Golf GTI Edition 30 study

Volkswagen has introduced the Golf GTI Edition 30, a new study to mark the 30th anniversary of the GTI has been presented recently in the Veltins Arena in Schalke, Gelsenkirchen in front of an audience of thousands of Golf drivers from throughout Europe. With an uprated 230 PS version of the 2.0 litre turbo FSI engine, the Edition 30 study is closely related to the production model and responds to the wishes of GTI enthusiasts.

The options package, in an attempt to try and individualise the car from the mainstream production model, is a reaction to the numerous wishes from customers.

Especially prominent are the flat black 18-inch alloy wheels, manufactured by BBS and are of the same design as the Monza wheel. The different finish however really changes the look and hopefully wouldn't present the same problems owners of 25th anniversary cars suffer.  The lower front and rear valances and the side skirts are finished in body colour and the darkened tail lights off the new R32 are used to good effect.

The extra power should go in some way to respond to criticism from the higher output rivals. A plaque on the right side of the rear hatch with the text “Edition 30” helps identify this individual car.

The interior includes  part-leather sport seats sporting the distinctive "Interlagos" diamond pattern in the cloth centre section. Also red-stitching on the standard GTI style steering wheel is complemented nicely with a clip bearing the text "GTI" on a red background. Another eye-catcher is the foil with the text “Edition 30” on the door sill.

In tune with recent special edition anniversary Golf GTIs is the gear stick knob in the form of a golf ball, as are floor mats trimmed in red around the edge.

Its worthwhile to note however, when looking at this car, Volkswagen have presented a model "in response to the wishes of enthusiasts". By looking at the members cars on uk-mkivs you will easily notice that R32 tail lights and body coloured valances already feature on peoples cars in an attempt to break free from the norm. Perhaps Volkswagen has been inspired by the owners rather than the design department.

It does look individual, mostly down to the love it or hate it black wheels, but it perhaps is not bespoke enough for the milestone of what is 30 years of the Golf GTI.

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