VW Golf GTI 40 Years edition here in June

VOLKSWAGEN has confirmed that its tuned up Golf GTI 40th anniversary offering will cost $2500 more than its closest sibling in the small-hatchback range, with its $48,990 price tag before on-road costs sitting just above the GTI Performance and $3750 shy of the all-wheel drive Golf R range-topper.

Arriving in June this year, the special version will have the company's DSG six-speed dual-clutch transmission as standard, coupled to a 195kW version of the 2.0-litre GTI engine however, the anniversary variant has been treated to an overboost function that blows peak power to 213kW for 10 seconds.

The feature is activated simultaneously with kick-down and also boosts torque to a full-fat 380Nm, matching the output of the flagship Golf R.

Despite having an overboost peak power greater than the 206kW of the Golf R and the same torque, the 40th anniversary car has to make do with front drive and is unable to beat its all-paw traction and 5.0-second 0-100km/h acceleration.

The GTI 40 does the dash in 5.9s, quicker than the regular version that takes 6.5s.

Volkswagen is yet to confirm how many examples of the limited edition will be made available for Australia, but it is known that only the five-door version will be coming Down Under, whereas a sportier looking three-door will be sold in other markets.

The hottest Golf GTI to date will share some of the tuning parts of the GTI performance, including its clever differential, bigger brakes, 19-inch wheels and adaptive chassis controls.

A unique bodykit with modified air inlets, more conspicuous spoiler and black stripe sets the 40 Years version apart from its other siblings in the Golf range, while 'honeycomb' seat upholstery and synthetic suede steering wheel and other surfaces does the same inside.

Black door mirrors, larger-bore tailpipes, fatter side sills are other sporty additions, while smoked tail-light clusters are lifted from the Golf R.

The special edition will be available in either Tornado Red or pure white as a nod to the original GTI, says Volkswagen, and a $1850 panoramic sunroof is the only available option.