Volkswagen's iconic Golf GTI, the car that popularised the 'hot hatch' phenomenon, is 40 years old this year.

To mark the occasion, Volkswagen has created the most powerful version ever, the specially-commissioned Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40, which can now be ordered with first deliveries expected this summer, priced from £30,875 for the three-door 2.0 TSI manual to £32,945 for the five-door DSG automatic.

It is anticipated no more than 1,000 examples of the latest 'collector's item' GTI will be available to UK buyers.

The 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivers 265PS but accelerate hard in third gear or higher and power is boosted to 290PS for up to 10 seconds. The six-speed DSG version gets launch control as standard.

All versions sprint from rest to 62mph in 6.3 seconds and on to a top speed limited to 155mph with CO2 emissions between 158g/km and 162g/km and just over 40mpg combined.

As with all Golf GTIs, the new Clubsport Edition 40 is equipped with a sport chassis with 15mm lower ride height as standard. A front differential lock, XDS+ vehicle dynamics function and progressive steering – which means smaller steering inputs are needed – the latest Golf GTI is all the more agile because the familiar sport chassis has been tuned to its more powerful nature. Handling characteristics have been perfected with a new spring layout, newly-tuned dampers and optimised bump stops.

The anniversary model is also available with optional dynamic chassis control, also adapted to the high power potential.

Power is transferred to the road via exclusive Quaranta 18in alloy wheels, each nearly 3kg lighter than conventional alloys, while 19in Brescia alloy wheels and street-approved semi-slick tyres on eight-inch 19in Pretoria wheels are options.

This very special Golf GTI has new front bumper, side sills, rear diffuser, multi-part roof spoiler and exclusive forged alloy wheels to help the car stand out and, more importantly, deliver valuable downforce, further improving handling.

Inside it features new Honeycomb 40 design trim for the instrument strip, centre console and doors give the interior a more exclusive appearance, Alcantara trim on the gear lever and sport steering wheel, customised floor mats with red edging and exclusive stainless steel front door sill plates with red GTI lettering. Optional sports bucket seats finished in part Alcantara/part cloth, with the GTI lettering on the backrest, provide optimal comfort and stability when cornering.

The anniversary model is offered with optional black painted roof.