Yesterday we brought you news of Golf GTI Clubsport (story below), which we were pretty sure would make it to SA. We’ve since been informed by VW SA that the latest GTI will not be introduced locally. The exact response from their local representative:

We will not get the Golf 8 GTI Clubsport in South Africa as it is only available for the European fuel emission levels.

Early in 2020 VW pulled the wraps off the latest (eighth) generation Golf GTI (which you can read about here). That car was due to be released into the SA market at the tail end of 2020, but we all know that the best-laid plans have all taken a beating in the wake of the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic. VW HQ, however, is still pressing on as it revealed the all-new Golf GTI Clubsport earlier today. Usually, performance halo models appear towards the end of car’s lifecycle, as was the case with the previous generation Clubsport and TCR versions. This time VW plans to capitalise on a longer shelf life with the apex GTI.

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Order online and take advantage of free delivery in South Africa on orders over R349.

EA888 ramped up

Under the bonnet of the VW Golf GTI Clubsport is a new version (dubbed evo4) of the brand’s tried and trusted EA888 powerplant. Peak power of 2,0-litre turbocharged motor is rated at 221 kW (an even 300 PS) along with 400 N.m of maximum torque. Those outputs are somewhat up on the standard GTI’s 180 kW/370 N.m. The Clubsport’s power output places it right up there with segment-leading hot hatches such as the Honda Civic Type R and Renault Megane RS300.

While a standard GTI has two transmission options, a six-speed manual gearbox or an optional seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox (called DSG), the Clubsport is fitted solely with the latter. Power is sent to the front axle through an electromechanical differential lock. From a performance perspective expect a sub-six second 0-100 km/h dash and a top speed limited to 250 km/h.

Read our review of the Hyundai I30N at this link.

The VW Golf GTI Clubsport is no straight-line specialist. Careful attention has been paid to its dynamic repertoire. It has the aforementioned LSD, a new Vehicle Dynamics Manager that integrates control of the electronic differential lock and the lateral dynamics components of the optional adaptive chassis control. The body sits closer to the ground by 10 mm and there is even additional camber on the rear wheels when compared to the standard GTI. If you are reading this close to Germany, then you may be keen to note that the new GTI Clubsport has a new “Nürburgring” profile. This setting adapts the running gear components in the new Golf GTI Clubsport to the famous Green Hell.

Racy looks

To set the Golf GTI Clubsport apart from regular GTIs is has several model-specific touches. These include a front bumper that appears open at the bottom with a unique spoiler, a two-part roof spoiler, a rear diffuser and 18-inch alloy wheels as standard. A pair of oval tailpipes replace the round versions at either corner of the rear bumper. The interior treatment includes premium sport seats, a sports steering wheel with perforated leather grips and paddles for the standard dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) and aluminium-look pedals.