Volkswagen Golf GTi Edition 30 (2006): first official pictures

VW Golf GTi Edition 30: the lowdown

Next year marks the 30th anniversary of the Golf GTi’s UK launch, and to celebrate, Volkswagen will release 1500 of this GTi Edition 30. Complete with uprated 230PS (or 227bhp) engine, deeper bodykit and an interior makeover, the special edition is the fastest version of the hot hatch to date. The engineers have tweaked the 2.0-litre turbo’s engine management, to extract the additional 30bhp. The extra poke cuts the regular Golf GTi’s dash to 62mph from 7.2sec to 6.8, and top speed climbs from 146mph to 150. Power is sent to the front wheels by a six-speed manual box, or by Volkswagen’s DSG twin-clutch auto that adds £1330 to the price but cuts the 0-62mph dash to 6.6sec. The Edition 30 gets a subtle makeover in the form of new-bodied coloured side skirts, a new chin spoiler for the front bumper and a body coloured rear bumper. Tinted rear lamps and 18 inch wheels complete the look.

The inside story

Inside, the GTi Edition 30 gets unique sports seats with side bolsters, and to pay tribute to the original GTi, the distinctive golf ball gear knob makes a comeback. There are also silver sill plates distinguished by an ‘Edition 30’ logo, as well as a sculpted leather GTI steering wheel complete with red stitching. ABS, ESP, six airbags, radio/CD player and dueal-zone climate control and twin exhaust tailpipes are standard fare. Prices will start at £22,000 for the Golf GTi Edition 30, but you’ll have to be quick as only 1500 will be available when it goes on sale in January.

What a difference 30 years makes…