Meet The Fastest GTI Ever

Although this is still officially a GTI, the 231 bhp Edition 35 ditches the latest evolution of the 2.0-litre turbocharged unit used in the standard GTI for what is effectively last season’s motor. However, what’s plumbed in is a detuned strain of the Golf R’s powerplant, which, due to its receptive nature for tuning, carries a 25 bhp injection over the regular GTI. What this ultimately results in is 0.3 seconds quicker from 0-62 mph and a speed dial that now stretches to a more appealing 153 mph.

Aside from the engine, dropped suspension and a revised exhaust actuator that’s been wired for sound, the mechanicals and underbits are standard GTI. This is good though. We love the GTI -- always have and hopefully always will. The car boasts a tenacious front-wheel-drive grip, beautifully balanced steering and a ride that’s enthusiastically firm yet seldom skittish. This genetically modified GTI builds on those rock-solid foundations yet brings some extra shove to the birthday celebrations.

Packing a short-throw, six-speed stick shift as standard, for a £1,295 premium we’d opt for VW’s super-fast, dual-clutch, semi-automatic DSG transmission with it’s accompanying wheel-mounted paddle-shifters. Not only is it an unutterably simple pleasure to use day-in day-out but also makes the most of the modified exhaust note which makes the 35 feel distinctly more ‘R’ than ‘GTI’ when shifting aggressively.

One further option well worth splashing on is the adaptive chassis control that allows for ‘comfort’, ‘normal’ and ‘sport’ suspension settings whilst also reconfiguring steering weight and throttle response at the push of an £800 button.

Performance and handling to one side, the Golf isn’t the most dramatic looking of automotive legends. Designers are duty bound to conformity when it comes to the styling of the ubiquitous, benchmark hatchback. And although we’re looking here at the fastest ride to ever wear the GTI badge, it still looks, well, eminently sensible.

Look a little closer, though, and the Edition 35 reveals a few external nips and tucks that Golf obsessives will be hypnotized by. An oh-so-subtle but unique body styling kit adorns the front splitter, bespoke highline rear spoiler and side sills while darkened LED rear lights and extra black tinted rear windows mean-up the aggravated GTI. Boasting either standard 18” Watkins Glen rims or optional 19” Glendale rims, both enjoy the benefit of looking hotter than the pricier Golf R’s Talladega rims.

Jump in, pull the door shut to the reassuringly traditional Golf ‘clunk’ and it’s a different story. Err, well, it’s not, actually. The Edition 35 internal pimping is achingly subtle in effect -- but, hey, that’s Golf style, right? Flecks of red proliferate the blackened leather-clad cabin from the red-stitched sports steering wheel, bespoke kick plates, golf ball stick shift and seat belt stripes.

Love the Golf GTI? Love the GTI Edition 35 even more. We certainly do -- here’s to the next 35 years.