Reviews
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Wolfsburg is a dreary city, even in summer, but in the wake of the Dieselgate scandal it looks bleaker than ever.
That’s all forgotten when you’re behind the wheel of the new Golf GTI Clubsport, however, an oddball alternative for those who prefer two-wheel drive and high-school styling.
The base GTI musters 165kW (0-100km/h in 6.5sec and a 245km/h top speed), the Performance Pack tosses in an extra 7kW (6.4sec and 248km/h), and the 206kW Golf R adds two giant tailpipes and all-wheel drive (5.1sec and 248km/h).
The new GTI’s 2.0-litre petrol four-banger delivers 195kW and 350Nm. Not enough? Stick the selector in Sport and mash the throttle from third to sixth gear for an instant 20kW and 30Nm powershot, putting the Clubsport within range of the Golf R.
That’s the upside. The downside is that the extra grunt lasts just 10 seconds. Another 10 seconds allows the turbocharger to recover, and repeating the process serves another kick in the butt.
This uber-Golf is neither a tweaked Peugeot 205 GTI, a meaner Renault Megane RS nor a fiercer Ford Focus ST. Instead, the Clubsport takes the art of lift-off oversteer to a more skilful, contained level. This car isn’t about overt hooliganism, but it will captivate sporty drivers because it rewards accuracy.
Six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG? If you’re a purist, it’ll likely be the DIY manual ’box, though the clutch-hoof may need some practice. First gear is aggressively short, second and third gears are spot on, and sixth has ‘overdrive’ etched across its cogs. Launch control is entirely foot-operated with the manual, whereas the DSG model has a hoon-assist function which doubles overboost to 20 seconds.
Contributing feel-good factors are the 10 per cent faster steering, 10 per cent higher lateral acceleration, 15mm lower ride height, rebound reducing stiffer rear springs and optional 235/35ZR 19-inch Michelin Pilot Sport Cup semi-slicks. Its strengths lie in its superior aerodynamics, high-speed stability, linear steering and chaste roll/yaw/pitch behaviour.
What are the chances of owning one in the lucky country? Well, supply will be limited, but the GTI Clubsport lands here about mid-year called the ‘GTI 40 Years’ to avoid HSV getting upset. Bank on a $50K price tag.
4.5 OUT OF 5 STARS
SPECS Engine: 1984cc inline-4, DOHC, 16v, turbo Power: 195kW @ 5350-6600rpm Torque: 350Nm @ 1700-5300rpm Weight: 1395kg 0-100km/h: 5.9sec (claimed) Price: N/A Like: Even more pace; best Golf chassis yet; road-racer styling Dislike: Boost bursts are too short; not confirmed for Oz
