We’ve already driven the new Volkswagen Golf GTi Pirelli, which revives a special edition that made its debut on the iconic Mk1 Golf 25 years ago.Originally not intended for the UK market, Volkswagen has now announced that the Pirelli GTi will be available here starting from £22,555 for a three-door model with a six-speed manual gearbox; the range-topping, five-door, DSG variant costs £24,385. The new Golf GTi Pirelli features a power upgrade to 227bhp from the standard Mk5 GTi’s 192bhp, taking the 0-62mph time down by 0.4sec to just 6.8sec. The hot Golf’s top speed is now 152mph.Various design tweaks distinguish the car from regular GTis, including unique 18-inch alloys, smoked rear lights, tinted rear windows and a choice of reflex silver, diamond black or blue graphite paintwork.The interior also gets an upgrade, featuring new half-leather sports seats with tyre-tread imprints and yellow stitching. Order books are open now, with first deliveries expected in June.
