Volkswagen celebrates Golf GTI’s 45th with special Clubsport 45

Yes, the Golf GTI is 45 years old and Volkswagen is celebrating the occasion with a special edition model called the Clubsport 45.

As the name suggests, the model is based on the more potent GTI Clubsport with a tweaked 2.0-litre turbo-four dispatching 221kW channeled to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The variant also has the trick front-axle locking differential and upgrade Vehicle Dynamics Manager that together propels the Clubsport 45 to 60mph (97km/h) in under 6.0 seconds.

Outside, the model is enhanced with a black roof, black stripes down the sides with 45 embellishments, 45 rear badging and a prominent rear spoiler that Volkswagen says is a nod to the black-framed rear window on the original 1976 GTI.

It also sports an upgraded Race body kit that brings 19-inch Scottsdale wheels finished in gloss black and contrasting red trim on the lip, along with a sport exhaust system.

Inside, the driver is greeted with a sports steering wheel with 45 badging at the base, and GTI lettering on the front seat backrests.

The model will go on sale in select European countries from today, with pricing starting from €47,790. It will unlikely to make it to Australia.