Volkswagen has revealed the next variant of the Golf 8 and it’s a step up from the GTI called the Clubsport. This fits Volkswagen on top of the performance hot hatch market where it recently fell behind with Hyundai announcing their i30 N and BMW’s 128ti. Along with reclaiming the crown, Volkswagen has given the Golf 8 GTI Clubsport an upgraded design and more mechanical upgrades to boot.
New sporty looks on the Golf 8 GTI Clubsport.
The grill and its aggressive surrounds are now finished in matte-grain black that flows into the flared out black side skirts. Just above them, black striping is applied to the bottom of the front doors. They follow on from the 18-inch, or optional 19-inch, alloy wheels.
At the back, Volkswagen has changed the standard round exhaust ends for oval ones that new sit in wider positions above the more elaborate diffuser. There is also no missing the gloss black tail spoiler that completes the sporty look.
Subtle additions to the cabin.
The cabin is left mostly the same from the original Golf 8 GTI, but the Clubsport does add some extra details. You need to be reminded that you are sitting in the superior version after all. This is done with additional perforated leather matched with red piping and decorative stitching. This interior really didn’t need any changes but Volkswagen managed to take a subtle step up that really compliments the look.
This is why the GTI Clubsport is now on top with new peak performance figures.
As a reminder, the Golf 8 GTI runs on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. With mechanical and handling upgrades, the GTI Clubsport now produces 41 kW and 30 Nm more pushing its peak output to 221 kW and 400 Nm. This was done with the addition of a new turbocharged and enlarged intercooler. The seven-speed dual-clutch (DSG) automatic transmission has shorter gear ratios too allowing the sprint from zero to 100 km/h to be 0.3 seconds quicker with Volkswagen saying less than six seconds. A manual gearbox is optional.
While the top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, there are additional upgrades to make the driving experience more fun. These include an electromechanical limited-slip differential, new axle kinematics with increased camber at the front, a new control arm and wheel mounts, a revised spring configuration, damper bearings and hydraulics on its rear axel.
