This year, Volkswagen is celebrating the 35th anniversary of the introduction of the original Golf GTI in 1976, and to mark the event, the German carmaker has unleashed a special version, named “Edition 35”. As with the “Edition 30” launched in 2006, the latest anniversary model benefits from an upgraded and more powerful engine as well as discreet styling tweaks that differentiate it from the standard Golf GTI.
Starting with the mechanical updates, the GTI’s 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI engine is tuned to deliver an extra 25 horsepower, for a total of 235 horsepower. The increase in output should improve the hot hatch’s performance, but Volkswagen has not yet revealed any official figures, simply stating that the car will be more fun to drive. The automaker didn’t say whether the “Edition 35” will feature a lower suspension than the stock car, as was the case with the “Edition 30”.
The changes on the outside include new, bespoke alloy wheels, blacked-out headlights and taillights, darkened rear and tailgate windows and glossy black finish on the grille and mirror caps. In addition, the headlights also feature LED daytime running lights, and the front fenders are adorned with “35” plates.
In the interior, the “Edition 35” motive is also present on the door sills, the head rests and the center of the seats. The latter sport a fabric upholstery that has a honeycomb-like pattern instead of the standard model’s tartan theme. Another change is the golf ball-shaped gearshift lever.
The VW Golf GTI Edition 35 is already available to order in Germany with a starting price of €30,425 ($43,885). First deliveries are expected in mid June. The car’s official launch will take place at the famous Worthersee GTI Meet (June 1-4), where Volkswagen will offer more details on the car.
By Dan Mihalascu
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