Update: Local specs and official pricing for Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport

The Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport will be launched in South Africa on 1 July 2016. We will be attending the launch so keep a look out for our upcoming First Drive soon thereafter.

This bespoke model was created to honour the iconic Golf GTI and it does so beautifully. The GTI Clubsport is fitted with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that churns out 195 kW with an overboost function that pushes that output up to a heady 213 kW for short periods of time. The extra boost of power is activated by pushing the throttle right to the floor, engaging the kickdown function. Volkswagen claims it will generate the extra kilowatts for up to 10 seconds. Torque is also slightly increased during this boost phase from 350 Nm to 380 Nm. Zero to 100 kph is dispatched in 5.9 seconds and it will top out at 249 kph. Volkswagen only offer the DSG gearbox in the Clubsport model in conjunction with its electronic differential. The Clubsport is also fitted with its very own launch control system that automatically sets the revs at 3 000 rpm before launching it off the line.

The Clubsport takes the Golf GTI's sport chassis one step further by specifically tuning the dampers and springs for improved handling. The aerodynamics have also been fettled with in order to improve agility, stability and improve grip in corners. As an option, drivers can spec the dynamic chassis control system. The system further enhances the electronics in order to improve the Clubsport's handling and precision in the corners. Other options include theDiscover Pro Radio with satellite navigation system, Light Assist with dynamic high beam control, DynAudio Excite sound system, Keyless Access – keyless locking and engine starting system, panoramic tilt sunroof, Park Distance Control (Rear),19-inchalloy wheels, Clubsport racing bucket seats, Velour/cloth sport seats with GTI logo on backrest and Rear View camera.

In terms of styling, the GTI Clubsport gains sportier front and rear bumpers with new side sills (embossed with the word 'Clubsport'), diffuser andrear spoiler. Other details include a black trim stripe down the side of the car, dark red LED tail lights and chrome-plated exhaust tips.

Golf GTI Prices

The new Golf GTI Clubsport comes standard with a 5-year/90 000km service plan and3-year/120 000km warranty.

Previously…

Volkswagen looks set to introduce a facelifted Golf 7 in Europe this year and will also unveil the production version of the Golf R400 concept.

Before you get too excited, though, Volkswagen South Africa has not yet confirmed thatthese developments will have an impact on the local market in 2016… but has, however, committed to launching the Golf GTI Clubsport, probably around mid-year.

Volkswagen Golf facelift

Exterior changes to the Volkswagen Golf are expected to be relatively minor and you can expect to see revised bumpers and the adoption of more LED technology throughout the car. The biggest changes will occur inside the cabin and it’s here where Volkswagen will, in all likelihood, spruce things up a bit with updated material and colour combinations. The facelifted Golf is expected to feature a fully digital instrument cluster, similar to the Active Info Display system that was introducedin the latest Volkswagen Passat.

Volkswagen’s new MIB infotainment system with a 9.2-inch touchscreen and voice control will provide higher resolution, better graphics and faster processing speeds. Last year, the Wolfsburg-based firm confirmed the facelifted Golf would feature intuitive Gesture Control Technology that enables the driver to operate a variety of onboard functions with basic hand gestures. The technology first featured in the Golf R Touch Concept, which was displayed at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show.

On the engine front, not much is expected to change, at least initially, but Volkswagen has confirmed that it will be replacing the familiar 1.4 TSI engine with a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine featuring cylinder deactivation. A lighter, more fuel efficient 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine will replace the 1.6 TDI in Europe with a rollout expected sometime in 2017.

Volkswagen Golf R420

Based on the current Golf R, the Golf R400 Concept was first shown at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show and Volkswagen is preparing to introduce the Golf R420 production version this year. Engine details for the production version have yet to be confirmed but the Golf R400 Concept was fitted with the same four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine as the Golf R, but with a modified turbocharger and a 6-speed DSG transmission.

Outputs for the concept were no less than 294 kW and 450 Nm of torque. Of course, Volkswagen may also opt to utilise the five-cylinder 2.5-litre turbo engine that powers the Audi RS3 (270 kW and 465 Nm of torque), but we will just have to wait and see.

In terms of performance, the Golf R420 with 4MOTION four-wheel drive will be able to dash from zero to 100 kph in about 3.9 seconds, which is a full second quicker than the Golf R.