The Volkswagen Golf has hit 50 this year, and half-a-century on from that famous Giugiaro-designed original, Volkswagen is creating a limited-run Golf Edition 50 to celebrate the big 5-0. The Golf Edition 50 will be the first of the updated 'Mark 8.5' Golf models to go on sale, and Irish buyers will get their chance to nab one.
Chat GPT software
As with the regular versions of the updated Golf, the Edition 50 will get new lights and new bumpers at the front, with more LED highlights around the grille and - a first - a backlit VW logo. There are also new brake lights, and inside, there's an entirely new 12.9-inch touchscreen with updated software and, at last, backlit 'slider' controls for the heating and stereo volume. The software also comes with ChatGPT AI software to make the 'IDA' voice control even more natural-sounding and responsive.
1.5 TSI turbo petrol engines
For the first wave of new Golfs to arrive, there will be four engine options, all based around the 1.5-litre TSI turbocharged four-cylinder petrol. There will be 115hp and 150hp versions with a manual gearbox or the same engines with a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox and mild-hybrid assistance. Other engines - including diesels and long-electric-range 100km-capable plug-in hybrid versions - will arrive later in the year.
Edition 50 badges
To create the Edition 50, Volkswagen has taken the standard Golf and added 18-inch 'Leeds' alloy wheels, the LED strip in the radiator grille plus the light-up VW badge, extra Edition 50 badges for the B-pillars and, inside, Edition 50 logos in the front sill panel mouldings and the bottom of steering wheel trim, brushed stainless steel pedals, and a black roof liner. The infotainment system will get the top-of-the-line 'Discover' navigation system, plus keyless entry and ignition, the new 'IDA' voice control assistant, selectable driving modes, and an anti-theft alarm.
An optional Plus package is also available, it includes a tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof, 'IQ. LIGHT' matrix LED headlights and a head-up display.
The new Golf, including the Edition 50, will go on sale in Ireland in the summer.