2021 VW Golf GTI Clubsport | UK Review

The problem dealing with these tasked with changing the Mk7 Golf was apparent from the beginning. The automotive had achieved just about all the pieces a Golf might ever be required to do, and achieved it so effectively that it left treasured little room for manoeuvre with a brand new mannequin that will be mechanically very related. This was very true for the efficiency variations: the GTI was probably the most full model it had been in years and the R redefined expectations, not solely of an all-wheel drive Golf, however of all the sector. Oh sure, and in the Clubsport S, VW created one of many decade’s scorching hatch icons. Robust act to observe…

For an assortment of causes already mentioned, the usual GTI hasn’t quite hit the mark thus far. The Clubsport is supposed to repair that. It has extra energy for one factor, achieved partly by changing the Garrett turbo with a Continental one – so it is slightly extra than simply cranking up enhance. That the 300hp and 292lb ft torque drives via shorter DSG ratios is a welcome contact, too. There’s further adverse camber on the entrance axle, in addition to bigger (however lighter) brake discs, a bespoke steering tune, new mounts within the suspension and the choice of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres. VW even means that 98 octane gas goes within the Clubsport (95 is ok for the usual automotive) like a correct tuned-up particular. Maybe that attraction will put on off after the primary few pricier fill-ups, however it all factors to a extra senior Golf GTI.

Crucially, too, the brand new mannequin advantages from the involvement of Benny Leuchter and Carsten Schebsdat, in any other case often called the document breaking driver and lead engineer respectively on the Clubsport S mission. If you wish to make a Golf nice once more, you use these two. On numbers alone, it is recommended that the brand new Clubsport is simply 5 seconds slower across the Nordschleife than the previous S, regardless of much less energy and the weightier five-door shell.

There’s a lot to be inspired by then, and the Clubsport impresses earlier than transferring anyplace. In that pretty delicate and measured VW method, it is a extra good-looking scorching hatch than the common Mk8. The Clubsport sits 10mm decrease, which helps, as do the (optionally available) 19-inch wheels. Observe as effectively the redesigned entrance grille, chunky rear spoiler and new exhausts, now set wider aside. It is a extra assertive, extra enticing Golf GTI from the off – and whenever you’re being requested to half with an extra premium, that clearly counts for lots.

The inside is unchanged, bar the brand new seat materials, so it would not appear price dwelling on – suffice it to say it is nonetheless not probably the most intuitive cabin. Nevertheless, there’s a essential distinction for the Clubsport, as a result of now when ungraciously fondling the mode change, magic occurs. Invisible till Sport is arrived at, the ‘Particular’ mode emerges, with a picture of the Nurburgring on the display screen. Reserved just for these automobiles with DCC dampers, it is the setting used to ship the 7:55 ‘ring lap, with all different parameters – engine, steering, gearbox – set to Sport, however the suspension eased off a tad.

Given how effectively an analogous tactic labored for the previous Clubsport S (albeit even higher disguised within the Particular person default setting), it ought to come as no shock that this Golf works actually slightly effectively on a craggy British B-road with specialness engaged. As a result of there’s new urgency in the best way it modifications course, neatly allied to suppleness and a pervasive sense of composure. The Clubsport feels each centered and accommodating, which is precisely what a contemporary hatch ought to really feel like. It takes only some seconds in Consolation (a bit of slack) or Sport (too abrupt) to understand what a wise compromise Nurburgring is, even a whole bunch of miles away from it.

These entrance axle modifications have conferred some further weight to the steering, which is welcome, with the entire automotive seemingly extra keen to get right into a bend as effectively – the revised rear suspension ensures the Golf remains to be cohesive slightly than overly pointy. The brake pedal has a extra pure really feel, the shorter ratios makes it really feel even quicker (not that the GTI felt gradual) and traction out of slower bends appears to have improved as effectively. Within the regular GTI, the VAQ {hardware} that ably mimics a limited-slip diff is not managed by the Car Dynamics Supervisor, the system that extra effectively organises what the chassis is doing. For the Clubsport, it’s included, which means that its behaviour will be extra precisely matched to the sportier modes. Within the phrases of Schebsdat: “Networking all driving dynamics techniques implies that the brand new Golf GTI Clubsport handles much more neutrally and exactly than the basic Golf GTI”. With out wishing to swallow to a lot of the VW Kool-Support, that does ring true; the Clubsport expertise will not be night time and day completely different, slightly it has been modestly (however tangibly) improved throughout the board. It is a formidably fast automotive in the actual world.

That stated, it isn’t with out its issues. The steering is improved, sure, although there stays treasured little actual sense of connection, which is a disgrace given the Clubsport’s appreciable capacity. Ultimately you belief the chassis’ poise and accuracy, however it’s onerous not be a tad dissatisfied by the shortfall in interplay. That feeling extends to the DSG gearbox: it is a battle to search out any significant fault with its operation, however why it’s made to appear so lifeless through the change lever or cheesy buttons stays a thriller. There’s no arguing with the auto-only logic, however following the lead of a rival like Renault Sport – with chunky, column-mounted paddles – would absolutely work wonders for engagement.

Nonetheless, for these already bought on the Golf GTI method of doing issues, the Clubsport is totally recommendable over the usual model. Clearly £4,000 is a considerable premium, however it feels price each penny, from the sharper look to the extra incisive dealing with. Definitely it is a quicker, leaner, and extra likeable Mk8. However its failure to completely immerse you within the expertise does depart a wrinkle. At instances the Clubsport appears like watching an amazing live performance on Zoom, the place there’s appreciable expertise on present – however you by no means actually really feel a part of what is going on on. And the failure to go that further yard means the quickest Mk8 GTI is merely excellent the place it might need been nice. In fact, that is exactly the identical functionality hole the Clubsport S stuffed final time round. Let’s hope Messrs Leuchter and Schebsdat can someday persuade Volkswagen to allow them to repeat the trick.

Engine: 1,984cc, four-cyl turbo
Transmission: 7-speed DSG auto, front-wheel drive
Energy (hp): 300@N/Arpm
Torque (lb ft): 295@2,000-5,200rpm
0-62mph: 5.6 seconds
High pace: 155mph
Weight: 1,461kg (VW ‘unladen weight’)
MPG: 38.3 (WLTP)
CO2: 167g/km (WLTP)
Value: £37,215 (as customary; worth as examined £42,445 comprised of Dynamic Chassis Management for £785, Uncover Navigation Professional touchscreen navigation infotainment system for £1,600, rear view digital camera for £300, Head up show for £625, curtain airbag system for £335, 19-inch ‘Adelaide’ alloy wheels for £725, Winter pack together with heated steering wheel for £270 and Digital Key for £215)