The new Golf GTI Clubsport Mk8.5 develops 296 hp, compared to 262 hp for the standard GTI. With its top speed of 300 km/h thanks to the optional Race pack, it is positioned as the fastest front-wheel drive Golf to date. But the gap with the base GTI is narrowing, and the Clubsport seems to be keeping pace with its rival, the formidable Honda Civic Type R.
A muscular engine, but a diminishing advantage
If VW sacrificed the manual gearbox on the GTI after 2024, fortunately it didn’t send the Clubsport badge to the scrapyard. The supercharged version of the German compact is back for 2025, with a maximum speed of 300 km/h (with the optional Race pack).
But beyond this impressive performance, it is clear that the standard GTI has progressed, while the Clubsport seems to stagnate. Judge instead:
- The new GTI now develops 262 hp (compared to 242 hp previously) and goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 s (compared to 6.2 s)
- The Clubsport retains its 296 hp and 400 Nm of torque, as well as its time of 5.6 s for the exercise from 0 to 100 km/h
- The Civic Type R, with its 326 hp and its 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 s, widens the gap
Options that always pay
Another similarity with the standard GTI, the Clubsport offers 19-inch rims as an option. Queenstown and the sublime 19-inch forged rims, 20% lighter. Buyers will also need to checkout to take advantage of the DCC adaptive dampers.
As standard, the GTI makes do with rims Richmond of 17 inches, while the Clubsport inherits an 18 inch version of these same rims, in order to accommodate its oversized brakes.
Aesthetic details that make the difference
Fortunately, a few stylistic elements help distinguish the Clubsport from the classic GTI:
- A more aggressive front fascia, with colored arrow-shaped inserts
- An imposing two-stage rear wing
- Lacquered black diffusers, instead of matte black
- An optional Akrapovic exhaust (with the Race pack)
- A discreet graphic kit at the base of the doors
Inside, the differences are limited to the fabric ArtVelvet which adorns the sports seats and the door panels, as well as a “Special” driving mode supposed to have been developed on the Nürburgring (but which requires the optional adaptive shock absorbers to give its full potential).
Common improvements welcome
Whichever GTI you choose, you will benefit from real physical controls on the steering wheel (instead of the horrible ultra-sensitive touch buttons of the Mk8), backlit temperature sliders, a large 12.9 inch touch screen with an improved operating system, and a voice assistant powered by ChatGPT on European models.
If the more aggressive look and 296 hp of the Clubsport are a dream, you will have to wait to get behind the wheel of both versions to determine which offers the best compromise. One thing is certain: against the Civic Type R, the VW sports car will have to pull out all the stops to stand out. Unless you prefer to go straight to your Honda dealership? Summary
