Overall rating:

The original hot hatch, the Volkswagen Golf GTI, has been with us for 35 years - and this is the result. The Edition 35 is the fastest and most powerful production Golf GTI to date, but it's still just as practical and usable as the original was in 1976.

Key Facts

Pricing: £26,500 (est)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo
Transmission: six-speed manual/six-speed DSG, front-wheel drive
Body style: three/five-door hatchback
Rivals: MINI JCW, Alfa Romeo Giulietta Cloverleaf, SEAT Leon Cupra R
CO₂ emissions: 185g/km (DSG)
Combined economy: 35.3mpg (DSG)
Top speed: 154mph
0-62mph: 6.6 seconds
Power: 232bhp at 5,500-6,300 rpm
Torque: 236lb.ft at 2,200 to 5,500 rpm

In the Metal:

From the outside the Edition 35 is pretty much stock Golf GTI, but look closer and you'll spot some minute differences. These include a new front splitter, side skirts, various gloss black areas, smoked rear lights, LED lit number plates and 35 badges on the flanks. There are also two new alloy wheel styles - standard 18-inch 'Watkins Glens' or optional 19-inch 'Glendales'.

It's a similar story inside. The golf ball gearknob has made a welcome return, and there are bespoke kick plates, door trims and seat covers, most of which are sporting the 35 logo.

Driving it:

The Edition 35 has an additional 25bhp over the standard Golf GTI's 207bhp, which suggests that VW has made the odd tweak to free up some more power. That's not the case, as it's actually powered by a detuned EA113 engine from the hotter Golf R. The exhaust actuator has also been modified to enhance the engine's burble.

The result is a driving experience that's largely similar to a run-of-the-mill GTI's, but with a smidgen more shove. There's no questioning whether the Golf can handle the extra power - it's water off a duck's back, and makes an enjoyable experience all the more fun. Expect the same sorted, crisp handling, strong grip and tidy body control. Yes, it's not quite as engaging as a RenaultSport car, but the ride is better, it's more refined in every way and far less likely to break down.

A short-throw, six-speed manual transmission comes as standard. For the most part, it does the job well, but we ended up in fifth instead of third on several occasions. VW's sublime DSG gearbox is an option, this time as a six-speeder, and it's the better choice here. Slot the stick over to the right, change gear yourself with the firm little paddles behind the steering wheel and just concentrate on the horizon. Yes, it's more expensive, but on a car like this it's worth the £1,300 or so premium that VW is likely to charge for it.

What you get for your Money:

Prices have yet to be confirmed for the UK, but expect the Edition 35 to cost around the £26,500 mark. That's about £2,500 or so more than a standard GTI but £3,000 cheaper than a Golf R.

Spec levels remain largely similar to the standard car, and similarly, the optional adaptive damping system is worth a punt. It allows you to toggle between, Comfort, Normal and Sport modes with obvious and worthwhile consequences for the steering, throttle and suspension settings.

Worth Noting

Listen out on a furious gearchange and you'll hear a satisfying woofle from cars fitted with the DSG 'box - yet another reason to tick that option box. The Edition 35 also sits 15mm lower than the standard Golf GTI, and there are five new paint schemes on offer, in addition to the usual white, black, red and silver.

Summary

The Golf GTI's place at the top of the hot hatch market and in history is secure. Even after 35 years it has the refinement, the practicality and the fun stuff taken care of in equal measure. Extra grunt and an exhaust with a little more warble never goes amiss, especially when it's on top of an already great mix. Roll on the GTI's 40th.