The GTi has been out in Europe since 1976, IIRC. It had a 110-hp 1.6, that was just tremendous for high-rev Autobahn storming. My favorite part(s) of the car were the two big round seven-inch headlights and those ATS wheels. That car still defines hot hatchback for me.
The new GTi is also very nice, especially in four-door. The interesting thing is the R32 which is supposed to be "the bomb" for the Volkswagen lineup, is said by the trade magazines as only a marginally better car than the standard GTi.
Here's one of the first, sans the ATS rims. Still, it's a fine looking car.
