OUR LATEST ISSUE
The Golf GTI thirty years on
gti
Allow me to introduce you to the Golf GTI Edition 30 -
"Now not only is it quicker than the standard Golf, it's lower as well"
, available with one engine, which just happens to be the VW 2.0-litre turbocharged unit with four valves per cylinder and homogenous FSI direct injection, developing 230 PS, which is 30 PS more than the standard Golf GTI.
So, it's faster than your everyday Golf GTI. In fact, the Edition 30 does 0-62 mph in 6.8 seconds (standard manual not DSG) which makes it as fast as the Golf R32 (compared to 7.2 seconds for the standard GTI). And it can reach a top speed of 152 mph six mph which is more than the standard GTI (although to be honest if an extra 6mph at the top end is gonna make you buy one then you’re a moron!)
Now not only is it quicker than the standard Golf, it's lower as well, Yes they have the same suspension but the 30 is lowered by 15mm compared with standard Golf and also features stiffer springs, dampers, and thicker anti-roll bars.
They've also given the 30 a different look by adding colour-coded front and rear bumpers, bespoke 18-inch ‘Pescara’ alloy wheels shod in 225/40 R18 tyres, tinted rear lights and ‘Edition 30’ badging on the boot lid and throughout the interior. This is in addition to the distinctive black honeycomb grille with red outline fitted to the GTI; dark surrounds for headlights; red brake callipers; and twin chrome exhaust pipes.
The interior spec and toys have also received a big upgrade over the standard GTI with ‘Edition 30’ logos, ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme); 2Zone climate control; front fog lights; ‘Vienna’ half leather sports seats with ‘Interlagos’ trim; CD player; multi-function computer; rain sensor wipers; and automatic dimming rear
view mirror
So how much do I love the new Golf GTI Edition 30?
So much that I've booked our flights to Malawi already and within the next three days we shall commence our life together raising "orphans". Like every Golf GTI the Edition 30 is lots of fun, fast but stable, handling is outstanding and it always surpasses your expectations.
OK, so it doesn't sound as mean as the R32 and nor does it look like you shouldn't leave it alone for long with the above mentioned orphans for fear of it devouring them like the R32.
Reviewed by Rich Tuckwell, Editor Topgayer www.topgayer.com
