It’s been 45 years for the reason that Volkswagen Golf GTI debuted again in 1976 so to mark the event Volkswagen has unveiled the Clubsport 45 particular version. Primarily based on the present GTI Clubsport, the brand new restricted version is ready to go on sale within the UK this April with costs ranging from just below £40,000.
The Clubsport 45 options numerous distinctive options together with a gloss black rear spoiler matching the black roof and wing mirrors, ‘45’ version decals alongside both sides and a bespoke set of 19-inch ‘Scottsdale’ wheels in black with a stripe across the rim.
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UK-specification fashions additionally embrace a standard-fit Akropovic exhaust, plus the removing of the digital velocity limiter – Volkswagen hasn’t disclosed its new high velocity, nevertheless 155mph is quoted for the usual automotive. Except for these parts the styling and technical bundle is in step with the usual Clubsport, slipping between the usual GTI and new Golf R.
As such, powering the Clubsport 45 is the 296bhp model of the ‘evo4’ EA888 2-litre four-cylinder engine, paired with a standard-fit seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and mechanical locking differential on the entrance axle. Adaptive dampers are nonetheless not normal on the 45, however are non-obligatory, and from our expertise properly well worth the improve. Efficiency is unchanged from the usual Clubsport, with a quoted sub-6sec 0-62mph time.
Whereas the Clubsport 45 is unlikely to succeed in the heights of the earlier Clubsport S that celebrated the large 40, the Mk8 Golf will nonetheless be in manufacturing when its fiftieth comes round, and given emissions legal guidelines at present being imposed in the direction of the latter half of this decade, has us hoping for one ultimate hurrah for GTI that equates to greater than some stickers and a set of black wheels.
