Two years after the 2.0-litre 8-valve GTI failed to impress anyone greatly, Volkswagen decided that what the world needed was another 16-valve version, which was launched in January 1993. Beneath the familiar 16valve head was the 2.O-litre unit, which produced 150 bhp at 6000 rpm and was quite different from the units fitted to the Corrado and Passat. New valves and revised breathing were intended to provide extra power and low-down torque. Acceleration improved, which meant that 60 mph arrived in around eight seconds. Top speed was a useful 134 mph. The five-speed gearbox was a carry over from the GTI, as was the suspension -- unfortunately. So it was secure, safe, but a bit roly-poly, and still not enough fun. Interestingly, it came with the traction control system, as used on the VR6, which meant that it worked with the ABS system to eliminate torque steer (weaving as you bury the throttle) by monitoring the speed of the driving wheels. Standard specification was pretty much as the 8-valve, plus 6.53x15 in Monte Carlo alloy wheels with 205/50R-15V tires, but still a space saver in the boot, bee-sting aerial with amplifier, plus a brake lining wear indicator. September 1993 heralded the arrival of passenger seat height adjustment, as the five-door model got rear electric windows. For October 1994, a driver's airbag and engine immobilizer were fired. July 1995 saw the arrival of those neat rounded wing-mounted indicators. May 1996 -- the GTI's 20th anniversary year -- saw the launch of the limited-edition Anniversary. Just 150 were imported in three- and five door body styles, at a cost of ?16,995 and ?11,425, respectively. They had alloy wheels, which were painted red, plus the traditional and long missed golf ball gear knob. When it came to the interior trim, that was 'Sports line' -- slightly checkered flag in design -- with red bumper stripes and GTI budging. Discontinued in November 1997.
