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The History of the VW Golf GTI

interior of the VW Gold GTI looking over misty mountains through the windows

Breaking Down the Evolution of This Game-Changing Vehicle

Every great vehicle has its humble beginnings, and the VW Golf GTI is no exception. Originally kicking off in the mid-1970s, the VW Golf GTI has set the standard for what a speedy, small compact car can do when it's outfitted with sizable power under the hood. Although many of the following will not be available at a Volkswagen dealership near you, it is fun to take a trip down memory lane to reminisce about some of these amazing vehicles that changed the landscape in modern driving. 1976 - VW Golf GTI (Mark 1) The birth of a legend in the making. The VW Golf GTI hit the market with a 1.6L inline-four engine yielding 110 horsepower and speeds up to 110 mph, making it speedier than the entry-level Porsches of the day. 1985 - VW Golf GTI (Mark 2) The second VW Golf GTI kept roughly the same design scheme, however, it was given a little boost in the performance department. The Mark 2 provided drivers with 137 horsepower with the 16-valve version. 1991 - VW Golf GTI (Mark 3) The third generation VW Golf GTI saw some design advancements that made the vehicle sleeker and more modern. The engine also got an upgrade with a 2.0L in-line four that yielded 115 horsepower. 1997 - VW Golf GTI (Mark 4) The VW Golf GTI Mark 4 went on to become the best-selling vehicle in Europe in 2001. Both the wheelbase and the length of the car grew slightly, and the car gained a good 200 pounds of curb weight. The Mark 4 got a lot of comparisons in the press to BMW. It was initially offered with two different engines: a 2.0L 4-cylinder and a 2.8L narrow-angle VR6 that yielded up to 174 horsepower. 2004 - VW Golf GTI (Mark 5) It took a while, but VW finally released a brand-new Golf GTI for the new millennium in 2004. It was the first GTI to offer a 6-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), which earned the vehicle plenty of rave reviews from critics. The car could go from zero to 60 in 6.9 seconds when using DSG. It also had a top speed of 146 mph, officially granting it “speedy whip” status in automobile circles. 2009 - VW Golf GTI (Mark 6) Drivers didn't have to wait as long this time to receive the next iteration of the VW Golf GTI. The chassis development was supervised by German racing legend Hans-Joachim Stuck. The Mark 6 came with a 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder engine that yielded 210 horsepower in international markets (200 in the U.S.). This iteration of the VW Golf GTI also received a considerable facelift with a new honeycomb grille and dual exhaust at the corners of the rear bumper. 2013 - VW Golf GTI (Mark 7) In a big change for the Volkswagen Golf GTI lineup, the Mark 7 was the first to be lighter in curb weight than its predecessors. The redesign also saw some structural redesigns to strengthen its build for better handling with significant bumps in performance. The vehicle could get up to 230 horsepower with the Performance Package model. Drivers were able to hit 60 mph in just 6.4 seconds. The Mark 7 would see several different facelifts during its reign as king of the compact vehicles in the VW stable. 2021 - VW Golf GTI (Mark 8) The most recent form for the VW Golf GTI is offered as a four-door hatchback for the first time in its illustrious history. As you'd expect, VW designers and engineers pulled out all the stops when it came to redesigning this staple in automobiles. The future-forward design and elegant feature package makes it a force to be reckoned with on the road. It yields 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft. of torque. There are few opponents on the road more formidable than the Mark 8.

Looking for the Latest VW Golf GTI? Find it at a Volkswagen Dealership Near You!

Now that you know some of the history behind the VW Golf GTI, the next step is for you to get behind the wheel of the Mark 8 so that you can see how it handles in person. The best way to do this is by visiting a Volkswagen dealership near you. Pay us a visit at VW Cypress, which is conveniently located at 19550 Northwest Fwy. in Houston. If you're looking for other types of new cars for sale in Houston, VW Cypress can help you out there, too. We carry a wide variety of SUVs, compacts, and stylish sedans that are made to fit any driving style and family dynamic. We also carry a wide variety of used cars and certified pre-owned vehicles that have undergone a 100+ point inspection. Additionally, we are always running great deals on VW products and services in our specials section. Call us at (281) 532-8824 to speak with a member of our sales team or to set up a test drive appointment. You can also email us directly using the contact form on our website. Are you a current VW owner in need of routine maintenance or service? Contact the VW service center today to set-up your appointment. Important notification to our customers: Volkswagen Cypress SALES operations will move into its new location at 11411 Farm to Market 1960 West in Houston, TX, after the holidays! SERVICE operations will also move to a new location after the holidays. Its new stand-alone building can be found at 10828 Steepletop Drive in Houston, TX, located just one minute away from the SALES.
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Car Shopping This Fall? Consider These Hot VW Sedans

New Volkswagen Sedans Are Slick, Stylish, and Economic With the hottest days of summer safely behind us, Houston’s temperate weather makes this the ideal time to shop for new sedan deals. There’s no better feeling than being behind the wheel of a VW sedan that can cleanly cut through traffic like a Wüsthof knife. Volkswagen sedan models have a reputation for striking the perfect balance between fashion and function, and the class of 2023 continues the trend. Sleek aesthetics, superior performance, and competitive cost of ownership are the German automaker’s winning formula. However, each new Volkswagen sedan brings something unique to the table. After covering the three Volkswagen sedan models for 2023 and what makes them stand out, we’ll provide information on where to test drive them at a VW dealership in Houston. 2023 Volkswagen Jetta – The VW Sedan With Low Cost of Ownership What can we say about the 2023 VW Jetta that hasn’t been said about its prior iterations? It remains the automotive industry’s archetype for an affordable sedan that delivers on style and reliability. With a starting MSRP of just $20,655, it is the least expensive VW sedan in the German automaker’s catalog of vehicles. The Jetta also delivers the best fuel economy, providing drivers with an estimated 29 miles per gallon in the city and 42 miles per gallon on the highway. Sedan drivers who prioritize cost of ownership need look no further than the 2023 VW Jetta - but don’t take our word for it. Car and Driver gave the Jetta a positive review, praising the VW sedan for its cushy ride, roomy cockpit, and fun driving characteristics. The new VW Jetta is also a Consumer Reports recommended vehicle, scoring highly in usability, noise, ride, braking, and transmission. 2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI – An Elevation in Speed, Power, and Style Although the VW Jetta GLI shares its namesake with the standard Jetta, there’s plenty that sets these two VW sedans apart. Most notably, the Jetta GLI is the superior performer, providing drivers with 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque. By comparison, the standard Jetta delivers 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. of torque. In terms of design, the Jetta GLI has a sportier look and feel than the Jetta. The signature red trim seen throughout the GLI’s body and interior is a hallmark drivers will recognize from the Golf GTI lineup. Like those speedy hatchbacks, the Jetta GLI knows how to take tight corners and steep inclines without breaking a sweat. Motor Trend praised the VW Jetta GLI for its robust turbocharged engine, smooth transmission, and its advanced features and technology. With a starting MSRP of $31,585, the Volkswagen Jetta GLI is the epitome of sophistication and heart-racing performance without emptying your wallet. 2023 Volkswagen Arteon – The Ultimate VW Sedan The 2023 VW Arteon proves that luxury vehicles don’t always come with a jaw-dropping price tag. With a starting MSRP of $43,010, the Arteon undercuts the lion’s share of its German counterparts while delivering the most advanced driving experience of any new Volkswagen sedan. Outfitted with a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, the Arteon delivers 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque. Edmunds favorably reviewed the Arteon, noting its artful design, superior acceleration and handling, generous cargo space, and its luxurious feature package. How to Test Drive New Volkswagen Sedan Models at a VW Dealership in Houston The Jetta, Jetta GLI, and Arteon all deliver a distinct VW sedan experience with plenty of safety and convenience features and infotainment. Additionally, all new VW sedan purchases come with one of America's leading warranties – Carefree Coverage. The warranty includes a suite of coverages and services that make vehicle ownership more convenient, including maintenance and roadside assistance. To test drive any of the new Volkswagen sedan models, simply visit the VW Cypress dealership, conveniently located at 11411 FM 1960 West. Remember that the 2024 model year is arriving soon, if you prefer to shop for the latest and greatest from our favorite German automaker. If you’re shopping for a used VW sedan in Houston, VW Cypress carries a wide variety of used and certified pre-owned vehicles. Our dealership can also help you secure vehicle financing. Streamline your purchase today by filling out our online pre-approval form. For questions or to set up an appointment, call us at (281) 532-8824 or email us using the contact form.

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Los nuevos Volkswagen Sedán son hábiles, elegantes y económicos Con los días más calurosos del verano a salvo detrás de nosotros, el clima templado de Houston hace que este sea el momento ideal para comprar nuevas ofertas de sedanes. No hay mejor sensación que la de estar al volante de un sedán VW capaz de cortar limpiamente el tráfico como un cuchillo Wüsthof. Los modelos sedán de Volkswagen tienen fama de lograr el equilibrio perfecto entre moda y funcionalidad, y la clase de 2023 continúa la tendencia. Una estética elegante, unas características superiores y un costo de propiedad competitivo son la fórmula ganadora del fabricante de automóviles alemán. Sin embargo, cada nuevo sedán Volkswagen aporta algo único. Después de cubrir los tres modelos sedán de Volkswagen para 2023 y lo que los hace destacar, le proporcionaremos información sobre dónde probarlos en un concesionario VW en Houston. 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