Fresh off the back of the Golf GTI, VW is now taking orders for a more extreme version of the hot hatch icon: the new 296bhp Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport.
The Clubsport is a lighter, more aggressive, track-biased version of the hot hatchback which takes aim squarely at the Honda Civic type R. prices start from £37,215 – up from the £33,460 starting figure of the conventional GTI.
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The Clubsport sticks with a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine, but it’s 296bhp output is an increase of 54bhp over the regular GTI. Torque steps up too, to 400Nm (30Nm more than in the regular Mk8 GTI). To avoid too much overlap with the 316bhp Golf R drive is sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox – there is no manual option.
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With the power gains, the Clubsport is able to cover the 0-62mph benchmark in just 5.6 seconds, making this the fastest production Golf GTI ever. official WTLP fuel consumption stands at 37.7mpg with CO2 emissions of 170g/km.
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The performance advances are not all through the engine, though, with significant chassis work and aerodynamic tweaks also improving its effectiveness on road and track. chief among the advances beyond the regular GTI’s chassis and drivetrain are a new electronic differential, plus a Clubsport-specific steering and suspension tune, which introduces a more aggressive front camber for sharper turn-in. The brakes have been upgraded, too; the front discs are larger and lighter, increasing stopping power and reducing unsprung weight at the same time.
