In 1989, the Volkswagen Rallye Golf appeared as a Rally “homologation special”. Distinguishable by its box-flared wheel arches (similar to the very rare Audi quattro, very desirable BMW E30 M3 and the fast point to point Lancia Delta Integrale) and rectangular projector headlamps, this model featured a Syncro four-wheel drive system, a cable shift transmission and a G-Lader Supercharger mated to 1763cc (less than the typical 1.8L 1781cc to meet the engine displacement rules) version of the injected 8-valve G60 1.8-litre engine which was good for 161bhp@5800rpm which was just 19bhp more than the stock Golf GTI Mk2 16-valve as it carried more weight.
The Golf Rallye weight was 84kg more at 1195kg.
Five thousand cars were built in Volkswagen’s Brussels, Belgium, plant and not a single car arrived in Malaysia as they were all left hand drive only.