THE most powerful Volkswagen Golf GTI ever has been produced as a special edition Golf GTI Clubsport to celebrate the icon’s 40^th birthday next year.

Its 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection engine pumps out 265PS, a full 35PS more than on the previous most powerful Golf GTI. Also, for about ten seconds a time, the driver can increase engine power by an additional 10% to over 290PS using a boost function by simply kicking down the accelerator.

With all this grunt, the Golf GTI Clubsport with the optional six-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) sprints to 62mph in just 5.9 seconds while the six-speed manual will be 0.1sec behind it on the way to a top speed of 155mph.

Yet, fuel economy claims are impressive at 42mpg and emissions of 155g/km CO₂ for the DSG with 41mpg and 155 g/km CO₂ for the manual model.

Bodywork modifications include a new front bumper, side sills, a rear diffuser, a multi-part roof spoiler and exclusive forged alloy wheels for the anniversary model.

Interior features hark back to the 1976 models and include the ergonomic sports seats with a tailor-made look featuring tartan fabric upholstery, red top stitching, a gear knob in golf ball design and a black headliner.

Golf GTI Clubsport hot-spots

• 265 PS anniversary model accelerates to 62mph in 5.9 seconds;
• A boost function increases power output to over 290PS 10sec blasts;
• Claimed 42mpg and 155g/km CO₂;
• Expressive exterior with new front bumper, side skills, rear diffuser and multi-part roof spoiler.