Wildest ever Golf confirmed for Oz

The quickest, most powerful Volkswagen Golf GTI ever made is Australia-bound.

However, the new VW Golf GTI Clubsport will be given a different name in Australia – 'GTI 40 Years', to celebrate the Golf GTI's fourth decade in production – because HSV owns the ClubSport name here.

And, unlike the vehicle in the photos here, it will only be a five-door model for Australia.

The 40th anniversary Golf GTI is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine now pumping out a Ford Focus ST-slaying 195kW and up to 350Nm of torque – up from 162kW/350Nm int he standard model and 169kW/350Nm in the Golf GTI Performance.

But thanks to a new 'overboost' mode, the Golf GTI 40 Years' iconic EA888 turbo-petrol engine is able to flex its muscle to the tune of 213kW and 380Nm for roughly 10 seconds at a time.

Technically speaking, that means it out-powers the 206kW/380Nm Golf R in overboost, although that vehicle has an on-demand AWD system and the GTI 40 Years remains front-drive.

The extra herbs ensure the beefed-up Golf GTI will sprint to 100km/h in around six seconds with a six-speed manual (about half a second quicker than the standard GTI), and European twin-clutch DSG automatic versions can repeat the process slightly faster -- in 5.9 seconds to be precise.

Top speed is limited to 250km/h and other upgrades include motorsport-inspired leather bucket seats inside the cabin, along with Alcantara covered steering wheel and upholstery accents.

Volkswagen Australia's Public Relations Manager, Kurt McGuiness, told motoring.com.au that the model will be offered to Aussie buyers soon, explaining that the vehicle's local name change is due to HSV's stranglehold on the moniker.

"Yes, we’ll be launching the Golf GTI 40 Years mid-year," he said. "This is a special nameplate for our market, based on the GTI Clubsport launched overseas. As there is already another Clubsport in Australia, we get the unique title."

McGuiness wouldn't be drawn on how many of the limited-edition vehicles will come to Australia but did confirm we would get the full-flavoured 195kW version – and not detuned 'hot weather' variants as has previously been the case.

"This will be a special model, but we haven’t finalised numbers and exact timing as yet.

"It will have the same engine as the GTI Clubsport [195kW], and will come with a unique specification to our market. I can also confirm that it will be available as a five-door model, in keeping with our current Golf and Performance Golf strategy," the VW exec stated.

"And yes, it will be the fastest Golf GTI yet!"

Some of the other changes to the car expected to mirror European specification include suspension tweaks in the form of firmer springs and damper rates. This should deliver improved handling response and road holding, while 19-inch alloys will offer more scope for extra tyre grip.

Exterior upgrades contribute to a tough new look for the Golf GTI special, including a bold new front fascia comprising gloss black strakes, glossy lateral intake surrounds in the lower bumper and a discreet front splitter.

At the back of the car there's a new-look roof spoiler and subtle rear diffuser, both designed to smooth the air flow around the vehicle.

Despite the boost in performance, Volkswagen is expecting low CO2 emissions at around 160g/km and fuel economy in the region of 8.5L/100km.

Almost one in six VW Golfs sold in Australia in 2015 wore a GTI badge. Around 15 per cent of the 22,092 vehicles sold last year were Golf GTIs, or just over 3000 cars.

Based on the four-pot screamer that kick-started the hot hatch genre back in 1976, will the Golf GTI 40 Years become the quintessential hot hatch in Australia this year? Have your say in the comments section below.