VW unveils most potent Golf GTI 07 | 04 | 2016

VOLKSWAGEN IS CELEBRATING 40 years of the Golf GTI with its most potent GTI-badged Golf ever, the Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40. VW expects to sell less than 1000 of the limited edition model, with first delivers expected in Scotland in the summer.

Thanks to an overboost function, the special edition model can deliver up to 286bhp and 258lb/ft torque. Without overboost, the engine has 261bhp.

Capable of sprinting from standstill to 62mph in 6.3secs, and on to a limited top speed of 155mph, the GTI Clubsport Edition 40 is 0.2s faster to 62mph than a standard Golf GTI, and 0.1s quicker than the GTI Performance. It's also at least 3mph over the standard GTI’s 153mph top speed.

The overboost function is available in third gear and above, and provides that higher power figure for up to 10 seconds. Claimed CO2 emissions are increased to 158g/km from the standard GTI’s 139g/km, while fuel economy dips by 6.2mpg to 40.9mpg.

At £30,875, the three-door Edition 40 lines up price-wise alongside the newly-launched Ford Focus RS, which we've already tested. The five-door Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40 starts at £31,530. Worth pointing out, the Focus RS hits 62mph from standstill in 4.7secs, and carries on to a max of 165mph.

The pricing of the Edition 40 — which uses a tweaked version of the 1984cc TSI unit found in the Golf R, with power delivered to the front wheels — also sandwiches it between the £26,825 Golf GTI performance and the £31,125 starting price of the Golf R.

Compared to the standard GTI, externally the Edition 40 gets a new bumper with improved aerodynamics and downforce, and additional air intakes incorporated into the fascia. There's also a new diffuser at the rear, as well as an upgraded spoiler and new 18in alloys.

And while the new aerodynamic bodywork has a contrasting black gloss finish, paint colours are limited to black, white, red, silver, and both metallic and non-metallic grey. A black-painted roof is optional.

Inside the cabin of the Edition 40, there are exclusive trim panels, while Alcantara features on the gearstick and steering wheel. Customised door mats are also standard.

And while the part Alcantara bucket seats are optional, the upgrade to a DSG ‘box is a £1415 premium: however, the DSG does include  launch control. Dynamic chassis control and 19in alloy wheels are also optional extras.

Related: VW Golf GTI goes TCR racing

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Jim McGill