Hardcore Hot Hatch: The VW Golf GTI Clubsport Puts The FUN In Functional….Just Not On This Side Of The Ocean


Hardcore Hot Hatch: The VW Golf GTI Clubsport Puts The FUN In Functional….Just Not On This Side Of The Ocean

(By Tom Lohnes) – Are you in the market for a sub-300 horsepower, track-focused front-wheel-drive hatchback you can’t get here? Me neither but if you’re European and you are, the new VW Golf GTI Clubsport has you covered

With 245 horsepower, four-cylinders, no manual transmission, and a not-great engine note, this Golf has lost no weight over the normal GTI, in fact it has gained 80 pounds due to its beefy tires and Recaro seats. Even with the extra weight, the GTI is very quick for its segment.

It’ll run 0-60 in 5.6 seconds and the quarter mile in 13.8 so the GTI beats the Hyundai Veloster N in both figures. Inside the Clubsport, you’ll find a little stubby shifter in place of what should’ve been there: A manual with a golf ball on the top of it. The “nub” shifter controls the 8-speed DCT that is an option on the normal GTI, but standard on the ClubSport. Also standard on the Golf are a digital gauge cluster, a 11-inch touchscreen, and a giant price tag for its class.

Starting at $40,050, this is a hefty figure for a hot hatchback. Also considering the last-gen ClubSport was a considerable $5,500 less than this one, it’s a little shocking that it costs this much. Should we care though? No, because this thing has no chance of being sold here. Good one, VW.


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One thought on “Hardcore Hot Hatch: The VW Golf GTI Clubsport Puts The FUN In Functional….Just Not On This Side Of The Ocean

  1. Hemrik

    Dont be sad about it not Being availeble in the us. If u see as Many as we do here, you get kind off bored with them. There is so Many vw around here,all either silver or Black. They all look the same and you cant drive faster than 60mph anyways. So no need for envy

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