Photo: Volkswagen
With the previous two generations of hot hatch, Volkswagen took the liberty of thanking its loyal fans by launching the Edition 30 and Edition 36 versions of the Golf GTI. Both models are still stars of the used car market. Will there be an Edition 40? We hope so, but in the meantime, something unexpected has happened in Japan. The home of the Civic Type R and Subaru WRX will play host to a special limited edition GTI series built to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Golf.
In total, 500 units will be offered to keen Japanese buyers, starting September 27th (the end of this week). Prices will start at 4.35 million yen (equivalent to €31,200), with available colors limited to Pure White and Carbon Steel Gray Metallic.
We did a quick read of the official press release and discovered this is one of those "more for less" special editions. The output of both the regular GTI and the model with the Performance Pack remains the same at 220 PS and 230 PS, respectively.
Standard equipment on all 500 cars includes a 19-inch ally wheel design backed by red brake calipers with GTI logos, a GTI leather thee-spoke multifunctional steering wheel and the DSG gearbox.
The Edition 35 was arguably less impressive. Its power gain (235 PS vs 210 PS stock) seemed much more modest compared to the 250 PS the cheaper Megane RS boasted.
Editor's note: The real Edition 40 shouldn't come out until 2016. This model celebrates the Golf, not the GTI.
We did a quick read of the official press release and discovered this is one of those "more for less" special editions. The output of both the regular GTI and the model with the Performance Pack remains the same at 220 PS and 230 PS, respectively.
Standard equipment on all 500 cars includes a 19-inch ally wheel design backed by red brake calipers with GTI logos, a GTI leather thee-spoke multifunctional steering wheel and the DSG gearbox.
The history lesson
The first anniversary edition GTI came out in 1996. However, the first truly popular car of its king was the Edition 30, based on the well-rounded Mk5. This came with an impressive power output for the 2-liter TSI turbo, from 200 PS to 230 PS. Rumors suggested this was actually faster than a naturally aspirate R32, which came with a V6. The model also boasted a throatier exhaust sound and the choice between two BBS 18-inch wheels.The Edition 35 was arguably less impressive. Its power gain (235 PS vs 210 PS stock) seemed much more modest compared to the 250 PS the cheaper Megane RS boasted.
Editor's note: The real Edition 40 shouldn't come out until 2016. This model celebrates the Golf, not the GTI.
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