Limited Edition VW Golfs – The Rarest Examples of SA’s Most-Loved VW

The VW Golf is a household name in South Africa. We have all owned a Golf at some point or, at very least, know someone who has. While the Golf was sold in droves, there are some that were sold in limited numbers. We outline the limited edition VW Golfs sold across the various generations.

Click here or the image below to receive info about the new Golf.

Mk1 Volkswagen Citi 1.8i R-Line

In 2006, Volkswagen SA re-launched the spirit of the Mk1 GTI with the Volkswagen Citi Golf 1,8i R-Line. It wore a model-specific body kit as well as alloys and featured some bespoke interior touches. This is a sought after derivative by VW fans and collectors as just 100 of these were made. A lumpy cam helped the Mk1 R-Line to produce 10 kW more than the original GTI, although it weighed the same flyweight 900-odd kg

Technical Specs:

• Engine: 1,8-litre, inline-four
• Power: 90 kW
• Transmission: five-speed manual, FWD
• Top speed: 190 km/h

Mk2 Volkswagen Golf 2,0 16V

VW was intent on entering the hotly contested Group N series in the late 1990s. The stillborn “Spitze” (click here to learn more about it here from an engineer who worked on the project) would have resulted in a homologation special similar to the likes of the BMW 325iS and Opel Kadett GSi 16v ‘S’. Instead, the most limited Mk2 GTI turned out to be the 2,0-litre 16V. A reputed 500 or so were made, with far fewer in existence now.

These versions were heavily kitted, for the time, as it was the very end of Mk2 GTI production. Changes included ‘big’ bumpers, different alloys compared to the 1,8-litre, larger brake calipers and full leather interior. VW SA was phasing out Mk2 production at the same time as it was phasing in the Mk3. With the prolonged lifecycle ‘Citi’ still in play VW SA , uniquely, produced the Mk1, Mk2 and Mk3 Golfs simultaneously at the Uitenhage plant.

Technical Specs:

• Engine: 2,0-litre 16V, inline-four
• Power: 110 kW
• Transmission: five-speed manual, FWD
• Top speed: 210 km/h

Mk3 VW Golf VR6

GTI fans were let down by the wheezy 2,0-litre 8v powerplant used in the Mk3 GTI. However, this generation gave birth to the popular VR6. It isn’t technically limited edition, but it is quite rare today as many of them understeered into the the scrap heap of the local junkyard. It was the very first time, but not the last, that a Golf body housed a six-cylinder engine. Thanks, in large part, to its signature soundtrack the 128 kW ‘Voora’ has been lifted to iconic status in Msanzi. The third generation Golf, and VR6 along with it, was phased out of production in 1997.

Technical Specs:

• Engine: 2,8-litre, VR6
• Power: 128 kW
• Transmission: five-speed manual, FWD
• Top speed: 225 km/h

Click here to read our Mk8 VW Golf GTI review.

Mk4 VW Golf GTI-R

The Mk4 GTI was a real step up from its predecessor. The Golf GTI featured a turbocharged engine from the factory for the first time with the Mk4. The 1,8-litre 20v motor produced 110 kW and was mated with a five-speed manual transmission in ‘regular’ guise. However, VW SA sold 250 GTI-R units locally, built to celebrate 25 years of the badge. Power was ramped up to 132 kW and the transmission boasted an additional ratio. The exterior featured 17-inch alloys, a new front bumper, a lower ride height and an ‘R’ branded tailpipe.

Technical Specs:

• Engine: 1,8-litre, inline-four, turbocharged
• Power: 132 kW
• Transmission: six-speed manual, FWD
• Top speed: 228 km/h

Click here to read about the imminent arrival of the Mk8.5 Volkswagen Golf.

Mk5 VW Golf R32

The Mk5 R32 is the second time VW SA sold a V6 Golf locally as we missed out on the Mk4 R32. VW SA imported just over 200 units to our shores making it a rare sight on our roads. Each was fitted with distinct body kit, larger alloys, massive brakes and a pair of centrally mounted tailpipes to sing a signature V6 tune. Importantly, the 320 N.m motor delivered its drive to all four wheels, unlike the VR6 that came before. The R32 was the fastest (standard) Golf on SA roads when it was launched.

Technical Specs:

• Engine: 3,2-litre V6
• Power: 184 kW
• Transmission: six-speed DSG, AWD
• Top speed: 248 km/h

Mk6 VW Golf GTI Edition 35

The Mk6 generation didn’t really spawn a limited-edition version in SA. However, VW SA did introduce the Edition 35. This variant boasted an additional 18 kW over its siblings. Other changes included different alloys, a new front bumper design with integrated splitter, standard bi-xenon cornering headlamps and  ‘Edition 35’ badges on its flanks. The cabin has different, part-cloth seats, and a golf ball gear knob design, which is a nod to the very first Golf GTI.

Technical Specs:

• Engine: 2,0-litre, inline-four, turbocharged
• Power: 173 kW
• Transmission: six-speed manual/DSG, FWD
• Top speed: 246 km/h

Mk7 VW Golf GTI Clubsport S

The Clubsport S is one of the rarest VW Golfs in the world. Just 400 were made for sale globally and 47 were sold locally (we’ll bet there are far fewer now than when introduced). A three-door body and decals on the lower body make the S variant easy to spot from the sea of other Mk7s. The Clubsport S is one of the most engaging FWD cars we’ve ever driven. It came, as standard from the factory, with a mechanical LSD, semi-slick tyres and just two seats. The rear bench was junked to save weight. Power from the engine was bumped up to 228 kW and the top speed limiter lifted to 265 km/h. A race-derived suspension set-up and proper downforce made it a, one time, front-wheel-drive record holder at the Nurburgring Nordschleife.

Technical Specs:

• Engine: 2,0-litre, inline-four, turbocharged
• Power: 228 kW
• Transmission: six-speed manual, FWD
• Top speed: 265 km/h