Welcome to the latest special edition of the Golf GTI, this time in honor of the model’s 45 years. Set to sell in the UK in April for less than £ 40,000, it is mechanically identical to the regular Clubsport (which, as we know, is the GTI you really want).
That means you’re looking at 296bhp with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, front-wheel drive, dual-clutch automatic gearbox and improved foundations compared to the standard GTI.
In addition to the shiny black 19-inch alloys with red rim, black roof and spoiler and ’45’ logos, the Clubsport 45 receives something called a ‘Racing Package’. This gives you a fruity Akrapovic exhaust and, interestingly, excludes the 155 mph limiter for a maximum speed not yet revealed.
Inside, you get the letters GTI on the front seats, plus another ’45’ logo on the steering wheel.
VW has been making commemorative editions of the Golf GTI since its 20th anniversary in 1996. Our favorite so far is the Clubsport Edition 40, based on the Mk7 Golf GTI and launched in 2016. Do you think it will change our mind?