Volkswagen has released a special limited-run ‘Edition 50’ version of its Golf GTI hot hatch, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the brand’s first ‘GTI’ performance car.
Based on the high-spec Golf GTI Clubsport but with a power boost and unique cosmetic touches, the Edition 50’s release signifies that it has been half a century since the very first 1976 Golf GTI, and celebrates the two and a half million Golf GTI models that have been produced across eight generations since.
The trim includes 19-inch ‘Queenstown’ red alloy wheels, ‘GTI 50’ badges on the roof spoiler, exterior mirrors, steering wheel and door sills, and three exterior colour options – red, dark green (exclusive to this model) and white. Inside, the ‘Edition 50’ differentiates itself from the standard Golf GTi thanks to a unique seat trim with decorative inserts, as well as pedals and seatbelts finished in red.
Like the Clubsport variant, the hot hatch is powered by a turbocharged inline-four 2.0-litre petrol engine paired with an automatic gearbox, but with a 25hp boost – 325hp in total. That’s 3hp short of the range-topping Golf R hot hatch.
First unveiled at the Nurburgring 24-hour race in Germany in late November, the Edition 50 was the fastest production Golf to complete a lap of the famous winding Nordschleife circuit. The limited-run hot hatch can complete a 0-62mph sprint in 5.3 sec, reaching a top speed of 168mph.
Beyond the engine, Volkswagen has also revised the steering and tuned the suspension’s active dampers, as well as lowering the ride height by around two centimetres. The car also comes with a unique ‘Nurburgring’ driving mode designed for track outings, and a new manual ‘M+’ mode prevents the car automatically upshifting at higher revs.
An optional ‘Performance’ package reduces weight further and introduces semi-slick tyres, ‘Warmenau’ 19-inch black alloy wheels, and a twin Akrapovič exhaust system.
Now on sale, but expected to be in high demand, pricing for the Golf GTI Edition 50 now begins at just south of £48k.
The Volkswagen Golf GTI currently holds a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 68%. It scores top marks for its excellent safety rating, while media review scores are also good. However, ownership costs drag the overall score down from an even better ranking, while Volkswagen’s new car warranty coverage is poor compared to some other brands.
