VW Golf R Concept

VW Golf GTI Edition 35 with 235 HP

This year, Volkswagen is celebrating the 35th anniversary of the introduction of the original Golf GTI in 1976, and to mark the event, the German carmaker has unleashed a special version, named “Edition 35”. As with the “Edition 30” launched in 2006, the latest anniversary model benefits from an upgraded and more powerful engine as well as discreet styling tweaks that differentiate it from the standard Golf GTI.

Starting with the mechanical updates, the GTI's 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI engine is tuned to deliver an extra 25 horsepower, for a total of 235 horsepower. The increase in output should improve the hot hatch’s performance, but Volkswagen has not yet revealed any official figures, simply stating that the car will be more fun to drive. The automaker didn't say whether the “Edition 35” will feature a lower suspension than the stock car, as was the case with the “Edition 30”.

The changes on the outside include new, bespoke alloy wheels, blacked-out headlights and taillights, darkened rear and tailgate windows and glossy black finish on the grille and mirror caps. In addition, the headlights also feature LED daytime running lights, and the front fenders are adorned with “35” plates.

In the interior, the “Edition 35” motive is also present on the door sills, the head rests and the center of the seats. The latter sport a fabric upholstery that has a honeycomb-like pattern instead of the standard model's tartan theme. Another change is the golf ball-shaped gearshift lever.

The VW Golf GTI Edition 35 is already available to order in Germany with a starting price of €30,425 ($43,885). First deliveries are expected in mid June. The car's official launch will take place at the famous Worthersee GTI Meet (June 1-4), where Volkswagen will offer more details on the car.

VW Golf Cabriolet

Featuring a fully automatic soft top that retracts in 9 seconds and up to speeds of 30 km/h (18.6 mph), the Golf Cabriolet continues the tradition of its three predecessors, produced between 1979 and 2002 in over 680,000 units.



Unlike previous models, however, the new Golf Cabriolet has no visible roll bar which has been replaced by a rollover protection system that deploys in fractions of a second. Standard safety equipment also includes front and side curtain head/thorax airbags, a knee airbag for the driver and ESP.

With 250 liters of boot space when the top is down and a split folding rear bench, the Golf Cabriolet promises to be one of the most practical compact convertibles in the segment. The 4.25-meter long, 1.78-meter wide and 1.42-meter tall Golf Cabriolet will be sold in Europe in one equipment line, just like the Eos, Passat CC, Touareg and Phaeton. Customers can add various option packs (Performance, Design & Style, Comfort, Technology) and choose from 9 exterior colors, 9 upholstery styles and colors, plus 50 individual options.

Standard features include the fully automatic soft top, air conditioning, front seats with Easy Entry function, electric windows and interior accents in “Matt Chrome.” The car will be offered with a choice of six turbo direct-injection engines, four gasoline and two diesel units, with output ranging from 105 to 210 horsepower. The most fuel-efficient model is the Golf Cabriolet 1.6 TDI with 105HP and BlueMotion technology, which averages 4.4 liters/100 km (53.45 mpg). Sales will begin this summer with prices in Germany starting from €23.625 ($35,180).

VW Golf Cabriolet engines:

1.2 TSI – 77 kW / 105 HP (6-speed)
1.4 TSI – 90 kW / 122 HP (6-speed / 7-speed DSG)
1.4 TSI – 118 kW / 160 HP (6-speed / 7-speed DSG)
2.0 TSI – 155 kW / 210 HP (6-speed DSG)
1.6 TDI – 77 kW / 105 HP (5-speed)
2.0 TDI – 103 kW / 140 PS (6-speed / 6-speed DSG)