To mark 25 years of the Polo GTI, Wolfsburg has decided to give itself a birthday present in the form of the GTI Edition 25
25 years is a long time, and it’s hard to imagine a world without the Polo GTI in it. In 1998, that’s when we first saw the special three letters fixed onto a Polo and it has been a staple hot hatch ever since.
To mark this special occasion, Volkswagen have decided that the best present they can give themselves, is a present to us instead. The basis for the Edition 25 is the standard 205bhp Polo GTI, but rather than focus on the driving dynamics or increasing the power – the 25 gets “a host of other exclusive equipment features including 18-inch Adelaide alloy wheels in Black Glossy, a black roof and black exterior mirrors, all of which help create its sporty look.
The interior is equipped as standard with premium sport seats in perforated black-red leather finished off with stitched GTI logos, and glossy black decorative trim with red GTI lettering. Owners will be reminded that their vehicle is one of a limited number by the “One of 2500” logo on the sill panel trim. In addition to the GTI colours Pure White, Kings Red Metallic, Reef Blue Metallic, Smoke Grey Metallic and Deep Black Pearl Effect, the Polo GTI Edition 25 is also available in Ascot Grey.”
At least they are limited in numbers and they are all top spec trims, but it is a bit of a disappointment that the performance aspect of the plucky little runaround is specialised. Still, that’s the aforementioned 205bhp 2.0 litre 4 banger driving the front wheels only and delivering a 0-60 of 6.5 seconds.
Sure, you get the sports suspension, XDS electronic diff and fancy headlights as standard (they are optional extras on the normal GTI). But is that and the exclusivity enough for the expected £30,500?
Time will tell.