Volkswagen will unleash its most powerful Golf GTI yet to mark 40 years of the iconic hot hatch.

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The Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40 uses its 261bhp power output to achieve a 6.3-second 0-62mph dash; that’s a fifth of a second quicker and 44bhp more than the standard Golf GTI (6.5s, 217bhp).

It delivers that power between 5,350 and 6,600 rpm, but accelerating hard in third gear or higher for up to 10 seconds unlocks an additional ‘overboost’ function which ups the engine power to 286bhp.

Limited to 1,000 units in the UK, the Clubsport Edition 40 uses a detuned version of the 1984cc TSI petrol engine as the Golf R, which boasts 300bhp and can get to 62mph a full second quicker (5.3s).

Customers can opt for a six-speed manual or a DSG automatic transmission, and the three or five doors, with no impact on its 0-62mph sprint.

Ride height is lowered by 15mm compared to the standard GTI, and the special edition comes on 18-inch alloys as standard with 19-inch ‘Brescia’ and eight-inch wide ‘Pretoria’ wheels also available.

You’ll be able to spot the Clubsport Edition 40 by the redesigned front bumper, side sills, rear diffuser, multi-part roof spoiler and exclusive forged alloy wheels, but VW insists that rather than turning heads, the changes aim to deliver more downforce on both axles and improve the car’s handling.

Interior touches include ergonomic sports seats with Alcantara and black cloth upholstery and GTI lettering on the backrest. There’s also new trim strips in “Honeycomb 40” design (instrument strip, centre console and doors), Alcantara trim on the gear lever, an Alcantara-clad sport steering wheel, and customised floor mats with red edging.

The anniversary model can come with an optional black painted roof while the body colour can be pure white, tornado red, oryx white mother of pearl effect; Reflex Silver, Carbon Grey Metallic, Urano Grey, or solid colour deep black pearl effect.

Retail prices sit between £30,875 and £32,945, depending on transmission and bodystyle, with contract hire rates expected shortly.