The Rivals ...

In the early 1980s these were the ONLY main rivals to the Golf GTI Mk1.

Ford Escort XR3: This sporting hatchback from Ford gave impressive performance, responsive handling and reasonable ride.

Vauxhall Astra GTE Mk1: 1.8 litre fuel injected engine was smooth, potent and gave excellent outright performance.

Please note: many consider the (excellent) Peugeot 205GTI as a true rival to the Mk1 Golf GTI, but the Peugeot was launched AFTER the Mk1 Golf GTI production stopped - so it could never be considered a true showroom rival. Due to its launch date, the French car was also a generation ahead in terms of vehicle development.