VW Golf: More power for birthday Golf

It’s almost 30 years since the launch of the first Golf GTI and, to celebrate, VW is to launch the Edition 30, complete with an extra 30bhp and the return of the famous ‘golf ball’ gearknob on manual versions.

Golf spotters should direct their gaze to the body-coloured sills and lower bumper mouldings – the one on the front being slightly reprofiled – and the 18in 'Pescara' alloys. Internal changes include ‘Interlagos’ upholstery that mimics the tartan cloth of the mk1 GTI, and 'Edition 30' kickplates.

UK sales begin in January 2007 and prices will start at ‘just over £22,000’ (add £500 for five doors, another £1330 for DSG). That's £2K more than the standard GTI. Given that the quoted 6.8sec 0-62mph time is no improvement over what we achieved with the standard car, let’s hope that hefty premium buys you lots more mid-range wallop.