Overall rating:

Latest Golf GTI, more powerful engine, celebration of the original's birthday, fastest ever. Sounds like a recipe for the rawest and most exciting Golf GTI yet; and it is, but the Edition 35 is still a pretty civil beast (and it's all the better for it).

Key Facts

Model tested: Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 35
Pricing: £28,820 (£31,030 as tested)
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol
Transmission: six-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic, front-wheel drive
Body style: three-door hatchback
Rivals: Renaultsport Mégane 265 Trophy, Audi S3, SEAT Leon Cupra R
CO₂ emissions: 185g/km
Combined economy: 35.3mpg
Top speed: 153mph
0-62mph: 6.6 seconds
Power: 232bhp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 221lb.ft at 2,200rpm

Inside & Out:

When we had the Edition 35 on test it was pretty darn cold, so ours did without the unique 18-inch alloys pictured. So plain were the winter rubber wrapped rims, we thought they'd delivered the wrong car.

Still, the 17-inch six spoke items endowed the Edition 35 with a sleeper-like status, and a wolf in sheep's clothing image that gave us a perverse kick when driving it. That's probably part of the Edition 35 and other GTI models' appeal - though we're partial to more dramatic hot hatches around here too.

Inside, the Golf is as solid as ever, but we're disappointed to see that VW has dropped the iconic Interlagos tartan cloth from the whole GTI range, especially as it has gone to the effort of styling the gear lever on the latest Titleist.

Ride & Handling:

Overall the GTI is composed with plenty of grip, and even some decent feel through the three-spoke steering wheel. But, and we'll get this out the way early, it's just not as engaging as a good hot hatch should be. A Golf GTI should excite, not just impress.

Still, that would be missing the true point of the Edition 35. Yes it's the fastest Golf GTI ever, but that doesn't mean it's any less capable when dealing with real life. Where a Renaultsport will demand your concentration, the Golf, especially in DSG guise, will let you relax and simply get on with the journey.

Obviously the suspension is still firm, but it does its best to prevent any bumps or lumps from entering the cabin. On a racetrack it'll likely feel soft, but these cars spend most of their time on the motorway or back roads, and in this respect the Golf Edition 35 has the compromise nailed.

Engine & Transmission:

The fastest Golf ever to wear the GTI badge - that's quite a claim, and one the 231bhp Edition 35 has every right to. But to get there this latest model uses the 2.0-litre TSI engine originally found in the Mk5 GTI. Not to worry though, this isn't an old block found gathering dust at the back of the factory - it's stronger and more receptive to tuning than the current 2.0-litre and is also used in the flagship R model.

It's gruffer for sure, but that simply makes you feel more involved in the experience. The fact it's keener to hit the red line is another bonus. We'd want a manual gearbox though - great though the DSG automatic is, you simply point the car in your chosen direction and plant your foot while the horizon is reeled in; it's just too clinically efficient for our tastes. The manual is £1,295 cheaper too.

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:

Decide you want an Edition 35 and you'll need another £2,220 over the equivalent DSG GTI, so what do you get for the extra outlay? There are leather seats with unique embossing, decorative Edition 35 trimmings and that golf ball design gear knob. On the outside the Edition 35 benefits from those aforementioned 18-inch alloys and more aggressive bumpers and sills.

You're probably paying for the cool factor and bragging rights of this being the fastest Golf GTI ever as well. It's a pretty shrewd purchase though, with decent economy and strong residuals. However, that older engine isn't as efficient, so you'll pay an extra £20 per year in tax over the regular GTI.