Volkswagen is gearing up to celebrate a major milestone: 50 years of the Golf GTI. The iconic hot hatch was first introduced in 1976 as a limited run of 5,000 units, but its popularity quickly surpassed expectations, with over 50,000 units sold in the first year alone. The original Golf GTI was a game-changer, offering a unique blend of performance, practicality, and affordability. With 109bhp, a top speed of 182km/h, and a 0-100km/h time of 9.0 seconds, it proved that accessible performance could be a part of everyday driving.
To commemorate this milestone, Volkswagen is launching two new models: the Golf GTI Edition 50 and the ID Polo GTI. The Golf GTI Edition 50 is the most powerful production Golf GTI to date, with 320bhp and a driver-focused layout. It will be available in select European markets, with deliveries planned for 2026. The ID Polo GTI, on the other hand, is Volkswagen’s first electric GTI model, producing 223bhp from an electric powertrain. Despite the shift to electric, the ID Polo GTI remains true to the GTI formula, with a focus on handling balance and everyday usability.
The Golf GTI has come a long way since its inception, with over 2.5 million units sold globally since 1976. The brand has become synonymous with performance, style, and practicality, and Volkswagen is committed to carrying this legacy forward. The celebration of 50 years of Golf GTI will kick off at the Rétromobile in Paris and the Bremen Classic Motorshow, where Volkswagen will showcase GTI models from 1976 onwards and outline the future direction of the brand.
The introduction of the ID Polo GTI marks an exciting new chapter in the GTI story, as the brand transitions to electric powertrains while remaining true to its core values. With the Golf GTI Edition 50 and the ID Polo GTI, Volkswagen is poised to take the GTI brand to new heights, while paying homage to its rich history and heritage. As the brand looks to the future, one thing is clear: the GTI spirit is alive and well, and it’s here to stay.