This year is a special one for the Volkswagen Golf, as one of the true icons of the car world turns 50, and it’s celebrating in style. Now into its eighth generation, the Golf is undergoing an update that extends to its high-performance GTI models, and the latest to debut is the GTI Clubsport.
More differentiation for the Clubsport
The GTI’s exterior styling has undergone subtle tweaks, including an illuminated VW logo on the nose - a first for the brand. This detail combines with new LED headlights to create an unmistakable look when the car is unlocked at night. Refreshed ‘IQ.Light’ LED matrix headlights, available as an option, gain a claimed 15 per cent improvement with the high beam function.
This time around there’s a more obvious visual difference between the regular Golf GTI and the GTI Clubsport. The front bumper of the GTI Clubsport features painted wing details that are shaped as arrows pointing towards the inside. A large diameter honeycomb lower grille section is finished in gloss black and its shape allows improved airflow for cooling and aerodynamics. As the VW logo is now illuminated, the radar sensor for the adaptive cruise control, previously located behind the logo, moves downwards to a central position at the bottom of the front apron.
Volkswagen fits a diamond-cut 18-inch version of the ‘Richmond’ alloy wheel to the GTI Clubsport, whereas the standard GTI is fitted with a 17-inch version of the same design. A new ‘Queenstown’ alloy wheel design is also optionally available for both models. It features a striking design with five oval semi-circles, a modern take on the ‘Detroit’ wheel that made its debut on the fifth-gen GTI. The new wheel has high-gloss polished surfaces over a black interior.
For driving enthusiasts seeking something more unique, Volkswagen is releasing a new 19-inch forged wheel called Warmenau, named after the home of the company’s R division. Weighing only eight kilograms, these are around 20 per cent lighter than the standard alloy wheels, reducing the unsprung mass. Just as importantly for some, they look great and come in a matt black finish for the GTI and a high-gloss black for the GTI Clubsport to match the bodywork.
Golf GTI’s improved interior
Following the lead of its range of electric vehicles, Volkswagen is also updating the interior of the Golf GTI with improved technology and connectivity. A new 12.9-inch touchscreen display includes an illuminated touch bar along its base for volume and temperature controls.
Volkswagen now bakes in ChatGPT to improve its ‘IDA’ voice assistant so that it can be operated by more natural language. Along with controlling specific functions, the system can answer questions on various topics through an online connection. Volkswagen has been quick to point out that all the data is anonymised and not retained or stored outside of the car.
The Golf GTI and GTI Clubsport have a 10.2-inch digital cockpit display as standard. We’re even more pleased to see the return of physical buttons to the multifunction steering wheel, replacing the haptic touchpads previously installed. Buyers can order a head-up display as an optional extra.
The GTI Clubsport’s interior differs from the standard GTI’s by the use of premium sports seats with ‘ArtVelours’ as the standard fabric. This material also extends to the door inserts. Optionally, the seats can be upgraded to a leather package with heating and ventilation.
300hp for the GTI Clubsport
The ‘EA888’ engine continues to live on in the Golf GTI, and the turbocharged four-cylinder petrol unit now generates up to 265hp and 370Nm. In the Golf GTI Clubsport, outputs are unchanged at 300hp and 400Nm and in both versions, the drive is sent only to the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox.
A sprint from 0-100km/h in the Golf GTI takes 5.9 seconds, whereas only 5.6 seconds is required for the GTI Clubsport to crack the 100km/h barrier from rest. Both cars have their top speeds electronically limited to 250km/h, but buyers of the GTI Clubsport can pay for a ‘Race’ package that increases the maximum speed to 267km/h.
Steering tweaks courtesy of Bugatti
Volkswagen fits its progressive steering system as standard to the Golf GTI and GTI Clubsport. This variable-ratio system reduces steering effort at low speeds, such as when parking, and increases the dynamic response at higher speeds, especially through winding sections of road. For the latest iteration, the development team was expanded to include Sven Bohnhorst, who previously served as a senior test driver at Bugatti. Changes were made to the steering software to enhance its response while also ensuring that Volkswagen complies with the statutory UNECE requirements for cybersecurity.
Alongside the usual Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual driving profiles available, the GTI Clubsport is equipped with the Special mode as an extension of the Sport setting. The Nürburgring Nordschleife specifically influenced this Special mode and applies a bespoke setup to the DCC adaptive suspension and the Vehicle Dynamics Manager.
Volkswagen will continue to celebrate a half-century of Golfs with the GTI Fan Festival, which will take place from 26 to 28 July in Wolfsburg. This will replace the past events at Lake Wörth.