Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport with aggressive aero package costs from £41k

• Top-spec Golf GTI model with 296bhp
• New aerodynamic styling tweaks
• Latest interior tech

Following a camouflaged preview earlier this year, the covers have at last been removed from the facelifted Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport. As the hottest front-wheel drive Golf that Volkswagen sells, the GTI Clubsport gets more power and a more aggressive styling package than the regular GTI, which itself received a facelift at the start of 2024. Its arrival coincides with the Golf’s 50th birthday, and Volkswagen has further announced it’s available to order from Thursday 8th August, costing from £41,655.

What do I need to know about the new Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport?

For this mid-life refresh, Volkswagen has decided not to tinker with the Clubsport’s mechanicals, instead focusing on carrying over the interior and tech upgrades from the latest Golf. As a result, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine produces an identical 296bhp to the outgoing model and drives the front wheels through a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox. That power finds its way to the tarmac by way of an electronic limited-slip differential on the front axle. It’s the same unit found under the outgoing Clubsport, but Volkswagen says it’s been “further refined” for this update, along with the chassis hardware and software.

The visual changes are more apparent. The Clubsport’s front bumper takes on a more aggressive appearance, with a pair of small upturned fins, and you’ll spot a set of IQ.Light LED Matrix headlights (with a range of 500 metres) and illuminated Volkswagen logo. Gloss black paint is used for several exterior elements, while the rear spoiler has swelled in size and the look is completed by a set of 18-inch ‘Richmond’ alloy wheels. Tick the box for the optional race package, and you’ll get a rorty Akrapovic exhaust beneath the redesigned bumper and tail-lights.

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As expected, the new interior tech from the regular Golf has found its way into the GTI Clubsport. You get a large 12.9-inch touchscreen for infotainment, with backlit capacitive touch sliders for controlling cabin temperature and volume. As before, you get a digital instrument cluster fitted as standard, but there are now improved voice commands with Chat GPT AI integration. The Clubsport differs from the regular Golf GTI with its premium sports seats, which are trimmed in a velour material. Leather upholstery is optional, as is carbon fibre trim. Other standard kit for UK cars includes heated front seats, triple-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control.

How much does the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport cost and when can I buy one?

UK pricing for the Golf GTI Clubsport was announced just a few weeks after it made its debut at the Nurburgring in Germany, priced from £41,655. Keen buyers will be able to place an order from Thursday 8th August to get on the list for a new Clubsport.

Read our list of the best hot hatchbacks to check out the Golf GTI’s competition