The Golf GTi Hits Middle Age
The Golf GTi, when launched in 1976, had the hot hatchback market to itself. In some regards, it was the forefather for fast, fun, practical hatchbacks that spawned many other manufacturers into creating some exciting and entertaining sports cars.
Soon, skunkworks throughout the industry were planning their own hot hatches, and styling was key to grabbing young peoples hearts. From flared wheel arch trims, side skirts, spoilers and red accents along with alloy wheels, stiffer suspension and a trick engine, ‘cool car’ status had well and truly arrived by the 1980’s, largely thanks to the Golf GTi.
But it was the Mk1 Golf GTi resplendent with it’s golf ball gear knob, tartan seat fabric, exterior styling changes and 108 BHP that turned so many heads that the initially planned 5,000 units turned into 461,000+ units sold by the end of its production run in 1983.
Mk1 Golf GTi
With it’s legendary status being confirmed, Volkswagen wouldn’t be Volkswagen without a Golf GTi in its line-up, so 50 years after its original launch, the Golf GTI 50 Edition is on sale to commemorate its heritage.
Having gained size and weight with a much more mature presence since the 1970’s, the Golf GTI is quite obviously middle aged now, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Think more along the lines of Christian Bale; matured with handsome, muscular looks and a body full of vitality and agility. The Golf is no different with the GTI 50 Edition producing a very healthy 321 BHP from a 2.0 turbo charged petrol engine and seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox.
Golf GTI 50 Edition
But, just like Christian the GTI 50 Edition commands a premium price. At £47,995 it cost £1,145 more than a Golf R, so what do you get extra for that?
Adaptive suspension is standard, as are 19” alloy wheels, LED matrix headlights and a new tartan design for the seats as well as the additional 60 BHP over the standard GTI. Volkswagen has also fettled its weight down by 25 Kg to give it a more dynamic feel.
It can sprint to 60 mph in a rather spirited 5.3 seconds and can blat along the autobahn at 168 mph, if you’re feeling brave enough.
And if you wanted to go hardcore, you can also opt for the £3,675 Performance Package with the 19” Warmenau wheels (as shown in the picture above), 20% stiffer suspension and a reduced ride height.
With a confirmed presence on the road, many upgrades over a standard Golf GTI and aggressive, purposeful looks, it seems that Volkswagen has made an extra effort to produce something special to celebrate it’s half centenary since birthing the now legendary Golf GTi.
———
About the Author
Graeme Cobb is a lifelong car enthusiast with a passion for writing about cars, EVs, industry updates and more. You can find Graeme on 𝕏 at @graeme_cobb or YouTube @REV-EV.