30th Anniversary edition of the GTi
Volkswagen's fantastic
Golf GTi is about to get even better thanks to a healthy chunk of added grunt from its 2-litre turbocharged FSI unit. Power, already a more than respectable 197bhp, is raised to 227bhp. The result, 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds (6.6 seconds for the DSG-equipped vehicles) and a 150mph top speed.
Thankfully, Volkswagen has resisted the urge to fit a garish body-kit or dip the 'Edition 30' in colours more befitting an episode of
The Simpsons than an upmarket road car. Many manufacturers would have done just that. The result is a car that retains all the classy appeal of the Golf, but is distinctive enough to alert the discerning onlooker that this is no ordinary GTi. Exterior cues are limited to 18-inch 'Pescara' alloys, body-coloured side skirts and a redesigned chin spoiler.
So, the Edition 30 is a faster, more exclusive and equally stylish version the GTi. You may have guessed it's also more costly, starting at just over £22,000. Available from January in six colours - including Tornado Red and Candy White - the Edition 30 also features a nostalgic touch on the inside - a return of the golf ball gear knob, present on the Golf GTi Mk1.
As with the standard GTi and the steroidal
R32, the Edition 30's only downsides stem from its price. We know even before we've driven it that this anniversary edition will be a fantastic car, but the equally powerful
Focus ST isn't half bad either, and that's just £17,500. The Ford won't be the Edition 30's only competition, either; the
255bhp Mazda3 MPS goes on sale around the same time for £3,000 less. 'Ok', you might say, 'but this is a VW; you'd expect to pay more.' And we'd agree, but £3,000-£5,000 is a heck of a lot of money for a badge. If you've got your heart set on a Golf GTi, and can stretch to and Edition 30, the faster, bolder, four-wheel drive R32 might prove too much of a temptation at £24,000.
The Edition 30 will undoubtedly hold its value extremely well. Not only is it a Golf GTi, but a limited edition one at that. Of course, the R32 will hardly be difficult to sell on when the time comes, either. Not that Volkswagen will care which Golf you opt for; the 1,500 Edition 30s coming to the UK should have no problem finding happy homes.
Will Nightingale - 9 Nov 2006