Quickest GTI and flagship R join the VW Golf family
Front and all-wheel drive performance models arrive to suit fast-Golf fans
The two most eagerly anticipated models in the Volkswagen Golf range have arrived, each representing a different facet of high-performance hatchback character.
The front-wheel drive Golf GTI Clubsport arrives with increased downforce, an improved chassis and a driving profile labelled ‘Special’ that is adapted for the Nürburgring.
The Golf R offers more allround appeal than ever before, with renewed 4MOTION all-wheel drive incorporating the new R-Performance Torque Vectoring system and the optional RPerformance Package adding a de-restricted top speed and Drift mode among other features.
With three performance Golfs already on sale in the form of the GTI, GTD and
GTE, the arrival of these two flagship models gives fans of performance Golfs more choice than ever before.
Both newcomers offer greater levels of focus and driver involvement.
In addition, each model features a raft of equipment and driver assistance systems, including IQ.Light matrix LED headlights, keyless entry, Lane Assist and Travel Assist, which facilitates Level 2 assisted driving up to speeds of 130 mph (where legal).
Car2X is also fitted, as per the rest of the Golf range, allowing communication between Car2X-equipped cars and infrastructure, to warn road users of hazards ahead.
The first of these new cars is the Golf GTI Clubsport. This model builds upon the already award-winning formula offered by the 245 PS/370 Nm Golf GTI, but dials the power output of its 2.0-litre turbocharged fourcylinder engine up to 300 PS and 400 Nm of torque for a 062 mph time of just 5.6 seconds. This makes it the fastest-accelerating production Golf GTI in history.
Special features for the new car include a driving mode developed especially for the demands of the Nürburgring, a large two-part rear spoiler resulting in a reduction in lift over the rear axle, and an exclusive front bumper, offering not only augmented styling, but incorporating a new front splitter for greater downforce on the front axle.
Meanwhile, the Golf R returns as the Golf ’s outright flagship in terms of performance and positioning, now with 320 PS and 420 Nm on tap from its turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, equating to a top speed of 155 mph (increasing to 168 mph with the optional R-Performance Pack), where permitted.
The 0 to 62 mph sprint is dispatched in just 4.7 seconds – making it the fastest-accelerating Volkswagen on sale.
The EA888 evo4 engine is installed with a 7-speed DSG transmission, and, like all vehicles from Volkswagen R, 4MOTION all-wheel drive. The system has been comprehensively uprated for the latest generation of Golf R, with the introduction of RPerformance Torque Vectoring that distributes the engine output to all four wheels.
Prices for the Golf GTI Clubsport start at £37,215, with the Golf R starting at £39,270.