THE fastest and most powerful production Volkswagen Golf GTI yet starts the celebrations as 2007 marks the 30th anniversary of the original hot hatch - the Mk1 Golf GTI.
Despite three decades having passed since the defining GTI was conceived, the spirit of the original is still very much alive in the new 150mph Golf GTI Edition 30.
At its heart is an uprated version of the 2.0-litre, ultra-responsive four-cylinder T-FSI engine fitted to the standard GTI. The result is 230 horsepower - a rise of 30 horsepower over the standard car.
This is mated to a choice of six-speed manual or sequential DSG gearboxes channelling drive through the front wheels.
Joining the dynamic tweaks is a fresh look for the GTI Edition 30. New body-coloured side skirts are paired with a new chin spoiler for the front bumper and a body-coloured rear bumper. A subtle GTI' badge sits on the bootlid below tinted rear lights. Completing the look are a set of unique 18-inch Pescara' alloy wheels.
Just 1,500 examples of the GTI Edition 30 will be available from early January with a range of six paint colours.
Prices for the anniversary model start at just over £22,000 for the three-door model, with a £1,330 premium for the DSG-equipped car. The GTI Edition 30 is also available with five doors for an additional £500.
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