Powerful new Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 celebrates a half century of GTIs
VW has answered the call to give us a true successor to the epic Clubsport S with the new GTI Edition 50
To mark 50 years since the original Mk1 Golf GTI appeared, VW has revealed one of the fiercest special editions of the iconic hot hatchback in its history, the new Mk8 Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50.
While GTIs are rarely the most potent or focused hot hatchbacks in their class, every so often the brand gives us a model with a more hardcore appeal – something this new Edition 50 looks to emulate.
It’s the most powerful VW Golf GTI in history, with 320bhp derived from the same turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine as the standard model. Torque is rated at 320Nm, helping the Edition 50 do 0-62mph in just 5.5 seconds.
The figures represents a 24bhp and 20Nm increase over the existing GTI Clubsport, and is 14bhp up on the iconic Mk7 GTI Clubsport S – a model that’s regarded as not only the best GTI, but one of the best hot hatchbacks of all time.
Unlike its famous predecessor, the GTI Edition 50 isn’t a stripped out three-door lightweight special, instead it retains a five-door body, rear seats, a fully-equipped cabin and seven-speed dual clutch transmission. As with all GTIs, power is sent to the front wheels only, helped by an electronically controlled limited slip differential and a comprehensive set of chassis upgrades.
When fitted with the optional GTI Performance Pack, the Edition 50 features all-new suspension kinematics, with more negative camber, 20 per cent stiffer springs, a completely retuned set of adaptive dampers, stiffer rear wheel hub connections and firmer bushes.
It also sits 15mm lower than before, and rides on a set of forged 19-inch alloy wheels that, together with a new set of track-focused Bridgestone tyres, reduce the unsprung weight by a combined 16.4kg. This weight reduction is further helped by the Akrapovic titanium exhaust system, wiping 30kg off the total weight in comparison to a standard GTI Clubsport.
These sorts of detailed suspension upgrades haven’t really been applied to any Golf of the current generation yet, suggesting that the brand is serious about rivalling the class best for driver engagement, as much as pure speed.
The styling changes are subtle but meaningful, with two reborn heritage colour options not available on standard Golf GTIs. These include Moss Green and the iconic Tornado Red, as was first seen on the MK3 GTI. The forged wheels are finished in a unique red and black finish and the front and rear lights have smoked inners. There’s also a unique stripe on the sill, but all things considered it remains one of the more subtle hot hatchbacks on sale.
Inside, VW has fitted a unique tartan fabric trim in combination with microsuede inserts, plus red seatbelts and Edition 50 badges across the tread plates and on the bottom of the steering wheel. The twin-screen layout, with its new, larger infotainment display, are standard fit, and come with plenty of customisation options. Unfortunately, those who were hoping for a tasty set of bucket seats – such as the ones found in various Cupra models – will be disappointed to see the existing GTI seats in place.
Volkswagen has not confirmed how many will be available in the UK or pricing, but we expect the changes to come at a price premium, to near £50,000. However, as a piece of history, this could still be a bargain if the model appreciates in value over time, much in the way VW’s Clubsport S has in the last 10 years.
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