Winning Car of the Year from "Motor Trend," the 1985 Volkswagen GTI was living the high life.  It combined affordability with an exciting driving experience and a fire-breathing engine under its hood.  The 1985 GTI 2-door sports hatchback increased its horsepower output from 90 to 120-hp with the same 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder, fuel injection engine.  This added up to quick off the line acceleration and respectable street racing speeds.  Responsive steering and cornering were hallmarks of Volkswagen, and it showed in the light handling of the GTI.  Its lack of power steering meant you could literally feel the way it attacked the road.
With a name change from Rabbit to Golf, the 1985 GTI was sold as a separate line from the other Golf models in the United States only.  Though it shared the same frame and hatchback setup, the GTI had firmer suspension and performance wheels.  The interior offered few comforts beyond the leatherette seats and optional air conditioning and power windows and locks.
Speed is the 1985 Volkswagen GTI's main selling point and what distinguishes it from the standard Volkswagen Golf, but owners also say it's comfortable inside, with plenty of front seat legroom and body-hugging sport seats to lock you in when the GTI hits its stride.  The GTI is also a popular tuner car, because it is pretty easily modified.