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'GTI' - three letters that have come to symbolise potent yet practical performance and are, today, associated with one model above all: the Volkswagen Golf. For half a century the Golf GTI and, in recent times, its more potent sibling, the Golf GTI Clubsport, have been synonymous with dynamic and exhilarating driving characteristics, cleverly combined with one of the most pragmatic yet stylish body styles ever made. As with the generations of cars that went before them, today's new GTI and GTI Clubsport models embody and embellish the hot hatch ethos that has charmed millions of drivers worldwide over the past five decades.
The new GTI and GTI Clubsport use as their foundation the updated eighth-generation Golf, while also sporting new advanced technologies in a capacious five-door body that is carefully updated to further enhance the visual appeal of these assertively styled models. Power in the Golf GTI climbs to 265 PS, while the GTI Clubsport once again has 300 PS at its disposal.
Both front-wheel drive cars feature the latest version of Volkswagen's famed EA888 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged, petrol (TSI) powerplant - the EA888 evo4 - that, in either state of tune, endows them with truly prodigious performance. The new Golf GTI with its 265 PS and 370 Nm of torque is capable of sprinting from rest to 62 mph in only 5.9 seconds, while the latest GTI Clubsport - with a phenomenal 300 PS and 400 Nm of torque at its disposal - bolts to 62 mph from a standing start in only 5.6 seconds. The top speed of both models is electronically limited to 155 mph (where permitted). The addition of the optional GTI Performance Pack increases the top speed to 167 mph (where permitted).
Inside and out, the Golf GTI and GTI Clubsport have been restyled to add both enhanced visual appeal and important functional improvements. GTI upgrades include the arrival of Volkswagen's latest IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights while there is, for the first time on any Golf GTI, an illuminated Volkswagen logo at the front, as well as redesigned LED tail light clusters and striking 18-inch Richmond diamond-turned alloy wheels. The impressive cabin space in both cars includes a revamped infotainment system that is controlled via a visually free-standing 12.9-inch touchscreen or the latest Volkswagen IDA voice assistant with ChatGPT integration. Even more forceful exterior styling characterises the GTI Clubsport, which at the front takes the form of a unique bumper design complete with honeycomb air-intake grille. The GTI Clubsport's rear also features a significantly larger spoiler than its GTI sibling.
Both the Golf GTI and GTI Clubsport are offered with a seven-speed automatic direct-shift gearbox (DSG) with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts as standard. Prices at launch (October 2024) begin at £39,400 (RRP OTR) for the Golf GTI five-door hatch and £42,155 (RRP OTR) for the Golf GTI Clubsport five-door hatch.
The front
The stylish exteriors of new Golf GTI and Golf GTI Clubsport differ from each other thanks to unique front bumper and roof spoiler designs. In the UK, both models are now equipped as standard with IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights with automatic headlight control, poor weather light and entry lighting.
Their design has been made more striking, as the headlight housings now merge visually with the radiator grille. A horizontal LED strip in the radiator grille sits beneath a true GTI trademark: a red styling line characteristic of the Golf GTI since the red radiator grille surround of the first Golf GTI from 1976. The Volkswagen logo at the front is also illuminated.
Below the headlights, the Golf GTI and GTI Clubsport each have their own look. The 265 PS GTI is characterised by painted air deflectors (wings) in the outer area of the bumper, while also painted in the vehicle colour is the front spoiler between these wings, which is designed as a splitter. In the matt black outer area of the honeycomb radiator grille, the Golf GTI has x-shaped front fog lights left and right. These comprise five LEDs in the honeycomb design characteristic of GTI models. The entire air intake, including wings and front splitter, is surrounded by a matt black border. The GTI Clubsport differs in that it has larger wings, shaped as 'arrows' pointing to the centre of the grille. The front spoiler, radiator grille in the bumper and surrounding applications are finished in high-gloss black.
The silhouette
Side on, the new models are recognised by three individual red-on-chrome letters - 'GTI' - positioned close to the A-pillars. In the UK, the GTI and GTI Clubsport are equipped as standard with 18-inch diamond-turned Richmond alloy wheels. Both models offer the option of 19-inch wheels, with the new Queenstown alloy standing out in particular thanks to its five-oval design. This evokes the classic Detroit wheel, first introduced on the fifth-generation Golf GTI. The Golf GTI Clubsport can also be configured with the new 19-inch Warmenau forged wheel. With a weight of only eight kilogrammes per rim, the forged wheels are about 20 per cent lighter than comparable alloy wheels - thereby reducing the unsprung mass. Between the wheels of both models are black side sill extensions: finished in matt black on the Golf GTI and high-gloss black on the Golf GTI Clubsport. The Clubsport also boasts wrap applications above the side sills.
The rear
At the rear, the newly developed LED taillight clusters are common to both GTI versions. In conjunction with the IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights, new 3D LED rear light clusters with a dynamic indicating function are also optionally available. Their 'welcome' and 'goodbye' scenarios can be customised using the vehicle settings, accessed via the new infotainment system. The GTI boasts a full roof spoiler with the top painted in the vehicle colour and a black underside. Meanwhile the GTI Clubsport has a significantly larger, high-gloss black spoiler that has a gap to the roof allowing air to flow through it. The downforce values of both spoilers have been tailored to the respective performance levels of the two GTI models.
The exhaust's trademark twin tailpipes are a distinctive feature for both the new GTI and GTI Clubsport, with a single tailpipe located either side of the rear diffuser. An Akrapovi sports exhaust is available for the Golf GTI Clubsport as part of an optional Performance package.
Interior design: sporting intent meets next-generation infotainment
Inside, the Golf GTI features premium sport seats with integrated head restraints and a check pattern characteristic of the model, with red stitching in the grey-black checks. Red decorative stitching on the seats, centre armrest, floor mats and multi-function steering wheel emphasise the sporting intent. The sports steering wheel of both GTI versions is finished in perforated leather at the nine and three o'clock positions, while the six o'clock spot is customised by GTI lettering and red accents. Steering wheel paddles allow for manual interventions in the otherwise automatic gear changes of the seven-speed direct-shift gearbox (DSG).
The background lighting on board, including the displays and all other illuminated interior areas such as the dash panel, door trims, mobile phone interface and footwell, is configurable in any one of 30 possible colours. An exclusive GTI feature is the function of the standard engine/start/stop button: after the doors are opened, it pulses red until the turbocharged engine is started. Also standard are pedal caps in brushed stainless steel, and a black headliner. The interior of the Golf GTI Clubsport differs from the 265 PS GTI in that it has premium sports seats in ArtVelours as standard; the door inserts are also finished in this elegant yet robust material. A leather package and seat air conditioning (heating and ventilation) is an option for both Golf GTI models.
These overtly sporting touches inside sit alongside an entirely new generation of infotainment system that is a feature of all new Golf models. Both the hardware and software here are completely new. The new set-up is based on the fourth-generation modular infotainment system (MIB4). Operation has been significantly improved and simplified compared with previous versions, thanks to new and improved graphics and a new menu structure for the touch display.
Potent power for GTI and GTI Clubsport
The very latest evolution of the EA888 turbocharged engine sits in the Golf GTI and Golf GTI Clubsport: the evo4 generation. The EA888 evo4 is a four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with direct injection (TSI). The latest iteration of this iconic engine now boasts state-of-the-art fuel injectors, which inject the petrol-air mixture into the combustion chambers at a pressure of 350 bar. In the GTI, the engine is tuned to 265 PS and offers up to 370 Nm of torque. While the same physical unit also sits in the GTI Clubsport, altered engine control and boost pressure parameters increase the output to 300 PS, with up to 400 Nm of torque available.
Both new GTI versions are coupled to an extremely fast-shifting seven-speed direct-shift gearbox (DSG) with gearing perfectly matched to each car's acceleration characteristics. The new Golf GTI covers the 0-62 mph dash in 5.9 seconds; the latest Golf GTI Clubsport in just 5.6 seconds. The maximum speed of both models is electronically limited to 155 mph (where permitted).
Motorsport levels of dynamic performance
A MacPherson front axle and a four-link rear axle form the basic layout of each car's running gear. Both models offer individual ESC control, too, allowing the driver to adapt system interventions should the car be used for track day activities. Naturally, braking is commensurate with performance: the 265 PS GTI is equipped with a 17-inch brake system while the 300 PS GTI Clubsport boasts 18-inch brakes.
Among the main features of the new running gear are progressive steering, the Vehicle Dynamics Manager, a front-axle differential lock and the optional Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC) system. All four have been developed and adapted specifically to the respective GTI model.
Progressive steering
While conventional steering systems operate a fixed ratio, the steering in both GTI models uses a progressive ratio. This noticeably reduces steering effort when manoeuvring and parking. On winding country roads and when cornering, on the other hand, the more direct configuration of the progressive steering enables a noticeable increase in dynamic response.
Progressive steering is differentiated from the basic fixed ratio set-up by a variable steering rack and pinion gearing, as well as a more powerful electric motor. Significant work has been carried out to tune each car's system, with the development team including chassis engineer Sven Bohnhorst - previously a senior test driver at Bugatti. Using his experience, it has been possible to transfer some particularly positive characteristics of the driver-focused Bugatti Pur Sport steering set-up to these new cars. The starting point was the introduction of new steering software, which meets the statutory UNECE cyber security requirements. In developing this new software, Volkswagen also took the opportunity to comprehensively refine the steering properties, with noticeably improved linearity, precision and spontaneous response to steering commands.
Front-axle differential lock
The Golf GTI and Golf GTI Clubsport both feature an electronically controlled front-axle differential lock as standard. Measured against fully mechanical differential locks, the system offers a selection of important benefits including a variable locking level depending on the ESC (electronic stability control) and XDS+ (electronic differential lock) functions. Thanks to a multi-plate clutch, the differential lock optimises grip and handling in fast corners to deliver both enhanced performance and driving pleasure. In the GTI Clubsport, performance-oriented control of the lock is implemented via the Vehicle Dynamics Manager, which has also been adapted for the 265 PS GTI.
Vehicle Dynamics Manager
The control centre of the new performance Golfs' running gear is the modular Vehicle Dynamics Manager, which coordinates the operation of the front-axle differential lock, the electronic differential locks (XDS+), and the lateral dynamics components of the optionally available electronically controlled DCC shock absorbers.
With an especially performance-oriented set-up, the front-axle differential lock can be used even more specifically to influence steering response, linearity and high-speed performance. The function modules for driving condition monitoring and friction coefficient estimation have also been revamped to enable more sensitive control.
Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC)
The optional Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC) continuously reacts to the road surface and driving situation while also taking into account steering, braking and acceleration. In the Golf GTI and Golf GTI Clubsport, the lateral dynamics components of the DCC running gear are optimised by the Vehicle Dynamics Manager. DCC sees the required damping calculated for each wheel and adjusted at the four shock absorbers within fractions of a second, maximising comfort and dynamic handling. Reworked for this generation of GTI, the system is now focused even more clearly on a spontaneous vehicle response to steering commands, delivering even greater agility.
Driving profiles
Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual driving profiles are available in both the Golf GTI and Golf GTI Clubsport. The GTI Clubsport is also equipped with a Special mode as an additional map of the Sport driving profile and, when DCC is specified, the car's running gear is also included in driving profile control.
Comfort mode offers a high level of refinement for day-to-day driving, while still providing good steering precision. In the Sport profile, the DCC running gear is firmer and the roll tendency of the body is reduced, while improved traction and lower understeer during acceleration are noticeable, too.
With the Individual profile, drivers can precisely adjust and save their own set-up using a digital slider. Below Comfort level, the body is decoupled as much as possible for maximum smoothness and precision; above Sport, the tuning is more dynamic and very direct. In the Special profile of the Golf GTI Clubsport, systems relevant to driving dynamics are matched to the specific track characteristics of the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Here, the GTI Clubsport boasts a special vertical set-up of the Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC) and a modified lateral dynamics set-up of the Vehicle Dynamics Manager.
