We got word that Volkswagen will indeed be sending over their track-eating Golf GTI Clubsport to Australia (but renamed to not conflict with the HSV Clubsport) as the Golf GTI 40 Years – since it was created to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the first GTI.
But now Volkswgen Australia has confirmed that Aussie customers will also get to choose between the standard six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic or a good old six-speed manual transmission. The DSG-equipped price will still be at $48,990 (including on-road costs), but the manual version will be offered at $46,990, and is available to order now.
With either choice of gearbox, the GTI 40 Years Edition will use that to channel its uprated output of 195kW and 380Nm through to to the front wheels, and for 10-second bursts will generate 213kW through the Overboost function. This still being a GTI, the Golf R still keeps its all-wheel drive system despite it being matched in most other respects.
Of course, the move away from a dual-clutch transmission does mean that 0-100km/h sprint times does take a hit. Volkswagen claim its 0.1 second slower to the century mark at 6.0 seconds, but that’s very much dependent on skill and luck over the heavier but more precise and lightning quick shifts of the DSG.
The GTI 40 Years wears a distinctive and more aggressive exterior, sporting new front bumper, larger air intakes, and a two-piece rear roof spoiler, extended side sills, new rear diffuser, large diameter exhausts, among other additions.
Volkswagen has also taken the strongest credentials from the GTI Performance model and brought them to the GTI 40 Years such as the adaptive chassis control, locking front differential, uprated brakes, and 19-inch ‘Ruby’ alloy wheels.
The interior has been given premium sport quality, with unique anniversary ‘honeycomb’ seat upholstery (featuring the GTI logo) and decorative inlays as well as an Alcantara-covered steering wheel and door trim inserts.
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