Volkswagen Golf GTI
THE MK1 Golf GTI is rightly fêted for its seminal place in hot hatch history, but we’d argue the Mk2 is the better buy. It’s faster (as a 16v), with better brakes, more modern amenities including power steering (not standard on all versions), and is typically available for much less money. Prices for good cars start from around £5k, while the very best can fetch £20k.
Unlike the other cars in this guide, the Mk2 GTI is no one-size-fits all proposition – it was sold as a three- and five-door, with eight- and 16-valve engines, and as a later facelift that brought more attractive ‘big bumpers’. Finished in desirable Oak Green, Neil Barnes’ 16v three-door big-bumper GTI is pretty close to perfect. The strong, clean lines of the exterior bodywork are as distinctive as any 911 or Mini, and the interior is laid out with the same simple confidence: great driving position and visibility, comfortable seats, and a brilliantly functional and robust dash that makes a ruler look wobbly.
The 16v twin-cam cylinder head brought a useful power boost to 139bhp – up from the 8v’s 118bhp – and it still delivers a handy turn of speed and some rorty sound effects beyond 4500rpm. But the 8v has its advocates, because it’s more durable and feels more effortless to stroke along at lower speeds.
If anything, this more laid-back character best suits the Mk2, because its dynamics are easily shaded by the much newer cars featured here – there’s more body roll, more understeer and less grunt too. But if this enjoyably retro daily driver were mine, I’d go weak at the knees each time I opened the garage door.
Just remember that even the youngest cars are now 26 years old – some will be restored minters, others rusty projects, and plenty are the latter masquerading as the former. It pays to get an expert opinion.
With thanks to Neil Barnes, K-Tec Racing, civictype-r.co.uk, volkswizard.co.uk and Martyn Collins