Dive into our detailed review of the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport. Discover its performance, features, pricing, and how it stands against competitors in the hot hatch segment.
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Price | £42,155 |
| Power | 300 PS (296 bhp) |
| 0-62 mph | 5.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 167 mph |
| Transmission | DSG (automatic) |
| Drive Type | Front-wheel drive |
| Fuel Economy | ~35 mpg |
| Weight | ~1,350 kg |
Pricing of Volkswagen Golf Variants
| Model | Price | Power |
|---|---|---|
| Golf GTI | £39,000 | 261 bhp |
| Golf GTI Clubsport | £42,155 | 296 bhp |
| Golf R | £44,000 | 326 bhp |
Key Features of the GTI Clubsport
Design and Aesthetics
- Exterior: Updated gloss black grille and redesigned bumpers enhance the sporty look.
- Wheels: New 19-inch wheel designs that add to its aggressive stance.
- Interior: Improved infotainment system, more user-friendly than previous iterations.
Performance and Handling
- Engine: EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged engine remains unchanged at 300 PS.
- Transmission: DSG-only with shorter, sportier ratios for better acceleration.
- Driving Experience: Enhanced traction control that keeps the car stable during acceleration.
Technology and Comfort
- Infotainment System: Streamlined, with improved usability; now features voice control powered by ChatGPT.
- Driving Modes: Customizable settings for ride quality and engine noise.
Improvements and Considerations
Areas for Improvement
- Seats: Could be more supportive and lower for a sportier feel.
- Paddles: The paddle shifters feel cheap compared to the rest of the interior.
- Handling: While composed, it lacks the exuberance of some competitors.
Final Thoughts
The GTI Clubsport feels like a subtle evolution rather than a groundbreaking update. It retains the Golf’s reliable performance while facing stiff competition from other hot hatches. This model serves as a bridge between the standard GTI and the more powerful Golf R.
15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the price of the GTI Clubsport?
- The price starts at £42,155.
- What engine does the GTI Clubsport use?
- It uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 300 PS.
- How fast is the GTI Clubsport?
- It can accelerate from 0-62 mph in 5.6 seconds.
- Does the GTI Clubsport have all-wheel drive?
- No, it features front-wheel drive.
- What is the fuel economy of the GTI Clubsport?
- Approximately 35 mpg.
- What transmission is available?
- It comes exclusively with a DSG automatic transmission.
- What are the main design changes in the facelift?
- It features a new gloss black grille and updated wheel designs.
- Is the interior more user-friendly?
- Yes, the infotainment system has seen significant improvements.
- What are the driving modes available?
- The GTI Clubsport allows customization of ride and engine noise settings.
- How does it compare to the Golf R?
- It’s less powerful but lighter and more economical.
- Is it suitable for daily driving?
- Yes, it balances sportiness with everyday usability.
- What competitors does it face?
- The Honda Civic Type R and former rivals like the Hyundai i30N and Ford Focus ST.
- Are there any significant changes in handling?
- While it’s stable, it could be more engaging compared to competitors.
- How does it perform in different weather conditions?
- The front-wheel drive may struggle slightly in winter conditions, but it remains stable.
- Is this the last petrol GTI?
- It may be one of the final iterations before the shift towards electric models.
