Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport review

Driving position

The GTI Clubsport is built on the standard Golf's platform, so it couldn’t really go wrong. It’s one of the best family hatchbacks in this class, offering a comfortable seating position and strong all-round visibility.

Key differences between this Golf GTI Clubsport and its more sedate siblings are the supportive sports seats, which add to the car’s dynamic feel without being restrictive, and the thick and grippy steering wheel.

Some drivers have noted that the front seats don’t quite go low enough, but that’s more of a matter of preference for people who want to be in a sports car – it’s still a practical hatchback at the end of the day. There’s also plenty of adjustability and space for taller adults.

Tech and features

We tried the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport Mk8.5 – a mid-life refresh on the eighth generation, which was launched in 2019. The 2024 Mk8.5 model builds on an already strong foundation by introducing a few changes that drivers asked for, which is a really positive sign from VW.

For example, Mk8 models sold from 2019-2024 had touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel, which weren’t the easiest to use on the go.

Thankfully, the Mk8.5 Golf, and its GTI Clubsport variant, have gone back to proper, old-school physical buttons.

Its infotainment system has also had a minor upgrade and refreshed software, so it’s a little slicker to use.

You still get the touch-sensitive sliders underneath the screen for climate control and volume adjustments, which are slightly indented and fairly tactile to use. Climate information is also permanently displayed on the bottom of the touchscreen, so you know exactly where you are.

There’s also a small panel between the air vents with shortcuts to some of the most commonly used areas of the infotainment, so you won’t need to prod around to find certain screens.

VW’s new system also has ChatGPT integration, so you can ask the voice assistant anything from sensible car function-related questions to which version of the GTI is ChatGPT’s favourite.

Engines and power

You get the same 2.0-litre petrol engine in the GTI Clubsport as you do in the regular GTI, but power is up from 265hp to 300hp, which adds a noticeable boost to performance.

For the nerds out there, it’s the EA888 Evo4 engine, but for drivers who just care about performance, it’ll do 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds (0.3 seconds quicker than the GTI).

It’s fitted with VW’s seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which changes so quickly you’ll barely notice it around town or under flat-out acceleration.

As of the Mk8.5 update, and like many of its newer rivals, the GTI Clubsport is automatic-only. A bit of a shame for the purists, but you can still pick up an older, used GTI with three pedals.

Handling and ride comfort

It’s really helpful that the Volkswagen Group owns Bugatti because it has been able to use a less expensive version of the Chiron Pur Sport’s steering setup in the Golf GTI Clubsport. VW is very proud of this, as you can imagine.

Most of us won’t pick up the finer details of what’s new, but after driving the GTI Clubsport Mk8.5, we can confirm that VW’s claims of more precise steering and better response to spontaneous steering commands are true. It’s pinpoint sharp and very befitting of this car’s serious performance nature.

The adaptive dampers also provide a noticeable difference, though we’re not entirely sure VW needed to include 15 different options. Still, you can pick from a pretty firm ride when you’re tackling a twisty B-road, a softer ride that’s better suited to dealing with potholed city roads, or anywhere in between.

Boot space

The VW Golf GTI Clubsport Mk8.5 has a 374-litre boot, which is seven litres less than you get in the standard Golf hatchback.

You probably won’t notice those missing litres and, even though it’s a hot hatch, you still get an industry-standard space that’s on par with many rivals.

Estate versions of the Golf are extremely popular, especially among families, however the GTI and GTI Clubsport are hatchback-only. If boot space is a dealbreaker, consider the Golf R Estate, which is even quicker and has all-wheel drive, or one of this car’s rivals like the Ford Focus ST Estate.

Rear seats

Apart from the sports seats, which do eat into rear legroom more than the standard Golf seats, space in the back is reasonable.

A hump in the middle of the floor takes up a fair bit of space, so you’ll likely only want to carry two adults in the back, but most Golf GTI Clubsport drivers tend not to have a car full anyway.

Storage solutions

Standard interior storage spaces are functional and expected – nothing standout, but there’s a home for most items.

We’re talking two cupholders in the front, a narrow area to collect loose items like coins next to the gear selector, and a wireless phone charging tray.

Rear-seat passengers have the customary centre fold-down armrest and decent-sized door bins, too.

Safety

The regular Golf was awarded a full five-star Euro NCAP safety rating in 2019 and again in 2022, and this extends to the GTI Clubsport model.

Standard equipment includes a driver attention system, semi-autonomous driver assistance with lane assist, traffic jam assist and adaptive cruise control, and a dynamic road sign display.

Fuel economy

VW says the Golf GTI Clubsport will do 37.4mpg, which puts it about 2mpg beneath the more economical GTI and 2mpg above the AWD Golf R.

The reality is, whatever type of driving you’re doing, you’ll probably end up with an average of 30-something miles per gallon, which is really not bad considering this car’s impressive performance.

Reliability

Having celebrated the Golf’s 50th anniversary in 2024, VW really knows what it’s doing. The GTI variant has been around since 1976 too, so it’s not exactly a new formula.

The German brand is already known for building high-quality, durable cars, but the Golf is really the pinnacle of this, and compared with other hot hatches, the Golf GTI (including the Clubsport) is right up there for dependability.

Insurance groups

The Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport sits in insurance groups 29-31. To put that into perspective, the Golf R ranges from 31 to 35, the standard GTI is in groups 28-31, and the non-performance Golf hatchback is between 15 and 27.