Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport
More power and other upgrades for hardcore version of VW’S hot hatch
THE VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI was once the default choice among front-wheel-drive hot hatches, but upstarts such as the Honda Civic Type R have gained the upper hand over the past few years. To help the Mk8 GTI fight back, Volkswagen has introduced a more hardcore version called the Clubsport.
Understudy to the four-wheel-drive Golf R (which you can read about from p64), the Clubsport gets tweaked suspension, beefier brakes, trick aerodynamic aids and a serious hike in power for its 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, to 296bhp, from 245bhp in the regular GTI. This drops its 0-62mph time to 5.6sec, making it quicker than the Type R.
You’ll appreciate the Clubsport’s gutsy low-down shove, too, although the Type R is more fun to rev out. The Clubsport comes exclusively with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, but that’s no bad thing; the regular GTI’S manual can’t match the precise feel of the Type R’s, anyway.
Our test car had Volkswagen’s Dynamic Chassis Control (£785), enabling its ride to be tailored to suit the road. And despite the Clubsport’s suspension being 10mm lower than the regular GTI’S, it generally rounds off the worst impacts from pockmarks and potholes, whether you select Sport or softer Comfort from the drive mode menu, even with the optional 19in wheels fitted (18s are standard).
You can also adjust the steering weight in that same menu. Comfort mode is best left for town driving; it makes the wheel light and easy to twirl when picking your way through traffic. In Sport, meanwhile, its consistent heft feels just right through fast, sweeping bends and complements the steering’s inherent accuracy.
As well as upgraded brakes that are all the better to wipe off speed, the Clubsport has huge reserves of grip. However, its surefooted neutrality contrasts with the far more playful nature of the rival Toyota GR Yaris, while the Type R has the Clubsport licked if you prefer precision over playfulness. What’s more, despite the Clubsport’s electronic and mechanical aids helping to enhance traction in corners, the Type R can put its power down more tidily in damp and cold conditions. The four-wheel-drive GR Yaris, meanwhile, monsters both cars in this respect.
The engine produces the same gravelly tone under acceleration as the regular GTI’S and can be amplified artificially in the drive mode menu, with Sport mode dialling in some pleasing pops from the exhaust when you lift off the accelerator. The gearbox can be a touch jerky in low-speed parking manoeuvres, but it
generally provides rapid gearchanges. It’s also good at selecting the right gear.
Bespoke upholstery aside, it’s standard Golf GTI inside; you get fine visibility and sports seats with plenty of adjustment for a good driving position. It can’t match the plush BMW 128ti for quality, though, and its awkward touch-sensitive controls will have you pining for physical knobs and switches. The Ford Focus ST and Civic Type R both have more rear seat space and bigger boots, but the Clubsport will manage a pushchair or a set of golf clubs.
There’s no doubt the Clubsport adds plenty to the Golf GTI experience for a reasonable price premium, and it’s certainly our choice of the GTI line-up. However, for sheer fun and effervescence, it’s soundly beaten by the GR Yaris, which is also a good bit cheaper. And if you need five seats and a practical boot, the Civic Type R is still the hot hatch to beat.