Let’s start with what the Mk1 Golf GTI is from the lens of 2023: a seemingly ancient, comparatively miniscule, underpowered hatchback that doesn’t support Apple CarPlay. Under the hood is a 1.8-liter four-banger that churns out 108 hp paired with a manual transmission and, well, that’s it.

What the original GTI lacked in panache it eventually made up for in legacy. The first-gen Volkswagen Golf GTI is one of the most influential cars in the world, and for good reason. Owing itself a legacy to the MK1 is every modern hot hatch produced by every manufacturer that has chosen to produce one. While hot hatches of the modern age couple 300 hp turbo fours to an AWD system with a dual clutch gearbox—nothing like the MK1 as their predecessor—they all owe their lineage to the German pioneer.

The Mk1 Golf GTI Was Sold As The Rabbit GTI In The US

VW Rabbit Drivers Interior
Volkswagen

First produced in 1979, the GTI borrowed most of its components from other cars in the VW lineup. Shaped like a standard Golf and with similar components, the GTI set the stage for affordable performance cars by adding things that enthusiasts want and foregoing the things they don’t. Volkswagen introduced the car as the Rabbit GTI in the United States in 1983, expanding its enthusiast market with a left-hand drive version. VW piped in a peppy engine, three pedals, and kept weight on the lesser side of gravitational. This formula kept prices manageable but made modest cars out-perform their over-engineered cousins that cost twice as much.

Related: This Is Why The 2022 VW GTI Is An Awesome Performance Car

The Golf GTI Started A New Era Of Enthusiast Cars

1979 VW Golf GTI - Front Quarter View
Volkswagen

Engineers at other manufacturers took note and copied the formula to fantastic success: many BMW M cars swap the engine and suspension out of a non-performance bimmer to make fabulous driver’s cars. Audi created the S-line. Mercedes integrated with AMG. And non-German carmakers added fancy badges to their already-successful line of passenger cars.

These branches from normalcy owe their lineage to the MK1 GTI. And the modern hot hatch would certainly not exist without it. Because while other manufacturers added power and better handling to their sedans and coupes, Volkswagen invented the hot hatchback to revolutionize the world of performance cars.

While the formula for fun isn't necessarily complicated, it certainly isn’t easy—much less for a brand new category of vehicle. Through the years, however, Volkswagen has consistently produced driver-oriented vehicles as souped-up versions of their base model hatchbacks to great success. As motoring journalist Jeremy Clarkson—who has probably driven more cars than anyone in the world—says, “It was a stunning car—proof that one thing really can be all things to all men.”

To that end, the MK1 GTI has reached further than its own manufacturer. Through the years, many manufacturers have churned out their own version of the hot hatchback invented by the people’s automaker.

Ford has created the Sierra RS Cosworth, the lovable Fiesta ST, and the stonking Focus RS. Honda produces the Civic Si and Type R, which many consider the gold standard for modern hot hatchbacks. And other European manufacturers such as Renault or Peugeot have their versions too. Not only did Volkswagen create a new type of car with the GTI, they pioneered a new category of enthusiasts cars that drivers want to this day.

Related: Hot Hatches Drag Race: VW Golf GTI Vs Renault Megane R.S. And Honda Civic Type R

2023 VW Golf GTI Continues To Stay True To Its Roots

2016 Ford Focus RS Exterior Front Angle
via: Ford

The modern GTI, sticking to its roots, is a capable driving machine that seats five and actually has a trunk. The steering is intended to be precise. And while the 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder only has 242 hp on tap, most probably won't care as they toss their hatchback down highways as easily as it can be parallel parked. The Focus RS, the mean-looking older brother of the Ford Focus, boasts a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that churns out 350 horsepower – topping all others in its class and capable of serious speed on any surface. And the Honda Civic Type R, while styled by a third-grader, is a swoon-worthy mile-muncher that has more grip than most people have a willingness to test it.

But where did this popularity come from with so many manufacturers already producing so many cars for the masses? In short, the MK1 introduced the idea that a performance car need not be hopelessly impractical, jarringly uncomfortable, and cost your left leg.

To serve a modern comparison, the 2023 GTI and 2023 Volkswagen Jetta share similar MSRPs. And while the Jetta is 18 inches longer and is marginally wider, the GTI outshines with far greater interior passenger and luggage capacity. The GTI has 111.8 cubic feet of passenger and cargo space, enough to categorize it as a midsize car despite its compact car length. Yet the Jetta, with the length of a midsize car, is considered a compact because of its 108.8 cubic feet. And with a trunk style that turns the hatch into a wagon, the GTI outshines in its ability to fit things bigger than a duffel bag.

That says nothing of the performance benefits. Designed to be a lighter, shorter, more nimble cousin compared to the sedan, Volkswagen created the GTI to be driven as such. Add in a six speed manual to the GTI's lineup and it isn’t hard to imagine why an enthusiast would pay a small premium for a substantial benefit.

Related: This Is How VW Once Matched A Bentley W-12 With The Golf GTI

The Reliable Golf GTI Has Always Offered Value-Oriented Performance

Volkswagen GTI Mk6 Rear Quarter Tornado Red
Volkswagen

Storage capacity doesn’t paint the whole picture when speaking of the legacy the GTI has created. For a similar chunk of change, one could buy a used BMW M3 or an Audi S6. The GTI, however, isn’t just defined by what it has, but also what it lacks: electrical problems, an ultra-thirsty V8, pomp and circumstance, to name a few. Yes, the used luxury performance cars are faster in a straight line and we owe them a debt of gratitude for looking as good as they do. But they carry those honors with hefty repair bills, limited warranties, and a defined lack of indicator use.

A brand-new GTI doesn’t care to trade its performance daily driving ability for those pitfalls. Volkswagen decided that enthusiasts could have their cake and eat it too. Beginning in the era of peace and love, the GTI and those inspired by it have evolved to bring us exactly that – automotive satisfaction without the compromise that used to be necessary.