The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport costs around £3,700 ($5,148 USD) more than the standard GTI in the UK, which is a considerable amount of money. But is it worth it?
CarWow decided to find out by pitting the Golf GTI Clubsport against the standard GTI and the diesel GTD. Although all are FWD Golfs with turbocharged four-cylinder engines, their peculiarities amount to a bigger difference than you might have expected.
Whereas the GTD makes 197 hp (200 PS/147 kW), the GTI delivers 241 hp (245 PS/180 kW) and the GTI Clubsport 296 hp (300 PS/221 kW). That’s quite a bit more power, but it comes at a price.
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The GTI Clubsport costs the most with a starting price of £37,380 ($52,014), while the GTI rings in at £33,675 ($46,858), and the GTD is the least expensive at £32,995 ($45,912).
Along with the extra power, the Golf GTI Clubsport also gets a new front bumper with a new front spoiler. At the back, there’s a two-part roof spoiler and together with the front wing and a rear diffuser, they add meaningful downforce for better handling.
Downforce can lead to a lower top speed, though, because of the drag associated, but that doesn’t appear to be a problem here. In all three races, the Golf GTI Clubsport takes victory easily, proving that yes, in the case of VW’s compact hatch more money will get you more performance.