Cars

Volkswagen Golf IV GTI

Ever since the first model was produced in 1974, the Volkswagen Golf has been a best-seller in the world, and in Japan it is number one in total imports and sales. The fourth generation model, commonly called the Golf IV, was released in 1997, marking a small change from the simple yet sturdy cars of the compact class that had been produced up until then.

Along with a larger body having an overall width 40mm wider than the previous generation, the seat height that was characteristic of the Golf that allowed a driver to sit easily from a standing position was also changed, with the driver’s seat now positioned lower. Furthermore, based on the overall Volkswagen strategy at the time, thorough attention was paid to construction and quality of the interior and exterior like never before.

From within the lineup, the GTI is a model that traces its sports type lineage directly from the first model. However, even the GTI model which was the leader of the hot hatches in the past, has been relatively toned down in the Golf IV.

Even so, the four-cylinder 1.8L unit including 5 valves per cylinder is further augmented by a turbocharger, boasting 150ps. The maximum torque generated at a mere 1750 rpm is 21.4 kg-m, which is more than enough for a vehicle weighing 1280 kg. The suspension system has MacPherson struts at the front and trailing arms at the rear, and has been substantially refined over the same system of previous generations.