Photo: Volkswagen
This year is full of birthdays. Not only is the legendary Lamborghini Miura celebrating its 50th, but the Golf GTI has crossed the big four-oh. That's why Volkswagen built a special edition model with more of everything we like.
Over in Europe, we know it as the Clubsport, but Vdub didn't break with tradition everywhere and called it GTI '40 Years' for the Australian market launch.
That echoes predecessors like the Edition 30 based on the Mk5 and the Edition 35 with 235 hp that launched in 2011.
We think VW's decision was also taken because hot versions of the Holden Commodore are also named Clubsport. But we know this car is truly deserving of any such name, as its S derivate currently holds the front-wheel drive record on the Nurburgring.
To make the '40 Years' model, engineers took the GTI engine and boosted it from 220 PS to 265. On overboost, it even goes as high as 290 PS, matching its sister car, the SEAT Leon Cupra 290.
Australia-specific pricing starts at $46,990 for a six-speed manual or $48,990 in the case of the DSG model. Considering that's just $2500 more than the GTI with the Performance Pack, we consider it a bargain, especially when you consider that not only performance but also luxury features have been included.
As you might have noticed already, the GTI 40 Years has bespoke bumpers, alloys, and a trunk wing. It also scores the larger brake rotors and electronic diff from the more expensive R model.
We're not afraid to admit that the Ford Focus RS is a lot more fun and that this 40th-anniversary model is very expensive. But if you're after the ultimate GTI they will make until 2021, this is your only chance to buy one in right-hand drive.
With just 500 units offered in Australia, buyers will want to be quick. Some of them have already begun to arrive at dealerships. Granpa has still got it!
That echoes predecessors like the Edition 30 based on the Mk5 and the Edition 35 with 235 hp that launched in 2011.
We think VW's decision was also taken because hot versions of the Holden Commodore are also named Clubsport. But we know this car is truly deserving of any such name, as its S derivate currently holds the front-wheel drive record on the Nurburgring.
To make the '40 Years' model, engineers took the GTI engine and boosted it from 220 PS to 265. On overboost, it even goes as high as 290 PS, matching its sister car, the SEAT Leon Cupra 290.
Australia-specific pricing starts at $46,990 for a six-speed manual or $48,990 in the case of the DSG model. Considering that's just $2500 more than the GTI with the Performance Pack, we consider it a bargain, especially when you consider that not only performance but also luxury features have been included.
As you might have noticed already, the GTI 40 Years has bespoke bumpers, alloys, and a trunk wing. It also scores the larger brake rotors and electronic diff from the more expensive R model.
We're not afraid to admit that the Ford Focus RS is a lot more fun and that this 40th-anniversary model is very expensive. But if you're after the ultimate GTI they will make until 2021, this is your only chance to buy one in right-hand drive.
With just 500 units offered in Australia, buyers will want to be quick. Some of them have already begun to arrive at dealerships. Granpa has still got it!
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