Insurance Group: 35
MPG: 35.3
CO2: 185
0-62 Mph: 6.6 secs
BHP: 232 BHP
Range: 427 miles
PROS: The Edition 35 badge on this Golf GTI means it's a little more powerful than the standard GTI, and also has some classy design features that improve the car.
CONS: In reality it isn’t too much faster than the standard GTI but is only available as a limited edition and does add a big chunk to the purchase price over the standard GTI.
The handling on the Golf GTI is exceptionally good, with a stiffer sports suspension that still takes most of the bumps out of the road, while delivering superb body control and grip around the corners. The steering is quick and accurate, and balances being light around town and weightier when driving at motorway speeds. Inside the cabin the sporty seats offer plenty of support, and can also be fully adjusted along with the steering wheel to suit the driver, and it still has great visibility to the front and rear too.
As with any hot hatchback many people will be particularly interested in the performance figures, and with the little extra given by the Edition 35 mark, the Golf doesn’t disappoint. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes place in an eye-popping 6.6 seconds, and the top speed of 153mph means that it is worth stepping on the accelerator. Even with such a powerful engine under the bonnet, the cabin is still surprisingly quiet and refined.
The Edition 35 version of the Golf GTI comes with the aggressive styling that is typical of the Golf GTI, and comes with a distinctive bumper and sideplate. The back end is equally stylish with a spoiler over the rear window and twin chrome exhausts that are subtly different to those seen on other Golfs. Inside the Edition 35 has a distinctive Edition 35 kickplate and the leather seats really do add a touch of class to this high quality interior.
There is also plenty of equipment included with the car, including the stylish 18-inch alloys that really do give this version of the GTI a really sporty edge. It also has a stereo that can accept input from a number of different sources, along with Bluetooth connectivity and a hands free phone kit.
The Golf GTI is still a very practical car, and with five doors it can comfortably accommodate four adults with plenty of legroom and headroom, although squeezing a third in the back seat can get a little cramped. The boot is also of a good size and the flexible seats mean they can be folded forward for a larger load space when required. Volkswagen have a great record for reliability and build quality, and this special edition Golf GTI should benefit from the same great characteristics.
The Golf is also a very safe car, with a number of driving aids having been incorporated in order to ensure the extra power is delivered safely to the road. It also comes with a good range of airbags that will help keep all the occupants safe in an accident. These features have helped the Golf to achieve five stars in the Euro NCAP safety test.
One of the difficulties about the Edition 35 is that the price tag of £29,405 is a lot more than the equivalent GTI, without really offering too much more, so unless you’re looking for a little extra exclusivity, the normal GTI will usually suffice.
The running costs for this car aren’t great due to the significant power and pace on offer, with the 2.0 litre engine delivering an average 34.9mpg. The high insurance costs may be prohibitive to younger drivers, but the Golf GTI is particularly good for holding its value well. The car is delivered with a three year or sixty thousand mile warranty, and also comes with a one year roadside assistance policy.
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