Inside it featured Recaro sport seats, aluminium pedals, red stitching, perforated leather steering wheel and a classic golf ball shaped gearknob. A similarly equipped version of the GTI for the US & Canadian markets, called the GTI 337 Edition, was launched at the 2002 New York Auto Show.

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