The most iconic hatchback in the history of the automobile is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024, and that means we’ll have a year filled with great Golf content. As is the norm with things like this, a special edition is usually created as part of the anniversary celebrations, and Volkswagen has done just that with the Mk8 VW Golf "Edition 50". It’s likely to be the last special edition of it’;s kind thanks to the demise of the internal combustion engine and the rise of EVs. We’ve already been told the Mk9 GTi will likely be a 100% electric affair so these Edition 50 cars may soon be worth a lot more than they are now. It’s a great addition to the nameplate’s extensive history. The Golf has sold over 37 million units worldwide since its inception into the market in 1974 and those numbers make it one of the most successful cars ever. This commemorative car features numerous intricate enhancements, as you’d expect. Not on the level of celebratory models like BMW’s 50 Jahre, but just enough to make it a bit different. We’d have loved to have seen a bunch of proper stand-out mods and features, but the car has to appeal to the masses and not just the crazies like us here at SXdrv. The anniversary model covers the regular hatchback Golf as well as the Golf Variant, which is the estate version. These would definitely sell in SA, but someone has decided that there won’t be enough interest in them to bring them here, not even the awesome R version in limited numbers, but that’s a rant for another day. The new Golf and Golf Variant models are recognised by their modified front end with newly designed LED headlights or the range-topping IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights and the Volkswagen logo in the radiator grille is illuminated. The IQ.LIGHT 3D LED taillight clusters in both versions also have a new design.

The special Golf Edition 50 model is customised with numerous additional features, on the exterior we see the fitment of some 18-inch alloy wheels. These wheels have been called Leeds, and they’re not bad, but we did expect something a little more special on a car like this that celebrates such a big milestone. Even the older Pretoria wheels would have looked better. The Edition 50 also has tinted rear windows, an illuminated horizontal radiator grill strip, the aforementioned illuminated Volkswagen logo and some cool 3D ‘50’ badges on the B-pillars. The changes are subtle, maybe too subtle. Although we’re assuming there will be another limited number car in GTi-spec coming out during the year that may be a little more wow. Inside the limited edition car, there are details such as Edition 50 logos in the front sill panel mouldings and bottom steering wheel trim, pedal caps in brushed stainless steel and a black headliner. In the tech stats, the Golf Edition 50 features the new top-of-the-range “Discover” infotainment system with a navigation function as well as the addition of a keyless start and locking system Keyless Access, the IDA voice assistant, driving profile selection and an anti-theft alarm are part of the extended equipment. The special-edition model will be available with different drive versions. There will be five equipment and four drive system variants initially available for the Edition 50. The classic five-door Golf will be offered as an exclusive Edition 50 model with four drive variants available: a pair of manual turbocharged petrol engines, an 85 kW and 110 kW TSi, along with two 48 V mild hybrid turbocharged petrol engines with the same power outputs - all feature a 7-speed DSG transmission. These cars look to be limited to the European market, although we may find some local celebratory models created here in SA specifically for our market - we are a manufacturing country for VW after all. Maybe we’ll see a worldwide ED50 GTi to follow up on the previous limited edition ED cars.

Take a look at the YouTube video showing off the new Edition 50 variant of the Mk8 Golf, created to celebrate the half-century anniversary of the world's most iconic and best-selling hatchback on the planet: Unveiling the Volkswagen Golf Edition 50: Celebrating 50 Years of Iconic Performance! | Montoran

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