The VW Golf GTI or Rabbit GTI Mk1 as it was known in the US had 90 hp, and even if it was a relatively light car, it really sounds pathetic compared to a modern performance hatch. Thankfully, there’s room under the hood to plop in a 220 hp Audi TT 1.8-liter 20-valve turbo engine.
The guys from EverydayDriver found out just what a fun recipe that can be, especially if you don’t touch the standard steering rack it comes with. Combining the more than double the power (or exactly double that of the Euro GTI which was also lighter than the US version) with the slightly wayward steering requires concentration.
The car, in this case also had uprated brakes too, which you really do need in order to confidently push this car.
It’s the kind of driving experience where you need to constantly saw at the wheel, whilst keeping the momentum going and potential understeer in check.