The Volkswagen Golf GTI is 45 years old, which means it’s time to celebrate this iconic hot hatch. This celebration brings a special edition to the market.

The Golf GTI Clubsport 45 is a commemorative model this year, providing the fitting celebration for a car that epitomizes what hot hatches are supposed to be. This new special edition is only being offered in Europe, which leaves out American admirers of this incredible small sports car. Even though we won’t see this special edition on the roads in America, we can admire it from afar while driving the new Golf R.

What does this special Golf include?

The GTI Clubsport 45 adds a package of improvements meant to give this car better performance and more hardcore fun than any other model. This new model receives a new Akrapovic titanium sports exhaust system which provides better flow and an improved exhaust note. The 45 version also rides on a set of 19-inch “Scottsdale” alloy wheels with a Tornado Red pinstripe around the rim. These wheels are finished in high-gloss black paint, which really sets off that stripe. You’ll also see 45th Anniversary badges on the side sill panels and metallic black finish on the door mirror caps and rear spoiler.

Going inside for more upgrades

When you open the doors to the new Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 45, you’ll see a set of sport seats with GTI lettering on the backrests. The steering wheel features a “45” badge to signify the special edition of this car. the door panels are covered in ArtVelours fabric while the arm supports enjoy leatherette upholstery. These interior improvements are just enough to make this new edition feel special without removing the qualities that make the GTI unique.

Under the hood, this 45th Anniversary edition uses the same 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine as the regular GTI, while producing 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.

Why celebrate 45 years?

Some automakers only celebrate special edition vehicles every ten years. Volkswagen does this with the Golf every five years. They began this celebration with the 20th Anniversary Edition of the MKIII in 1996 and have done so every five years since. The MKVII had two celebratory GTI models with the Clubsport and Clubsport S variants for the 40th anniversary of this incredible car.

We have a reason to celebrate

Although the new GTI Clubsport 45 isn’t offered in the United States, the 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI gives us a reason to celebrate. This model year marks the 20th Anniversary of the Golf R version, which is the high-powered top trim of this impressive hot hatch. This gives us more than a simple reason to celebrate the iconic car.

The Golf GTI could be the perfect car and continues to be the most iconic hot hatch in existence. This impressive VW has the power to tackle nearly every road, regardless of what covers that road. Volkswagen included the refinement and practicality to make this an excellent car for everyday driving.

What’s new for the US version?

The GTI comes with an adaptive suspension and grippy summer tires while being offered in either red or gray paint. The Golf R 20th Anniversary Edition can be had in Lapiz Blue and offers a cabin filled with genuine carbon fiber. The anniversary model has a limited production run.

What’s it like to drive this VW?

Why do so many people fall in love with the Volkswagen Golf GTI? This hot hatch only produces 241 horsepower, but it makes use of every single one of them. The build and balance of this VW is perfect for providing a thrilling ride with excellent handling and impressive driving qualities on canyon roads.

The GTI features a standard electronic limited-slip differential to combat understeer while also including an impressive chassis to handle the balanced ride when you toss this car about on the turns.

Moving up to the Autobahn and Golf R trims, you’ll find an adaptive suspension to provide much greater range between the daily comfort you feel and the precision required to toss this car around in the corners.

Is the Golf R Better?

The VW Golf R features a 315-horsepower engine while also sporting larger brakes and a set of selectable driving modes. These modes include a setting for drifting, making it easy to power-slide around the track. The R also has a standard AWD system with torque-vectoring for better control during a fast lap.

Let Europeans enjoy the new Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 45 and its 45th Anniversary package, we’ve got the Golf R and a GTI worthy of wide-open American fun to keep us entertained.