What is it?
Only the fastest GTI on sale, the Clubsport is positioned above the Performance Pack and below the Golf R – both stellar machines in their own segments. Golf GTi Clubsport builds on the same well-established strengths of the current GTi while adding a number of aerodynamic styling tweaks and uprated power that tests the boundaries of front-wheel drive traction. The GTi Clubsport pays homage to the 40th anniversary of Volkswagen’s iconic MK1 GTi and already has future collector’s item written all over it.
What’s it like?
Flawless. Working off an already lofty base, GTi Clubsport takes a variety of challenges in its stride with the utmost poise. Volkswagen claims that this is the first Golf to ‘produce downforce’ and while it hardly feels more nailed to the road, fans will be pleased just by its unique appearance. The visual profile is bulked up by a confetti of new bumpers, side sills, rear spoiler and decals. New lightweight alloys come in 18-inch but you’d be doing yourself a favour by ticking the optional 19s.
While we’ve often criticized front-wheel drive cars exceeding 190kW, the 2016 GTi Clubsport just about manages to transfer all that power effectively. That’s quite something given that it occasionally has more power than the all-wheel drive Golf R.
Occasionally? Under normal conditions the engine produces 195kW and 350Nm but in Sport Mode this peaks to 213kW and 380Nm for ten-second bursts. After that a ‘cooling down’ period is required. With launch control, the perfect modulation of throttle and with the electronic slip differential hooking up the best traction, the Golf GTi Clubsport dispatches 100km/h in 5.9 seconds.
With the majority of driving likely to be done in Comfort mode, it’s rather disappointing that you can’t have the full quota all the time and sans the heavier steering. This ten second nonsense also reeks of a deliberate means to keep some daylight between GTi Clubsport and Golf R. The bigger exhaust pipes are not merely for show either, the signature burps and cracks are sharper and edgier than before.
Interior changes are more subtle and the best bits, like the bucket seats or tartan finish, are optional expenses. Alcantara now covers the steering wheel and red stitching is prominent throughout a cabin that still feels a premium cut above the competition.
Should I buy one?
To our mind the slightly more expensive Golf R justifies its higher price by being significantly faster and easier to drive across all surfaces but there is a playful side to the GTi Clubsport that has its own charm. A salient reminder of how good the standard GTi is but with enough merit to earn its title as the fastest of the breed, until the lighter Clubsport S dethrones it.
