The history of the Golf GTI dates back to 1976 when the first version was launched.

Since then, the GTI has become the most successful compact sports car in automotive history.

Initially, only 5000 GTIs were planned for the Golf MK1. Six generations later, GTI is nearing a production milestone of two million units.

In 2011, the GTI was the top selling derivative in the Golf model range in South Africa with 3565 units sold out of a total of 7123.

The special edition Golf GTI Edition 35 pays homage to the success of this icon and its legendary status in the last three decades.

With 173kW of power, Edition 35 puts out 18kW more than the standard 2.0 TSI Golf GTI (155kW).

Maximum torque of 300Nm is available between 2200 and 5500rpm.

The special GTI reaches a top speed of 247km/h, with 0-100km/h achieved in just 6.6 seconds.

Golf GTI Edition 35 is available with a standard six-speed manual transmission and an optional six-speed DSG.

With a manual gearbox, the special Golf has a combined fuel consumption of 8.1 litres per 100km (equivalent to 189g/km CO2).

In the DSG version, these two values are improved to 8.0 l/100km and 185g/km CO2.

The Golf GTI Edition 35 can be recognised by its new bumper design in front, with bi-xenon headlights plus cornering and LED daytime running lights.

The car's aerodynamics were improved by winglets (air flow surfaces) positioned at lower outboard areas in front, and the mid-section of the front spoiler was kept in black. On the car's sides, it is the glossy black mirror housings, side-sill extensions in body colour and the "35" edition badge on the front wings that identify the anniversary model.

It is also equipped with smoked LED rear lights, an LED-illuminated licence plate at the rear and smoked rear windows. For Golf GTI Edition 35, Volkswagen has developed new 18-inch "Watkins Glen" alloy wheels, named after a racetrack in the US state of New York.

Customers have a choice of nine exterior colours.

The interior has also been customised. New GTI ingredients include the gear shift grip in the classic golf ball look of the first generation GTI, new decorative strips in the cockpit area and the door trim panels ("Black Array" type), special door sill plates with worked-in "35" logo and safety belts with red stripes.

An entirely new "Favo" type of upholstery was developed for the Golf GTI Edition 35, which matches the GTI's character perfectly.

The inside lateral seat supports and front parts of the head restraints are designed in "Vienna" leather in "Titan Black".

The Specs:

Engine: 1984cc four-cylinder

Power: 173kW at 5500 to 6300rpm

Torque: 300Nm at 2200 to 5500rpm

0-100km/h: 6.6 seconds

Top speed: 247km/h

Fuel consumption: 8.1l/100km

CO2: 189g/km

Price: R370900 (manual); R385700 (DSG)