We review the VW Golf GTi Edition 35 from price to economy and all its features

I ALWAYS thought anniversaries were just a good excuse for having a party.

Car companies also love an anniversary because it is a good excuse to bring out a celebration special edition to boost sales.

And no car firm has done a better job of marking milestones than Volkswagen with their Golf GTi model.

In the case of the GTi, it’s merited because it is the jewel in the crown of the Golf — the world’s best-selling hatchback with more than 26million sales since the original was launched in 1974.

The Golf has become a phenomenon, and the GTi version is a cult car across the world.

Remarkably for a niche model it has clocked up two million sales since its debut in 1976 — 221,000 of these in the UK.

It has become the ultimate status symbol for the mature hot-hatch driver, with that touch of class its rivals can’t match.

So it’s no surprise that, to celebrate its 35th birthday, VW have brought out the GTi Edition 35. No marks for originality boys.

But the GTi doesn’t need gimmicks or fancy names — the Edition 35 is a lesson in subtlety.

On the outside all you get are discreet 35 badges on each front wing, Bi-Xenon headlights with LED running lights and its very own sexy set of black and chrome-edged alloys.

There is a modest styling pack, with uniquely shaped skirts and front bumper, a unique rear spoiler and twin chrome exhausts, but it still looks very much like a standard GTi.

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It’s the same story on the inside where you get Edition 35 kick plates on the door sills, a unique gear stick with patterned head, plus a smart patterned door trim and leather sports seats.

One major change on the Edition 35 is a power hike from the 2litre turbo petrol of 25 PS on the standard GTi which sees 0-62mph arrive in 6.6 seconds, along with a top speed of 153mph.

There is a small price to pay on economy — that drops from 37 to 34mpg, but expect around 28mpg if you drive the 35 to its full potential. C02 goes up to 189g/km.

You also get a wonderful, deep, throaty engine noise, fabulously precise and assured handling, a super-smooth six-speed gearbox, a good degree of comfort and a permanent smile on your face.

For some people, 35 can mark the on-set of a midlife crisis. In the case of the Golf GTi, it is just getting better with age.

Prices start at £27,525 for the three-door six-speed manual and goes up to £29,405 for the five-door six-speed DSG auto.

But remember — GTis will retain their secondhand value and be in more demand than any other used hot hatch.

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