So there’s a new Volkswagen GTI Clubsport on the way and, so far, it’s only being offered with a seven-speed DSG. This was inevitable, given that the standard GTI can only be had as an auto, and while the company recently announced the Golf-based Jetta GLI saloon will retain a do-it-yourself cog swapper in the US it’s ruled out bringing the manual back for the hatch. It’s all down to a lack of demand, says VW - although surely with the right car and the right market, the big wigs in Wolfsburg could be goaded into bringing the manual back. Say for, I dunno, a new Clubsport S?
As unlikely as it sounds, there’s a nice gap in the Golf lineup for it to fall into. Interestingly, the new GTI comes with a 20hp uplift while the Clubsport remains level pegged with its predecessor at 300hp. Probably that was done to create a bit of distance between it and the Golf R, which has also been brought up to Mk8.5 spec with a slight power boost up to 333hp, but that in turn leaves a big enough gap for a Clubsport S, doesn’t it? After all, it’s still the fastest and most powerful front-wheel-drive Golf eight years on from its record-setting run around the Nurburgring. Obviously, there’s no sign of one on the horizon, but with the Golf approaching the end of combustion-only status, VW still has time to work on a track-focused treat to mark the occasion.
Mind you, the German car giant would need to work its backside off to match the brilliance of the original, let alone exceed it. To this day, the Mk7 is considered by many to be the best Golf GTI, mixing strong performance with genuine everyday usability. Predictably, a peppier and more aggressive Clubsport arrived in 2016, following in a long line of sportier GTIs launched to celebrate the hot hatch’s birthday. Less predictable was the arrival of the Clubsport S, which dialled the GTI up to a level never seen before.
Though almost identical in looks to the Clubsport, the S had been subjected to the sort of treatment typically reserved for 911 GT3s. Out went the rear seats for a 30kg saving over the Clubsport 40 and you could delete air con too (if you dared). Meanwhile, the suspension was extensively reworked with new a subframe allowing for more negative camber to be added, and the brakes were upgraded with lighter aluminium pistons and pads that could better regulate heat. Couple all of that with a 310hp power bump and Michelin Cup 2 tyres, and it’s little wonder that VW pinched the front-drive Nordschleife record from the Honda Civic Type-R.
Equally as unsurprising is the Clubsport GTI’s effect on hot hatch loves, particularly those with deep pockets. VW built 400 of them and only 150 found their way to Britain, which gives you a decent number to choose from, but they always command a premium. Savvy buyers knew from the start that the Clubsport S would be a hit with collectors, which is why you won’t find many with moon miles and bumpers sand-blasted by track day stone chips.
That said, the two previous owners of this car went to such great lengths to preserve its condition (and resale value) that they only drove it when conditions were dry. Which explains why only 380 miles have been accumulated, making this Clubsport S one of - if not the - best-preserved example in the country. That does come at a considerable price, though the £47,950 sticker isn’t as big a premium over higher mileage cars as you may think. Conversely, if it’s a rear bench and five doors you’re seeking, there’s always this near-identical-looking Clubsport 40 (albeit with an auto box) for less than half the price. Besides, if VW does defy the odds and build another Clubsport S, you can bet it’ll set you back way more than what this delivery-mile car is going for...
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