While the all-wheel-drive Golf R is more expensive than the premium BMW M135i, Mercedes-AMG A35, and Audi S3 Sportback, the new Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport comes dangerously close to that niche. Priced from £ 37,215 (US$ 49,763) in the United Kingdom, where it’s already on sale, alongside the GTI, GTD, and GTE variants of the Golf Mk8, the new Golf GTI Clubsport undercuts the Golf R by £ 2,055 (US$ 2,748) and the M135i by £ 470 (US$ 628). It is also £ 3,755 (US$ 5,021) pricier than the manual 2021 Golf GTI.
Powering the new VW Golf GTI Clubsport is
the familiar turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit, paired to a seven-speed
dual-clutch automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The engine has been
tuned to deliver 296 HP and 400 Nm of torque.
That’s a 54 HP and 30 Nm jump over the Golf GTI,
which allows it to complete the 0-100 km/h sprint in 5.6 seconds,
before maxing out at 250 km/h.
The “fastest-accelerating production Golf
GTI in history”, as Volkswagen calls it, is also equipped with uprated brakes,
front-axle locking differential, XDS electronic differential lock that reduces
the risk of understeer and can be optimized with the optional Dynamic Chassis
Control adaptive damping.
The exclusive front bumper, two-part rear
spoiler that reduces lift over the rear axle, and enhanced diffuser with
cutouts for the oval tailpipes further set it apart from the standard GTI. The
Clubsport-specific ArtVelours seats inside, joined by the Discover Media
navigation system and Digital Cockpit Pro, complete the offering.
