Volkswagen South Africa has joined in on the worldwide celebrations of the 35th anniversary of the original, and iconic hot hatch, the Golf GTI, with the local introduction of the Golf GTI Edition 35.
Since its low-key introduction in 1976 the GTI has come to define the segment it competes in and has been a huge sales success – total sales since the first model rolled off a dealership floor is nearing 2 million units. In South Africa the GTI is actually the most popular version of the Golf range, with 3 565 units sold in 2011 (out of a total of 7 123 Golfs).
The Golf GTI Edition 35 can easily be identified by its revised bumper design in front, with bi-xenon headlights and cornering and LED daytime running lights. On the sides there are glossy black mirror housings, body coloured side sill extensions and a special “35” edition badge on the frong wings. Also part of the visual treatment are LED rear lights, an LED-illuminated licence plate and smoked rear windows. But besides the front-end treatment, perhaps the biggest visual clues are the 18-inch “Watkins Glen” alloy wheels that are unique to this model. Buyers can choose between nine exterior colours.
The interior hasn’t been left untouched either, with numerous “35” reminders dotted around the cabin, including a gearshift knob in the classic golf ball look of the first-generation GTI and safety belts with red stripes. The “Favo” upholstery is unique to this model too, and the inside lateral seat supports and front parts of the head restraints are finished in Vienna leather, Titan Black in colour. As an optional extra, buyers can specify full Vienna leather upholstery.
But besides the smart looks the best news is that Volkswagen has turned up the power for this model. The 2,0-litre, turbocharged engine has been tweaked to deliver an extra 18 kW, taking the maximum power up to 173 kW. Maximum torque of 300 N.m is available from 2 200 to 5 500 r/min. Volkswagen claims a 0-100 km/h time of 6,6 seconds and a 247 km/h top speed. The Edition 35 comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, but a six-speed DSG is offered as an option. As with all Golf 6 GTIs, the power goes to the front wheels and the set-up includes the XDS electronic differential lock that helps counter understeer characteristics inherent to powerful front-wheel drive cars. Meanwhile, tuning of the sound actuator has given the Edition 35 an even sportier sound, says VW.
The Edition 35 rides on the standard Golf GTI’s “sport chassis”, and buyers can specify the Dynamic Chassic Control (DCC) system as an option.
Other optional extras include a rearview camera, park assist with a parallel parking assistant, RCD 510 sound system with MP3, 6-disc CD changer, DynAudio Excite Sound System, navigation, electric sunroof, bluetooth cellphone preparation, full leather upholstery and a tow bar.
PRICES
2.0 TSI Golf GTI Edition 35 (173kW) Manual R370 900
2.0 TSI Golf GTI Edition 35 (173kW) DSG R385 700
The Golf GTI Edition 35 comes standard with a 5 year/90 000 km Service Plan, 3 year/120 000 km warranty and a 12 year anti-corrosion warranty. Service Intervals are every 15 000 km.
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