The seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI is in its best form yet - and it is the German manufacturer's most beautiful and sophisticated hatchback to date. It's easy to throw on some alloys, a hood scoop and a freakishly large rear spoiler on a car and call it sporty - but to do it tastefully is something else. And that's exactly what VW has done to the rather domestic-looking 3/5-door Golf. As standard, the Clubsport gets the otherwise optional bi-Xenon lamps that are underlined by squarish LED day-time running lamps that raise the level of visual sophistication. Besides the dual bonnet creases, all GTIs have character lines on the door profiles that extend from the front wheel arch to the rear. The Clubsport gains further distinction, courtesy of black decals along the side sills with the lettering Clubsport. However, a disclaimer states that 'Decals may, especially when exposed to direct sunlight, show signs of usage and ageing after one to three years or in as little as one year in very hot climate zones'.
The slimmer tail lamps of the GTI are accompanied by dual exhaust pipes of a larger diameter in the Clubsport. It gets a rear diffuser and a two-part roof edge spoiler that extends upward above the roof line. At the sides, the spoiler merges homogeneously into the high-gloss black flaps on the tailgate which adds considerable amount of down force. The car's power is transferred to the road via standard 18-inch wheels wrapped with size 225/40 tyres. The exclusive 'Belvedere' forged wheels are 3kg lighter per wheel than a conventional alloy, which reduces vehicle weight and unsprung masses. You can order the optional 19-inch 'Brescia' alloy wheels with size 225/35 tyres or the road-legal 235/35 R 19 semi-slicks on 8-inch wide 'Pretoria' rims. Overall, the Clubsport has a hunkered down stance, thanks to widened side sills and sports suspension that drops ride height by 15 mm. Like the regular GTI, the Clubsport has retained its Germanic interiors, with a '50 shades of grey' colour scheme and a few splashes of red, which work well.
It's a functional cabin that comprises high quality materials and top class 'fit and finish'. The sports seats upholstered in alcantara and signature tartan fabric called 'Clark' have a red and grey checkered look - true to the original Mk1 GTI. The bolsters keep seating snug, helping to counter lateral g-forces occupants are subjected to, as the car rounds corner at speed, while suiting 6ft frames also. The dashboard is decidedly driver-centric, keeping all controls within reach and line of sight. VW has championed the steering wheel design in the GTI. Its racing heritage shows in the flat-bottom styling; its apt thickness and size makes it a pleasure to steer, exuding a premium quality seen through the red stitching and metal inlays and felt through the alcantara wrapping. There is no need to turn the ignition switch; on the lower centre-console is a starter button that sets off the engine with a light burble.
To take some of the austerity off the interior, there are piano black and satin trims, some of which make it to the GTI-specific instrumentation with a justified 280km/h speedo and red needles. The GTI Clubsport is a 5-seater but the rear cabin is not a lavishly spaced one. From the way a GTI propels forward, unassuming drivers would think it had a V6 planted over the front axle, but it is only a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder with direct injection. The Clubsport gets the regular GTI's lightning-quick 6-speed dual-clutch transmission called DSG, which has an electronic algorithm that shifts ratio without loss of power or efficiency. Alternatively, those who'd like to exercise their right hand can opt for the 6-speed manual with the golf ball shift lever. It's common knowledge that when almost 300 horsepower goes to the front wheels of any car, driving would be a lively affair. The revised shocks and dampers, and the 10 per cent stiffer spring rates and overall increase in downforce, make it decidedly faster around corners than the regular GTI.
But the constant intrusion of traction control due to the lack of grip on the front axle negates some of the fun. Just so you know, this front-wheel drive setup isn't for drifters; such habits go better with the Toyota 86 and Subaru WRX perhaps. The Clubsport also makes for a good daily driver, soaking most humps and bumps on the tarmac. Its variable ratio rack allows for a two-turn lock to lock, making city drives and parking convenient. There is much to revel in its soundtrack too - a raspy burble conveniently interrupted by arousing and intoxicating crackles. Even with the sound of fuel burning and exhaust gases shooting out, the Clubsport is a suitable form of transportation for a green peace activist with a taste for speed. The hot hatch stays frugal with a claimed fuel economy of 6.9L/100 km and an emission rate of 158g/km CO2. The Golf has been synonymous with functionality and its ability to fit five adults in relative comfort is commendable. You get 380 litres of space in the boot - a number that improves with the drop-down of the 60:40 rear seats, allowing the boot to swallow more than a few suitcases.
