VW turns up the heat with two new performance Golfs

General Guides  New Launches 

Fancy leasing yourself a hot hatch to blow away the cobwebs left over from 2020? The original, and arguably still the best hot hatch, has just got a little bit hotter so you've timed it perfectly.

The VW Golf is back with two new models that will blow you away, along with the competition. A bit like buses when two come along at once, only not like buses because these two will definitely shift rather more quickly when you plant your right foot on the accelerator pedal.

There are already three performance Golfs to choose from: the GTI, GTD and GTE. Apparently that's not enough for some people. So now you can add the brand new Golf GTI Clubsport and the brand new Golf R to the list.

Golf GTI Clubsport

The Golf GTI Clubsport builds on the standard 240bhp GTI, but boosts the power output of its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine to nearly 300bhp. A 0-62 mph time of just 5.6 seconds makes the Clubsport the fastest-accelerating production Golf GTI in history.

Special features for the new car include a driving mode developed especially for the demands of the Nürburgring circuit in Germany, a large two-part rear spoiler resulting in a reduction in lift over the rear axle, and an exclusive front bumper, offering improved styling and incorporating a new front splitter for greater downforce over the front axle. The rear of the Clubsport is also distinguishable from the GTI, with oval tailpipes, rather than the GTI's circular pipes, which sit further apart either side of an enhanced diffuser.

There's also a clever vehicle dynamics system that works in combination with the electronically controlled front and rear differentials to eliminate the understeer often associated with front-wheel drive cars. You also get bigger brakes and an optional Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive damper system.





In addition to exterior and performance upgrades, the Golf GTI Clubsport also benefits from Clubsport-specific ArtVelours seats alongside the acclaimed Digital Cockpit Pro and Discover Media navigation system, offering greater convenience and style.

If the mouthwatering GTI Clubsport doesn't satisfy your cravings for more Golf power, then what you'll need is the flagship VW Golf R.

Golf R

The VW Golf R offers 315bhp and 420 Nm on tap from the turbocharged 2.0-litre engine gives the Golf R a top speed of 155 mph (which can be increased to 168 mph with the optional R-Performance Pack). A 0 to 62 mph sprint takes just 4.7 seconds making this the fastest-accelerating Volkswagen on sale. Add a 7-speed DSG transmission and 4MOTION all-wheel drive to clever differentials and torque vectoring and you've got incredible agility and a reduction in understeer to go with the phenomenal power under the bonnet.

The Golf R is identifiable by its attractive 18-inch ‘Jerez' alloy wheels, full R body kit, roof spoiler and quad exhaust pipes – a feature that subtly hints at the model's potency compared with other Golf models. A bespoke, heated R steering wheel features, with a new R button which allows the driver direct access to the car's range of drive modes without needing to take their hands away from the wheel. Extended paddle shifters also add to the driver-focused convenience of the model's cockpit.

Sports seats with integrated head restraints feature a ‘Sardegna' design in black-blue cloth, unique to the new R models, while the outer areas are in ArtVelours. The model's brake callipers are finished in the hallmark shade of Volkswagen R blue, and feature the R division's logo , while the car's door mirrors are finished in a matt chrome effect, another identifying feature of the VW Golf R.

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