This improved GTI Clubsport is the fastest and most focused Golf GTI yet but also, impressively, in some ways, the one that best replicates the agile, effervescent style of the Seventies original. You might not know that from the stat sheet figures. In all the dynamic measures that tend to matter to hot hatch drivers - 0-60 acceleration, top speed, lap times, lateral grip, braking performance and so on - this enthusiast-orientated Golf never really seriously bothers the class best. You might not be immediately arrested by the looks either, or the initial experience on the drive round the block. But persevere. Nearly half a century of experience in creating a car of this kind has to count for something. It does.
Importantly, unlike some of its rivals, Wolfsburg hasn't made the mistake of developing this model only for the track rather than the road, so bumpy British tarmac doesn't bother it. You're always confident in pushing the performance envelope - in a way that few rivals can match. Yet that's possible without the sweaty palms that usually characterise red mist motoring.
And in summary? Well this may not be the raw, slightly crude race-inspired shopping rocket that some enthusiasts might crave, but it's still a very credible evolution of a classic performance model line. And a car the hot hatch cognoscenti will continue to rate highly.

Driver and front passenger airbag with front passenger airbag deactivation

Keyless entry with start/stop button on centre console

Alarm with interior protection and deactivation via infotainment system

Remote electrically heated, adjustable and foldable door mirrors, including door mirror puddle lights and reverse activated kerb-view adjustment on pa

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years

Man Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years

Volkswagen Golf

2.0 TSI 300 GTI Clubsport 5dr DSG