VW Citi Golf 1.8i Review - Is this the best Citi Golf (Mk1) ever put on sale?

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We were honoured when the owner of this rare machine contacted us and offered us a drive in his pride and joy, a 2007 Volkswagen Citi Golf 1.8i.
But the 1.8i has some history. Before the launch of this production run, Volkswagen South Africa released the 1.8R, and over the years, there have been many different versions to the story as to how these two models are related.
In this video, Ciro does his best to relay his understanding of the history of the car, as well as take it out for a shakedown on some of Gauteng's best backroads, which are similar to the Western Cape's worst backroads.
Enjoy!
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[@hugokrog9471]

I drive a 2009 VW Citi Golf 1.4 called "Rooies" since 2013 and I'm absolutely loving it. The ideal plan is to never sell it, it will break my heart if I have to. I can just imagine how much fun the 1.8 must be to drive. I firmly believe that a well looked after Citi Golf will increase in value throughout the years.

[@chadkennedy8675]

Do not sell it bro i know alot of people that sold their golf and everytime i see them they talk about the Golf because it's like losing the best girlfriend you ever had

[@lenzlopillay923]

i'm hoping to get mine into some sort of showroom , i have the same vw golf 1.8i they previewing although i kept mine as original as possible since 2008/2009 , 1st owner and it still has less then 200Ks on the clock

[@IronGiant007]

@@lenzlopillay923 Do you still have it?

[@Macedonia270]

I drove the Golf CTI, which was also a 1.8i Golf 1....I still have fond memories of that car (in classic Red) I bought it new in 1991....I traded my second hand bought Ford Escort 1600 Sport (in Baby Blue) Those were the days...The car was parked outside my flat and on the first night someone stole my wheels and dropped the car on the tarmac.... I went to a second hand dealer and he bought my wheels off the thieves that morning but recorded their names and registration number...I got my wheels back...And they were convicted...Ahh, the good old days... I should have kept that car....

[@azman1182]

👍 the burgundy was the in colour and those solid rims👌

[@Macedonia270]

@@azman1182 Heish brother.... I was more in love with that car (my first, new car) than my current GT3 RS....

[@johnypiston]

My first car was a red CTi. I still say it's the one car I have owned that I wish I never sold. So much fun! Breaks my heart that I sold it for an Opel 180ie. Those Opels were quick but soulless and overshadowed by the 200ie. Ah the mistakes of youth

[@Macedonia270]

@@johnypiston Amen brother.... I should definitely have kept that car...it would have taken pride of place in my garage...next to my 20 year old Red Ducati (which I fortunately kept)

[@jpvandermerwe4977]

I have a city golf 1.4 turbo

[@chadkennedy8675]

We cannot imagine our country without the MK1 Golf's

[@charlesoosthuizen5592]

WoW ~ what a blast from the past. In 2001 (before marriage and kids) I bought a brand new Citi Golf Life 1.6i complete with A/C, central locking and of course the then top of the Citi range VW fitted free-flow exhaust. Life was white in colour, red and back checkered seats, leather steering wheel and gear lever boot cover with that iconic Golf Ball gear knob. Man, loved that car and planned to keep it forever but sadly got badly damaged in a road hit and run accident. I still smile (and point out to my now 2 teenager kids) everytime I see a well preserved Citi Golf on the roads. Long live the Citi Golf.

[@antonvangraan2378]

I still have my 1997 Citigolf Chico 1.3, which I bought new 25 years ago. Driving it is like wearing your favourite denim, it just works.

[@mohamedebrahim5911]

How much?

[@martinbeukes6359]

I have a Citi-R with 270 000km, my daily still going strong!

[@sakhiledlamini1194]

how is the fuel economy on the R

[@martinbeukes6359]

It all depends on your right foot. In town I get 10km/l and on the highway I can get up to 14km/l if you do not go past 140km/h

[@martinbeukes6359]

@Jared Luke Unfortunately not

[@Johnny24071982]

I still enjoy driving my 96 Citigolf Shuttle. 1,3 carb 4 spd and I added a freeflow exhaust for the noise and saves fuel haha. Had it since 2006 and since put 74,000km on it, mostly city driving.

[@Johnny24071982]

Unfortunately my wife was in an accident on Friday night with my car🥺 thankfully she's ok, broken leg and dislocated her hip but she's ok. Gonna miss my Golfie, but my wife still comes first

[@sakhiweshezi]

@@Johnny24071982 I’m sorry to hear that. Praying for her speedy recovery😔

[@Johnny24071982]

@@sakhiweshezi thanks bud. She's doing better every day 🙏

[@tiisetsohlatshwayo536]

Also own a Citi shuttle also 4 speed had an opel Corsa lite but couldn't resist the golf curse very nice to drive lol

[@lebomathatho6633]

Just made me love my 1.4i even more.

[@did.it.myself9022]

Ke koloi that thing Lebza..

[@Ty_____G]

10:53 No power steering... it's just a well designed steering rack

[@joachimcilliers]

I have a golf citi from South africa here in the UK and the people love it little kids points at it like it a space ship, not even my BMW e30 get soo much attention

[@joachimcilliers]

Ooo and the smiles it put on people faces priceless

[@ashleylemmer8016]

I had a brand new CTi in the early 1990s, it was the spiritual successor to the MK1 GTi and the only difference to the engine as far as I know is that it had a hydralic head. I felt the brakes could have been better, but then all Citi Golfs had that issue and mine didn't have aircon - which in hindsight I should have fited aftermarket. That car went like a bomb. It had the Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection with two throttle bodies. The initial throttle pedal travel was with the smaller flap and then a step can be felt in the pedal where the second throttle opens. At that point you could hear the induction noise and it was is if a turbo was kicking in. One of the best cars I ever had and probably why I had a few GTIs later in my life.

[@Mimeniia]

I had a red one. Sexy AF...according to the ladies.😀

[@boemomolefe8303]

Great video. Ciro genuinely enjoys telling us about these great cars!🤙🏽

[@darrenprior6339]

I learned to drive in a 1976 Mk1 GTi. Never forgot it and it kickstarted a love affair with VW and many more Golf GTis and Golf R's. My daughters now both own VW Polos and love them, all thanks to that wonderful Mk1. Still a beautiful looking car today. Thanks for this episode. Great to watch.

[@NeoM018]

I had a 1992 1.8 vw fox which we fitted that new dash, replaced carburetor with the mp9 system and ffz gearbox and gave it that blue velocity color. It turned heads everywhere I went.

[@rofhiwa5207]

Can you also do a review about that Polo 1.9TDI

[@dricojvrensburg3531]

Please

[@hdeen4610]

Please the stock 96kw version

[@thatguy5245]

I owned one and I miss it so much…

[@ozzi4627]

@@hdeen4610 if you can find one

[@paulhoffman1854]

Polony car

[@carldanelaubscher1489]

Learning to drive a volksie, and my dad allowing me to pass my drivers with his new MK1 99 was priceless

[@rajkumar6251]

Great video. Love classic cars. Well done. This is Raj from Malaysia.

[@fazilandreaustinsmith5457]

I love these owner pre-owned type reviews 😃

[@Paul-ru3cj]

This has to be one of the best job ever well done guys

[@preshannaicker3020]

The review I needed to see ❤

[@siphamandlamsomi3464]

Great presentation as always.

[@warrage88]

Awesome video man!🤘🏻

[@jarrydganaspersad6154]

Maaaan watching this video took me back to my 1.3 carb and 1.4i Citi golfs

[@MotorTorq_ZA]

Hi ciro glad your back on the road 😁

[@jacqueskirchner4147]

That is a beautiful, rare and well looked after little car!

[@MarkTrudgeonRulez]

I had the Citi Golf CTi which was also a 1.8 motor. Loved it and so did the wife when I handed it down to her. Sold it in 2000 when we moved overseas!

[@gurshangusflowthomas8561]

Nice to see a review of my favorite car..i have one myself..but a 1.4 with a gti 2.0ltr 16v motor

[@tebogomatshediso4058]

Nice Review😊, wish you could put the CTi and 1.8i side by side, pound for pound and see the evolution between the two models

[@brucekendall52]

Had the start of my 1st hi jacking in my golf CTI,1993.Thanks.

[@rushdiy1]

Feel special to have owned one of this for almost 6 Years ...Really miss it

[@DIESELTECH_ZA]

Nifty little cars the Golfs! Nice video chaps!

[@aardtdavidtz9134]

What a great car, thank you. Your show is fantastic, I love watching it 👍🏻👌🏻

[@Carscoza]

Thank you so much! We appreciate your support

[@goodnewsmusic.5638]

Wow! That car, that sound just sparks up nostalgia 💪🏼😅👍🏼Our old citi golf Mini muscle car of past days. Lekker jy 😁

[@olwethuluyanda2371]

That sound is legendary 🙌🏾 👌

[@shaldonsamuel6587]

I have a citi 1.8i R with a 1.8 20v turbo ,Amazing car ,love it to bits

[@Carscoza]

Wishing you many happy miles!

[@Rah36579]

Very very dope vehicle. The tone it gives as the speed picks up 😍. Can you plz plz PLZ do a feature on the old school Toyota Rounder 🙏🏾

[@PeterGibbens]

Love those misty morning shots

[@veeveenainaidoo3863]

As always I love your car reviews and your sense of humour. "Golf knob"... 😆

[@Carscoza]

Thank you so much, we appreciate it :)

[@stephanrieken7232]

Beautiful I've got the 1.4 velocity and I love it

[@uveshharrilall]

Had a velociti 1.4i ,loved it, now have a 1.4 and i love it.. but this is my dream..really would like to get my hands on one

[@jrdiedericks4592]

I had the Mk 1 Gti 1983 beautiful car to drive loved it.

[@jean-claudemccarthy9439]

Iconic car Iconic review Great job

[@nandisangubelanga2002]

Thank you for the review, please also do a review for the new Chery Tiggo 7 pro 🙏!!!😅 We are still waiting for more South African reviews on this new vehicle.

[@Carscoza]

Hi there, thanks for asking. There seems to be a delay in the media unit reaching Cape Town, but as soon as it does, we'll film it! We do have a written review on the Tiggo 7 Pro which you'll find here: www.cars.co.za/motoring-news/chery-tiggo-7-pro-2022-launch-review/123535/

[@Marco34708]

Love this Mk1 Golf, my favourite shape.

[@ShadowLady1]

A friends brother picked us up from school in one of these once it did feel like i actually had to hold on the way that thing accelerated,wasn't even expecting it

[@mayibongwendukuya2679]

Ciro, If I remember correctly you did a review of a black Ford Focus RS MK3 and it was at night and that was the only video. But I feel like we really need another video, that car is a modern day classic and I’m willing to offer my car to the Channel for filming…

[@Carscoza]

That's very kind of you. Please drop us an email and we'll get chatting: [e-mail]

[@qintonfitness8064]

The best reviews!

[@Carscoza]

Thank you so much for your kind words and support

[@justindaniel5959]

Good memories, 1.6 citi with wildcat performance exhaust 🙌👌

[@Johnny24071982]

Power Steering? Wasn't aware of ANY factory Citigolf that came out with power steering.

[@kai_444]

yeah some came with Aircon and 1 airbag

[@vpowerelectrix998]

Agree with You bru,don't think it has power steering(still a guess though)

[@lucienpetrus6906]

Still in my heart my Golf

[@luvuyomondlane5627]

Please do a review on the Toyota Conquest 180 RSI

[@nicosekano5942]

U leave in South African & these cars are all over the streets man, lovely car. Essily modified & pimpable. I wanna get myeelf one

[@collinhuman1847]

one of my favourite cars, had a few of them in SA , wish I could afford to import one to Australia....

[@DVTREALMAN150]

WOW. I was a owner of 5 Golfs my first was a LS 1300 two door.

[@rowannoland2337]

Missing my MK1 when I was at varsity, simple but enjoyable driving

[@ntsakondlovu8988]

We want a drag race 🏁 Citi golf 1.8i vs 1.0 polo trendline please

[@Joshua_Kemp_Official_]

You should do all the mk1 cars from old school to the last one

[@TheeCobra]

Used to own a tuned MK1 Sonic. Was forced to sell it when I lost my job. I miss that car dearly.

[@bongumusasokhulu260]

Having the last Citi Rox 1.4i from brand new can give one chest pains when it start to have squeaky sounds when driving from just flawless sheer driving pleasure 😭😭😭😭 I miss the good old days you beauty

[@queenbshenanigans6956]

Can you maybe do a compilation of cheap Cars for students. Like in the sense of paying for repairs and light on fuel cars.

[@lindileseptember4230]

I never knew there was another 1.8 Golf after 1.8R-line. Impressive indeed.

[@did.it.myself9022]

Even the velociti line has a 1.8i also damn rare, even the 1.6i is quite rare

[@rushdiy1]

@@did.it.myself9022 you dont get a velociti 1.8i

[@lindileseptember4230]

😳 I didn't know that either. Living In rural areas though 😂

[@dudleylandsberg1747]

@@did.it.myself9022 no such thing

[@abbott10k]

@@did.it.myself9022 Nope! No 1.8i Velo & the 1.6i is pretty much common.

[@lt716]

Made me to remember my VeloCiti 1.4i. Damn that was a car.

[@_tiktokjj3928]

I really want this car!! Man I'm 17 and want a Citi golf as my first and last car:)

[@olwethubavuma9125]

I just missed my 2004 CITI LIFE 1.6 Fuel injector that 2nd gear and the sound from the exhaust 👌👌

[@shaunc3840]

My 1st car a 1989 red citi golf with 4spd gearbox.Replaced engine with 1.8 motor with a jetta 4 tdi gearbox!!!Man that was fun!!!Replaced it with a 2000 citigolf Life.True about that 2nd gear.I hit 90km/h in it before changing to 3rd.

[@charlesoosthuizen5592]

I hear you and feel your pain buddy. Had a 2001 Life 1.6i and that 2nd gear and exhaust note was SO addictive :)

[@olwethubavuma9125]

@@charlesoosthuizen5592 that's an original VW vrrpaaa not these turbocharged engines

[@ameerdhawpersadh1019]

I miss my new spec Golf life! Was one of the best.

[@mohaumokhethi8625]

Finding one of these is near impossible just like the golf 4 GTI R but if you can find it ,you buy it put in a short shifter and play with it because the newer cars are nowhere near as fun as these gems

[@katlehonkoe8502]

The exhaust note though. Addictive. Does anyone have an idea which exhaust system is it?

[@angelovs6558]

Looks like a velocity inside🤪🤪 were there any rattling noise above 120km/h…… love the insert🙌🏾

[@Ash-so6qn]

I had a 1.4... It was a great car, but the way people drove it, it made it hazardous to themselves and other road users. The most common thing was to fit a 2Lt engine in it, without upgrading the brakes and suspension to handle the extra power. VW put in one airbag for the 2009, they could have fitted a passenger airbag, ABS and EBD without affecting the cost too much... VW always gives you less for hefty price tags

[@gekolizzard]

Gods know I wish vw still made the mk1. They are awesome

[@ranshawsimons3140]

I had the opportunity to own 2 citis 98 model chico lux 1.6 and the limited edition mk1 number 549 .

[@karabotrial7037]

Come to mamelodi in Pretoria the home of Mk1, we even made them small business taxis, and I can tell you people here in mamelodi preferes then than quantums and other sort of mini bus, Mk1 it's a lifestyle

[@Sakkie_N55]

My mom had a CTI 1.8i that thing was quick for its day.. unfortunately it got stolen 2 years after she bought it.. I wanted it so bad.. but then ended up with a mk1 gt1600 escort as my first car..

[@RickGTI2019]

Great video, car, and story. I would love to own one. But living in SO. Florida, A/C is a big factor. I guess I’ll just have to settle for my MK 7.5. LOL ! Thanks, RickGTI…..🇺🇸🌴

[@JuicyJLee]

Import a old Spec Citi golf but dress it up with 2009 parts including A/C the dollar exchange rate will make it cheap for you

[@joseamarok5771]

They have AC fitted original, the motor is much more improved than older version's.

[@joshpillay6882]

I love this mk1 1.8i

[@varaszntv9157]

this is my TWIN, our cars deserve a meet

[@tumelondlazi6738]

The love I have for this car

[@lekgwarengsehlodimela572]

The best sounding VW to date is the VR6 and the Velocity

[@olwethubavuma9125]

U probably never heard of CITI LIFE

[@lekgwarengsehlodimela572]

@@olwethubavuma9125 its not better than a velocity

[@menaceIIsociety187]

@@lekgwarengsehlodimela572 it's the same thing lmao

[@karabotrial7037]

@@lekgwarengsehlodimela572 Life is the best mk1 ever made bro especially the quarter window , or maybe is bcos you never drove 1 before.

[@dudleylandsberg1747]

Lol. Velociti🤣 with a stock exhaust? It can't compare to the 1.8i stainless steel free flow system

[@seraajroomaney3148]

Can you please provide a link to your mk2 golf video gou mentioned in this video

[@faeezallie5740]

One of the best rare regulars🤞 just like the owner😎

[@fizo007]

11:53 their are airbag spec citi golfs 08/09 and they had catalytic converters aswell (MPI shurlock ECU)

[@EugeneMthis]

Yeah, some CitiSport, TenaCiti and CitiRox came with that airbag steering 👌🏽

[@fizo007]

@@EugeneMthis That's it , and the Limited edition MK1 (1000) units aswell 💯

[@EugeneMthis]

@@fizo007 true, I forgot those 💯

[@mrdamons8545]

Can you please review a mk2 Jetta Cli Executive 8v or 16v

[@panashetinotenda1408]

i dont need a radio in this car....the sound is amazing

[@hey_myk]

As much as a Citi Golf is a humble machine, it's a gateway to "driver's car"

[@livhuwani4163]

Very rare very very rare rare damn i wish their make this again

[@mohamedkandil1789]

It's a shame that we didn't get the opportunity to have them here in the USA after they were initially discontinued.

[@marksam6824]

I still own my citi golf and still runs Great with 265 872 kms on the clock ture kms

[@theunshanekom2]

Wanted 1 badly....never could get one to buy.

[@ksg5375]

The 2.0 ltr does it for me though💯💯💯 withem injectors

[@EugeneMthis]

2 things: I doubt it has power steering and that exhaust doesn't sound stock. Nice car though, well looked after 👌🏽

[@BoostKrip]

What are u talking about bro,u dont know citi golf

[@abbott10k]

Apparently there are MK1s with power steering. It's mentioned that the exhaust is a Bosal factory fitment, so not aftermarket.

[@EugeneMthis]

@@BoostKrip lol for peace sake you're right bro, I don't know Citi Golf 😂😂😂

[@BobyourUncle]

I still blame the guild of motoring journalists for killing this car. There was a concerted smear campaign against the citigolf for the last couple of years of production that painted it as a dangerous dinosaur. What they neglected to mention was that it was 10 times better than anything else in that price bracket. So the next time Avis saddles you with a Dustbin Go or a kwid you know who to blame....

[@Ash-so6qn]

They did the same to the Tazz

[@subzeromidnight5388]

Tazz is the best car ever😭

[@fransbafedile1170]

Pls do review on 1.6 ie Opel Astra f engine

[@AndrewChildsza]

I had an old Civic EK that I fitted a 1.8 litre B18C motor to that made ~127kw on the motor, and ~105kw on the wheels. The car weighed ~1.1 tons. Lord, it was awesome.

[@jayjaylee5858]

the 1.6 AFX was stroked to 1.8i like i said the AFX is one of the best 1.6 8v motors vw has ever made..give it a 272 cam and 50mm or 57mm and she is good to go

[@dudleylandsberg1747]

I have the 1.8i motor in my citirox. The tuner i took it to told me not to waste my money on a 2 litre. He said with one or two small tweaks he said my 1.8 will give them a hard time

[@JuicyJLee]

​@dudleylandsberg1747 true, add a cam 272 free flow 50mm if you can get a dictator for fueling add a fuel regulator K&N flat filter with standard airbox remove one trumpet in the box. Fit a short shifter and upgrade the brakes to Mk3 GTi and you good

[@kbgp4826]

I remember seeing this for the first time in braamfontein couple of years back and I told everyone that it is a 1.8...nobody believed me...also the is an R32 golf 4 that stays around randburg but I don't know how rare are those

[@lindileseptember4230]

R32 Golf 4 must be an import

[@MrKlassik101]

No air bags we die like men 😂BE A MAN

[@EugeneMthis]

😂😂😂

[@tommy.83]

Is the aircon factory fitted? 🤔

[@angelomanuel4848]

Are you sure it has powersteering? Not claiming to know better, but you said it twice Ciro....I never knew and I actually ordered a 1.8R long before they arrived and then cancelled as something else came up before delivery....

[@slawekfastyn]

I love the CitiGolf. Had a couple of them in the ’90 :) Just a pity about that terrible Skoda Fabia dashboard….

[@JuicyJLee]

Old Spec Citi life was the pinical for the Citi that AFX 1.6i is a beautiful motor

[@Mothercityguy]

Beautiful car