Rivals such as the Ford...

Rivals such as the Ford Focus ST and Vauxhall Astra VXR had better watch out, as the old timer has some new tricks up its sleeve. Key to its appeal is a boost in power, taking the T-FSI unit up from 197bhp to 228bhp.

To set it apart from the standard car, the anniversary edition has purposeful black 18-inch alloys. Lower front and rear spoilers, side skirts and darkened tail-lights complete the stealthy look. Inside, there"s new diamond patterned cloth instead of the standard tartan weave, while a golf ball-style gearknob harks back to the MkI GTI. Red stitching on the steering wheel and Edition 30-engraved door sills also remind occupants they"re in something special.

The car was unveiled at a Golf event in Schalke, Germany, and is officially a design study. However, the GTI celebrates its 30th anniversary in the UK in 2007, so expect the mean-looking machine to hit showrooms next year.