Volkswagen is swiftly following the arrival of the Mk8 Golf GTI with a more powerful and focused Clubsport version – reviving a name used on past special editions and replacing the old GTI TCR.
Priced from £37,215 and available to order now, it’s described by the brand as offering “even more cornering grip, further increased driving stability and even more driving fun” without significantly compromising the everyday usability of the standard Golf GTI.
Representing a premium of around £4000 over the entry-level GTI, the new range-topper raises the standard model’s 242bhp to 296bhp, thanks to a retuned engine management system, larger intercooler and a new turbocharger sourced from Continental, replacing the standard GTI’s Garrett-sourced item.
Torque also increases to 295lb ft – 22lb ft more than in the regular GTI. However, these figures are achieved running on 98 RON fuel, which is recommended by VW, rather than the 95 RON fuel recommended for the standard GTI.
Power is put through the front wheels via a standard-fit seven-speed dual-clutch auto gearbox. A manual version will not be offered, with VW claiming the car is significantly faster with a DSG. The dual-clutch gearbox itself has also benefitted from Clubsport-specific shorter gear ratios.
Volkswagen quotes a 0-62mph time of just under 6.0sec and a top speed of 155mph for the new Clubsport. By way of comparison, the standard GTI fitted with the DSG dual-clutch auto is claimed to cover 0-62mph in 6.2sec and has an identical top speed.
As with previous Clubsports, the upgrades over the base GTI extend far beyond a boost in power. Volkswagen claims the chassis has been “completely retuned and significantly further developed”.
Like the standard GTI, the VAQ electromechanical locking front differential replaces the purely electronic XDS system of the standard Golf and control of that system has been integrated into the car’s driving dynamics manager. That means the diff can be relaxed in comfort-focused drive modes and set to a more aggressive tune in sportier modes.
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A few grand more,
For a few grand more you can have a Golf-R, which is faster everywhere.
Blimey
We do like a moan in the comments here, don't we?
So true Blimey, when others are cutting back on gearboxes and engine choices and in some cases just having one small petrol engine in the range with a battery attached vag are offering something different by way of choice
GTI is a mixed bag of great car and infantilism
I too agree that VW should be above that "it is faster with DSG" statements.
Faster in a traffic queue? Is that important to "be faster" in a everyday all-rounder car?
Also, "Nurburgring mode"...how much more infantile can they be?
3-door looks great and is was fun for two-up and young owners but not practical.
Manual gives control over rpms which is great at times, but DSG gives comfort and ease of use (especially in dense, creeping stop-and-go traffic, especially uphill!)
I have owned manual 3-door Edition 30 and my parents have DSG 5-door GTI, so have experience with both.