THE BEGINNING OF THE END?
In March 1984, is presented the Golf GTI II, one year after the Golf II standard. VAG France had waited until 1984 to market the Golf II to qualify for entry 3 and 5 doors. The new Golf GTI is longer, wider and more spacious than the Golf I. However, power changed little compared to weight gain …
After literally invented the concept of the WGI in 1976, Volkswagen continues to lead in sales. However, the competition went to work after realizing the market potential. The Ford Escort XR3i , Renault 11 Turbo , Fiat Ritmo Abarth 130TC and some 205 1.6 up to use the label GTI begin to advance strong arguments. With the facelift of the Golf in 1984, it was time to update the GTI, to face new competition.
PRESENTATION
In 1978, 4 years after the release of the VW Golf first name, the development of his successor begins. In 1983, the Golf 2 is presented in stark silence. The line became legendary was designed by Giugiaro replaced by a more consensual style and conservative design team home to Wolfsburg. After all, if you’re on top, why change? This seems to be indeed become the slogan of the Golf. Even if the car was relatively new, it did not air. VW had made the effort to keep intact the general line, and was therefore simply “modernize” the drawing. Golf’s second name was greater (+ 16cm in length!), Roomier, more comfortable and less aggressive than the first. It was something to be a success, and this was the case. In 1984, the GTI version is presented, and there purists crying foul. The engine is the same found in the last 1800 Golf 1, the gearbox is the same, and the frame has changed very little, even to focus on comfort! There was always the little subtleties that make the difference with a Golf “basic” as the 14 inch rims (still in tin), front grille with a red outline, the rear spoiler and underbody black plastic . When you go up the Golf 2 GTI, we find ourselves first in a semi-bucket seat that offers a very good support. The driving position is very good, though a little high. The big downside is the size of flywheel, very broad and not very sporty appearance. The interior whose style is very rooted in one of the first Golf is always good, especially … German. Namely, austere and monochrome. The only splash of color comes from the upholstery fabric if you chose between the red light gray and dark gray top 3 choices … The famous checkered “Scotland” have given way to bands on the first Golf 2 GTI and not return until later in the catalog. Note also that the leather option is available at launch.
ENGINE
The 1800 Volkswagen was not especially well received by fans on the Golf I GTI . Evolution of the 1600 being too timid, especially compared to its boiling version Oettinger , the disappointment is even greater on the Golf 2 that the weight is up considerably, but the mechanics unchanged. Having already in the pipeline 16v engine which will reconcile them with their favorite model, VW plays continuity with this new design to better make way for his future tenure. Developing 112 hp at 5500 rpm, the engine behavior is very (too) wise for lovers of fine engineering. However, this 1800-8-valve provides a real pleasure and flexibility proves valuable in daily use and downtown. The available torque allows very low recoveries very good at any RPM. But we feel the engine falter from 5000 rpm. and this is definitely not a fan of the red zone. Its aerodynamic better studied than the Golf I (Cx tomb of 0.41 to 0.34!) allows him tu the 190 km / h. However, performance stagnated somewhat unfavorably to compete, which is not without provoking criticism from fans for the first time … The new Golf GTI is also two cases of Peugeot and the portion that recovers with his 205 GTI 105 hp customer fringe hardline disappointed by so comfortable! But nothing is lost for VW GTI for fashion knows his booming and anyone who wants to drive a GTI connected, the image of the Golf remains at the top level.
ON THE ROAD
Contact. The engine wakes up. It is located in an old well. The sound is almost agricultural. Going up the towers that screams more. The sound, although better than the previous version, still quite low. After all, the Golf is still below 2 per ton. When we started rolling we notice two things directly. First, it’s still a German car, very safe and effective. You turn the steering wheel and the car follows. No questions, no oversteer, no. It’s like a train on rails. By forcing a little, we did lift the rear leg, and going a little faster, it is in understeer. Typed rather comfortable, there are a lot of roll when cornering. Damage. The steering is well balanced, but perhaps a little too lightly. The second thing you notice is that it does not brake. At all. Although 4 disc brakes, and an enhanced braking system compared to the Golf 1, we find ourselves surprised to see that the results are not there. Attention, we can still thank VW because the brake is more powerful than the One, but we think they could have done better, something they proved with the 16S. Another shortcoming of the Golf that can be seen at night. Lighting is as effective as a candle is a storm. And that’s the model for “white lights”. Imagine for “yellow lights”. Finally, brakes and lights, it’s still retail. Let the engine. This 8-valve is very flexible. You press the accelerator to 2000rpm and it goes directly without problem. Behavior almost oiled. This makes this engine the ideal companion for the city. After 5000tr/min, he tends to falter, unfortunately. Cons by this lack of sportsmanship is forgiven by consumption. On motorways, 130km / h in 5th, it is barely more than 6.5 L/100km. Good GT. The brakes are the biggest change with the advent of rear discs. Driving behavior was quite similar, still as effective and neutral, but more focused on comfort.
DEVELOPMENTS
Throughout his career relatively long, the VW Golf 2 GTI 8S has received many changes, almost always in the aesthetics. Thus, since 1985 we note the appearance of the grille 4 headlights, electric windows (optional), central locking and an onboard computer. Then in 1987, a veritable rain of changes! Aesthetic side, the mirrors are moved to the front of the door, window deflectors before disappearing, the side moldings are getting larger, the VW logo on the back pass in the middle (left side it was before), and The interior is reviewed. The only notable change mechanical replacement of the old injection system K-Jetronic in March 1987 by the digifas. Power remains unchanged, but available earlier 5400RPM, and maximum torque rises, from 15.8mkg at 3100 rpm to 16.2 mkg at 4000tr/min. The consumer wants better too, but the performances are quite similar. 1989 saw the appearance of the famous “big bumper” with integrated fog lamps, very popular then among those who want to restore a youthful look to their old Golf II … or make it look like the G60 introduced this year. Ultimate 8-valve engine development, the Golf G60 with its compressor offers another music …
BUYING A VOLKSWAGEN GOLF II GTI
Strong point on these engines after their ease of use remains reliability. Exceed the 300,000 km with the same engine is easy. It is not uncommon to see cars with over 250 000 km walk as the first day. The rating of VW Golf 2 GTI is at its lowest at this time. It is not surprising to find a model kilometer in good condition for 1500 €. For the moment there is therefore good news and we could quickly think that the Volkswagen Golf GTI II is the perfect Youngtimer! Suspicion, however, because this facility has the Golf GTI II to assume the big mileages can easily hide many counters falsified. If possible, always prefer the first or second hand with a good history (yes, it is always!). Somewhat shunned by fans and decommissioned by the arrival of the GTI 16s, the odds of Golf GTI 8s fell rapidly. Its wide circulation has also contributed to low prices that make it often had a lot of owners, not always careful. Given the abundance of supply, if the car does not go your way home. Unfortunately it takes away about half of those present to you … Remember that on this “big” bumpers are from 1989 and the taillights two-tone red and black are only available 16S models. If the model you see is from 1985, and has the big bumpers and tinted lights, it is likely that other items have been “modified” in this way over time. So beware of possible rehabilitated as prices for new parts are very expensive VW. In case of doubt on the history, try to check the provenance of pieces replaced (always ask to see invoices). A fuel pump used can release at any time, for example, if you do not know where it came from. The risk of rust is quite rare, although the first models he begins to be apparent after exposure to more or less wet weather and care given to the body. The front doors can lose in sealing, which can lead to mold boxes door. The electric window mechanisms weaken over time and can be costly to replace. Inside too, the left side of the driver’s seat can collapse after 200 000km, to believe that VW has tried to imitate some competition … Check for a sticker with the chassis numbers and options on the strip of sheet metal in the trunk. If it is missing, the car that you look back received a shock in the past. The plate manufacturer, meanwhile, is under the hood, on the edge of the right wing.
CONCLUSION
Much to the chagrin of lovers of the original Golf GTI, the Golf GTI II initiates the start of a race to gentrification, and in return the power to try to compensate, leaving the same time the lightness and feel of the first generation. The collectors themselves, make no mistake because now the Golf GTI I keep all their favors! But beware, the Golf GTI 8S 2 is not a bad car so far, far away, and thousands are still rolling in any weather.
CHRONOLOGY VW GOLF 2 GTI
1984: Debut of 2nd Generation Golf GTI
1985: In February, VW introduced the 4 headlights grille, underbody wand, 14 “wheels, front spoiler and larger dual exhaust. In March, VW has the Golf GTI 16s . In July, the econometrician is deleted while as power windows and central locking are added. In August, mechanical valve lifters are replaced with hydraulic lifters.
1987: In March, the K-Jetronic injection is replaced by an injection digifas without changing power. In July, the full range Golf undergoes minor facelift with new grille 4 bars, mirrors repositioned, new larger side moldings. In October, VW sells a limited edition Golf GTI Cup, only three doors, with equipment stripped.
1989: In July, a major facelift of the Golf GTI with new shields more enveloping with integrated fog lamps, side moldings and thinner, black rocker panels and 1990: Launch of the Golf GTI G60 engine (118 kW)
1991: Beginnings of Golf 3 GTI .
