New Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport announced

To celebrate the 40th birthday of the Volkswagen Golf GTI, the German brand has announced the faster and more focused Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport.

The Clubsport model has 261bhp – an increase of 45bhp on a standard Golf GTI with the Performance Pack. That means 0-62mph is dealt with in just 5.9 seconds – six tenths faster than the standard GTI and just a tenth shy of the recently revealed SEAT Leon Cupra 290.

The GTI Clubsport’s power output can be increased to 286bhp for a short burst by using the ‘overboost’ function, giving it temporarily the same power as the aforementioned Leon Cupra 290. The boost function is activated “simply by kicking down the accelerator”.

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Also like the Cupra 290, the GTI Clubsport is available with either a regular six-speed manual or six-speed DSG twin-clutch automatic transmission.

Claimed fuel economy reaches 40.9mpg for the manual or 42.1mpg for the DSG-equipped model. Both qualify for an annual road tax bill of £180.

To help it stand out, the Clubsport has a range of unique styling features, including turbine-like 19-inch alloy wheels and black detailing. A slim front splitter is paired with aggressive black sills on the front bumper and a slim black ‘Clubsport’ vinyl along the side skirts.

The rear spoiler, also finished in black, is steeply angled, while two large chrome exhaust tips protrude from the rear bumper. The rear LED light clusters feature a futuristic ‘C’ shape, too.

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Inside, the Clubsport continues to pay homage to its heritage. Its racing bucket seats are partly finished in classy Alcantara material and still feature the GTI’s iconic tartan pattern, while the classic golf ball gearknob is present, too. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is also finished in Alcantara, as well as getting a sporty red strip at the top.

The dashboard layout is still classic Golf – well made and logically laid out. Alongside the sporty touches and power boost, the Clubsport comes with a gloss-black dashboard and luxuries like climate control and satellite navigation.

For more on the Volkswagen range, including all our reviews of the performance Golf range, check out Carbuyer's reviews page.