Volkswagen Mk8

The Volkswagen Golf GTI is the high-performance version of the Golf and the car widely credited with defining the "hot hatch," combining the practicality of a compact hatchback with genuine sports performance. Introduced in June 1976, it set a template that rivals have followed for decades.

The original Mk1 used a fuel-injected 1.6-liter engine good for 180 km/h (110 mph). The Mk2 adopted a 1.8-liter engine, gaining a 16-valve version in 1985 capable of over 220 km/h, while the Mk4 offered turbocharged 1.8T and VR6 options.

Modern cars settled on a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder driving the front wheels: the Mk7 made 207 hp, rising to 217 hp with a performance pack, and the Mk8 reached 245 PS. The GTI has collected honors including Motor Trend Car of the Year in 1985 and repeated Car and Driver 10Best placings.