Pros: Brilliant chassis, lots of performance, Performance Package is special
Cons: Very expensive to buy
VW Golf GTI Edition 50 Design
If painted either Tornado Red or Dark Moss Green, you’ll know you’re looking at the Edition 50 right away, as they’re unique to the special model. The core design is shared with the GTI Clubsport with its more aggressive-looking aerodynamic package, though there is a sprinkling of bespoke decals for this car to set it apart – most notably the red-and-black graphic down both sides. The roof and door mirror are black as well. Topping off the package is a set of 19-inch wheels of varying designs, while the eagle-eyed will spot the Performance Package model by its semi-slick tyres and 5mm lower ride height.
VW Golf GTI Edition 50 Interior
As you enter the car, you’ll spot the special door sills and more decals on the inside surfaces of the door mirrors. These are complemented by a badge on the chunky steering wheel, (garish) red-and-silver pedal covers and red seatbelts. The most impressive aspect of the cabin though is the new upholstery. Unique to the Edition 50, it features a fresh take on the characteristic tartan pattern used throughout 50 years of the Golf GTI and it swathes a set of lovely buckets seats up front. The rest of the cabin is as found elsewhere in the GTI lineup, with adequate space in the back for two and a usable boot. The car is quite well specified as standard, though there are plenty of tempting extras on the options list, too.
VW Golf GTI Edition 50 Performance & Drive
No matter which version of the Edition 50 you go for, it can claim to be the most powerful roadgoing Golf GTI yet. That’s thanks to updates to the familiar turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine, now peaking at 325hp and 420Nm of torque. Volkswagen quotes a healthy 5.3-second time for the 0-100km/h sprint and a top speed of 270km/h. Sadly, the only gearbox option is a seven-speed DSG auto.
And while this dual-clutch transmission is good at its job, with plenty of modes, including fully manual, it’s just not as engaging as an actual manual gearbox would be. Adding insult to injury, Volkswagen hasn’t upgraded the feeble little plastic gearchange paddles behind the steering wheel – and this is definitely a car in which its owners would use them.
That’s one of our few issues with how this car drives, however, as it’s massively capable and huge fun as well. All versions get electronic damper control with 15 different selectable levels, variable-ratio steering and a sophisticated differential for the front wheels to help with traction. The standard Edition 50’s setup is identical to that of the GTI Clubsport, so we know from previous experience that it’s great to drive, balancing everyday usability with track-capable dynamics when required.
But that’s not the one keener drivers will want… Upgrade to the Performance Package and there’s an extensive list of changes to the suspension components and the electronic control systems to make the car even better to drive. It is a shame that it comes by default with compromised semi-slick tyres, but we found these to cope well with cold and wet conditions, so perhaps they’re not a deal-breaker. The chassis upgrades certainly make for a serious performance car.
VW Golf GTI Edition 50 Pricing
Here’s the bad news. The Edition 50 starts at €72,830, but once you add the Performance Package it costs more than €80,000 – without it, it’s a slightly faster GTI Clubsport with a few trinkets for a hefty premium. The Clubsport, for reference, is €64,740, while the cheapest GTI is €60,795. And if you’re pondering whether the Edition 50 is worth the extra, you really should also consider the fact that the Golf R, with all-wheel drive and 333hp is ‘only’ €76,860.
Carzone Verdict
Undeniably, the GTI Edition 50 is a special car, especially with the Performance Package added. It still manages everyday driving duties but has an extra later of dynamism and capability that driving enthusiasts will crave. It is difficult, however, to ignore the pricing, so it won’t be for everyone. Nonetheless, this may well be the final, all-petrol Golf GTI and there’s very limited supply of the car, so some will see it as an investment, or at least something they’re happy to spend their money on. There’s no doubt they’ll enjoy their time behind the wheel.