There's something unnaturally satisfying about sitting in the Drivers Seat of this car. The last time I got inside a MK1 Golf I freaked out and removed myself as quickly as possible. This car, however is a little bit special because its a GTi !

​We are in the middle of Chester, and I've been looking forward to seeing this car for a while. Jon (best friend in Chester, EVER) owns this little Motor with his usual hack being an Audi TT 2.0 TFSI that I remapped before moving up this way. The Golf is a special occasion and random 'hoon' mobile that is about to show me that not every old Golf is a piece of s#'£.

First port of call... Brook Street. I want FOOD and I want it NOW! Brook Street Café is the best place in the world! Proper tucka at a decent price.

I'm still in two minds whether I actually like the look of this car or not.. Sadly the VDub Culture has made me sick of everything 'old' and VAG - from not washing regularly to driving MK4 Golf's that are slammed to the ground, to the stench of Maccy D's and Fag Butts whenever you get inside one of their cars. I am speaking generally here - lets say 70% of the VDub population subscribing to this type of living. Driving an old Golf into Macdonalds four times a day doesn't constitute success. Maybe at Santa Pod but not in the real world. I digress..

We took the car through the city and on towards Broughton to see how well it sticks to the road. I was actually surprised! Jon did the first half of the drive while the engine warmed up - and I took over from Broughton, slowly feeding the throttle and toying with the steering to find the balance of this car. My first thought was 'this wont be impressive' but after having Jon drive it into Broughton Retail Park I had already felt what power it produces, and it wasn't too bad!

I still don't know whether I like the car but the suspension upgrade is definitely putting a grin on my face. The difference with REAL car enthusiasts is, they do things with proper or as close to O.E. aesthetics in mind. The car doesn't look like it has been lowered to me, and that is what makes it great. He has upgraded the bumpers and wheels but apart from that car this car is standard. To be honest - the few people that shouted ''OI THAT BUMPA IZNT URIGENAL M8'' on my Facebook page represent the same 'group' of VAG Turds that I refuse to corroborate or accept as human beings anyway. To my eye this is a Standard VW Golf MK1 GTi and whoever suggests otherwise needs to get a better job (or GET a job), wash their Tesco Two-Stripe Tracksuit and brush their teeth before talking to me.

Frivolity aside - lets crack on with the review! 

The Chassis

A surprising pleasure to be in! I don't think I wanted to get out come the end of our journey. It was a blast from beginning to end! This may be as old as my bones but God its a good toy for cornering. I took this down my usual 'pass' and really started to get into it near the end. It just grips and grips and grips! I can't believe it wont let go - I need another drive of this to get the back out!

It obviously handles better because of the Coilover Kit fitted. I'm not sure what kit it is exactly, but it seems to be doing its job without complaint or the usual knocks that MK4 Golf's visit me with.

The Body 

At first I couldn't stand the thing. I wont lie to you. Just the mention of ''I've got a MK1 Golf'' sent shivers down my Central Nervous System - giving me quite visible spasms and tics that last over thirteen hours! The manager in Nandos thought I was suffering from Stroke, to which I said quite shakily ''ah-h-h G-G-Golf Syndrome,'' eating Peri Peri Chips from one side of my mouth, dribbling.

But yes. The car has grown on me, and looks kinda cute in certain light. What can I say, the VW Golf MK1 GTi has captured a place in my heart, and with its 80's styling, basic interior, and plain Instrument Cluster I actually quite fancy it!

The Throttle

​Not too bad for its age, and not too powerful for the chassis. I like the power delivery - its just enough to get us going and pulls through the revs without hesitation. Not bad for an old Motor. Driving some roads I know even took some backing off the throttle, given time I would hold it flat out in good conditions. This car is a little beast and would be very fun to drive around the Nordschleife!

The Exhuast

Nice tone and burble that I wasn't expecting. It actually sounds pretty mean on its original exhaust setup. It isn't too loud nor tinny. Makes just the right noise as you creep over 3000RPM building up to me doing a very childish giggle near redline. Maturity doesn't exist in this cabin - it is an absolute hoot from start to finish!


For the fun factor alone I would happily drive this around Chester every day. It is such a pleasure to be in, but we are drawing to the end of our day driving this around. Half a tank of fuel wasn't bad, having been in the car before Lunchtime and into late evening. I definitely enjoyed myself in this and will hopefully have one final drive before it goes up for sale. If anybody is interested in this car and wants to make an offer, please send an email to me -> nick@on-cars.com <- and I will forward your details to the owner. This is such a fun little motor! I'll be sad to see it go.


Nicholas Lawrence //ON CARS
email -> nick@on-cars.com <-