Limited edition marks 50th anniversary of GTI launch, set for official release in November
Exclusive 'Dark Moss Green' exterior color applied
GTI-specific dynamic wheel center caps among differentiating features
Peak output of 245 hp, maximum torque of 37.7 kg·m
Volkswagen Korea announced Tuesday it has begun taking pre-orders for the Golf GTI Dark Moss Limited Edition, a 100-unit model created exclusively for Korean customers to mark the 50th anniversary of the GTI's global launch. The vehicle is scheduled for official release in South Korea in November.
Since its debut in 1976, the Golf GTI has pioneered the "hot hatch" genre — blending everyday practicality with the dynamic driving feel of a sports car — and has stood as an icon of high-performance hatchbacks for five decades. In South Korea, where it first went on sale in 2006, the model has built a loyal following as a vehicle that combines strong performance with daily usability.
The Dark Moss Limited Edition was developed to honor the GTI's 50-year heritage while expressing gratitude to Korean customers who have long embraced the Golf.
The most striking feature is the exclusive "Dark Moss Green" exterior color, applied in recognition of the GTI's 50th anniversary. The deep green shade gives the car a more luxurious and refined impression than the standard Golf GTI. A black exterior package — comprising a black roof, black side mirrors and a black front strip — accentuates the contrast between the Dark Moss Green body and the dark trim details.
The wheels are fitted with GTI-specific dynamic wheel center caps and valve caps, adding details that reinforce the GTI's distinct identity. An art velour steering wheel, offering enhanced grip and a distinctive design, has also been newly introduced to bring differentiated elements to the interior unique to the Dark Moss Limited Edition.
Under the hood, a 2.0 TSI gasoline turbocharged engine paired with a seven-speed DSG delivers a peak output of 245 hp and maximum torque of 37.7 kg·m. The Vehicle Dynamics Manager (VDM) integrates an electronically controlled hydraulic front differential lock and adaptive chassis control to enable agile cornering, precise handling and stable driving.
Michael Ant, president of Volkswagen Korea, said the Golf GTI "is a Volkswagen icon that has evolved across generations over the past 50 years while never losing its essential spirit of driving pleasure." He added that the Dark Moss Limited Edition "is a special model prepared to express our gratitude to Korean customers who have cherished the Golf for so long, and we hope it will serve as a meaningful choice to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the GTI."
The Golf GTI Dark Moss Limited Edition is priced at 54.25 million won ($40,700), inclusive of VAT and with the individual consumption tax rate of 5.0 percent applied. Every buyer will receive a "GTI Welcome Kit" and a limited-edition numbered plate engraved with a unique serial number assigned to each of the 100 units.
Meanwhile, Volkswagen Korea has been stepping up its customer service efforts on multiple fronts. The company recently introduced a post-repair quality assurance program that guarantees the quality of collision repairs carried out at its official service centers for two years from the date of delivery, and has also held a technical skills competition among technicians at its nationwide service centers to test their vehicle diagnosis and repair capabilities.
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