IF I HAD the money I’d buy…
The fastest and most focused Golf GTI to date. In fact, I’m gonna go ahead and say, hands down the best Golf GTI to date. A car that looks and feels every bit as special as it is to drive. I’d buy a Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport.
Why a Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport?
The Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport was built to mark the GTI’s 40th birthday. It is powered by the the ubiquitous ‘EA888′ 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine which now has a power output of 265hp (35hp up on the regular GTI model and up 20hp on the GTI Performance model) – with a further 25hp on tap for 10 second bursts using the overboost function. This is one seriously quick machine.
It is also seriously competent. This car can handle everything that Irish roads throw at it and feels more agile and involving than the regular GTI.
Apart from the performance aspects, the Clubsport looks very cool. It is racy and slightly menacing but also quite neat and tidy looking too. It is a very easy car to live with when it comes to looks and practicality. You’ll get the whole family in there with the shopping and school bags too. And they’ll all be comfortable in the spacious and well-kitted-out cabin.
What’s special about this particular one?
This 2017 car is finished in Oryx White with black trim stripe between the front and rear wheel arches. It rolls on forged 18-inch alloy wheels that are unique to the car and the cabin features a gorgeous Alcantara-trimmed flat-bottomed steering wheel with red stitching and red 12 o’clock marker. The Alcantara clad seats are embossed with ‘GTI’ and there are some nice piano black and honeycomb touches throughout. There is, of course the classic golf ball style gear knob too.
What does it look like in action?
Check out this video review with drone footage of the GTI Clubsport tackling the Wicklow backroads.
Who else drives one?
Mr Top Gear / Drive Tribe himself, Jeremy Clarkson, put his money where his big gobby mouth is and bought himself a Volkswagen Golf GTI back in 2015. When he bought it he tweeted “I’m very happy with my new car”.
It costs €45,250. What else could you get for the money?
Got your heart set on a hot Golf? You could have some change left over with this 2016 Volkswagen Golf GTD.
… or this 2015 Audi S3 hot hatch.
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