Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 35: More Power, Australian Debut Unclear

It's been 35 years since the quick-footed Golf GTI first hit the road and, six generations later, the performance badge is still going strong.

To celebrate that fact,Volkswagen has this week announced the GTI Edition 35, bringing more power and a host of aesthetic and equipment upgrades.

It's not the first anniversary-edition GTI, but it is the most powerful - just. Like the Golf 5-based Edition 30 in 2006, the GTI Edition 35 gets a more highly-tuned version of the regular model's 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

While the Edition 30 offered 170kW (230hp), this anniversary model squeezes out a few more wasps, with 175kW (235hp) on tap - up from 155kW for the regular GTI.

While the increased power is sure to improve acceleration times, Volkswagen has yet to reveal performance figures - or any other mechanical details, although more details may be revealed when the car is launched at the 2011 Worthesee GTI Tour.

On the styling front, the GTI Edition 35 gets unique 'Watkins Glen' alloy wheels, the recently updated GTI headlights with daytime running LEDs, dark LED taillights from the Golf R and tinted windows.

The grille and wing mirrors get a piano black finish, and there's a '35' badge on each front quarter panel.

Tweaks in the cabin include a golf-ball shaped gearshift grip, '35' logos on the seatbacks and and door sills, and a unique honeycomb trim pattern in place of the usual tartan fabric.

Australian availability of the 35 remains unclear, although Volkswagen has been contacted for details.