VW GTI Clubsport returns to mark Golf’s 50th anniversary

It also boasts a new software package that VW says helps to improve both response and linearity As with the previous Clubsport, the latest version sits lower than the standard GTI and has increased front camber, a tweaked rear axle and a more aggressive electronic diff on the front axle.

The hardcore hot hatch is marked out by a host of exterior styling changes, including a uniquely styled front bumper and chunky boot-mounted spoiler at the rear, both of which are decorated with new back elements.

As with the recently facelifted standard car, the Clubsport also adopts an illuminated Volkswagen badge to go with its reshaped headlights, which feature signature red graphics and come optionally equipped with Volkswagen’s IQ Light LED matrix technology.

There are also red GTI badges on the edge of the front doors, along with traditional black Golf GTI Clubsport graphics appearing lower down and a contrasting black roof.

At the back, the Clubsport sports revised 3D-effect taillights and a reworked diffuser with black detailing, plus twin pipes that can be upgraded to an Akrapovic sports exhaust as part of the Race package.

Volkswagen has also extended the choice of wheels for the top-of-the-line GTI: alongside the standard 1-in Richmond design, there are now optional 19in Queenstown and Warmenau wheels, the latter being made from forged aluminium and said to weigh just 8kg each.

Inside, the Clubsport features premium sports seats trimmed in ArtVelour microfibre as standard but optionally available in leather. The cabin can be further differentiated with optional carbonfibre trim details.

The new model also receives the latest Golf’s revised dashboard, which hosts a new 12.9in touchscreen infotainment display and a 10.2in digital instrument display running on the latest version of VW’s MIB operating system.

MIB was first introduced on the electric-powered ID.7 saloon, and the fourth generation system brings altered menu structures, faster processing speeds and higher resolution graphics.

It also adds Volkswagen’s new IDA voice assistant, powered by ChatGPT, to control functions such as the infotainment, sat-nav and air conditioning via a more ‘conversational’ style of voice commands than before.