VW Golf GTI Pirelli Returns to UK

If you're a UK dub head who missed out on the 1,500 Golf GTI Edition 30 units sold early last year, here's your chance. After 25 years, VW is bringing back to the UK the Golf GTI Pirelli. Introduced to the tune of 10,500 units into the MkI Golf platform in May 1983 and sold out six months later, the package consisted of special Pirelli “P” alloy wheels. Surely, that doesn't sound like much by today's standards, but back then, it was seriously cool.

This time around VW has basically repackaged the GTI Edition 30 which adds 30PS over the standard 200PS GTI resulting in a substantial drop in 0 to 60 mph from 7.2 to 6.8 seconds while top speed increase from 146 mph to 152 mph.

Instead of the bitchin 13-inch wheels from 1983, the GTI Pirelli gets fat 18-inch 5 spokes with the obligatory 225/40 R18 Pirelli P-Zero tyres. Body-coloured front splitter, side skirts and rear bumper will be available in reflex silver, diamond black and blue graphite while the rear light lenses get smoked and rear windows tinted. A special Pirelli badge finds on a spot on the bootlid further distinguishing the new car.

On the inside the Pirelli theme works its way onto the half-leather sport seats, steering wheel and hand brake lever with yellow stitching. But even more unique are the tyre-tread imprints set into the seat base and back.

There is no word yet on how many units will be available, but the Golf GTI Pirelli is available to order now with first deliveries in June. Prices will start at £22,555 on-the-road for the three-door model equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, rising to £24,385 for the five door model fitted with a six-speed DSG gearbox.