New MK8 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport debuts at the Nurburgring

Ahead of the 2024 Nurburgring 24 Hour race, Volkswagen have unveiled the most powerful Golf GTI ever. Ken Pearson has the low-down on the hardcore FWD hot hatch.

The Clubsport is back! After a brief hiatus, the name returns to the facelifted Mk8 Golf range with a suite of tweaks that make it the most focussed and most powerful GTI ever. While there are some very interesting styling changes to devour, the key changes are beneath the skin.

Beginning with the engine, the familiar EA888 2.0 litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine now makes 296 bhp, up from 261 in the regular model. Peak torque rises from 272 lb ft (370 nm) to 295 lb ft (400 nm) which helps to cut the 0 – 62 mph time to 5.6 seconds – very impressive for a front-wheel drive car. For those hoping that the return of the Clubsport name would bring back a manual option, prepare to be disappointed: the new 2024 model exclusively uses a 7-speed twin-clutch automatic gearbox.

An electronic differential lock is standard equipment and has a multi-plate clutch built into it, allowing for excellent grip and traction levels when cornering quickly. Volkswagen say that the e-diff “eliminates the traction disadvantages of front-wheel drive vehicles” which could mean that torque steer or spinning wheels in hairpin bends is nothing to worry about in the new model.

A performance-focussed passive suspension setup comes as standard with MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear, but optionally available is the Dynamic Chassis Control adaptive suspension that continually adjusts itself based on what it detects about the road surface and how the car is being driven. Driving modes influence this too, with Eco, Comfort, Sport and a customisable Individual mode available. Exclusively available for the Clubsport is the Special driving mode and I’m not making that name up.

This was developed at the car’s birthplace – the Nurburgring – and blends the Sport mode steering and powertrain response with a revised suspension setup that compensates for the constant elevation and camber changes of the Nordschleife. Perhaps it should be called B-Road mode for the UK market…

In true Clubsport style, the styling has been altered to set it apart from a regular GTI; a reprofiled front end sees two hook-shaped bumper inserts turning their way into the grille. The splitter is painted black and appears invisible at first glance. The 5-piece fog lights of the standard model are removed and I say that’s a good thing, but more importantly the red strip that flanks the central – and optionally illuminated – Volkswagen logo remains, along with GTI badging on the nose.

A thick black trim strip runs from edge to edge of the humongous grille, appearing to separate the bumper hooks from the rest of the bodywork; this goes from vertical to horizontal ahead of the front wheelarch, and appears to continue on the other side of the wheel thanks to a black and white graphic that runs along the front doors.

Black trim elements can also be found on the enlarged rear wing, window surrounds, the rear bumper, diffuser and on the roof, which can make the car look like it has a sunroof fitted; Volkswagen are yet to confirm if that will be an option for the Clubsport in the UK. What I am expecting to be selectable is the optional Race Package that increases the top speed from 155 mph to 166 and adds an Akrapovic exhaust system. This option should be extremely popular on our shores.

Two wheel designs are available for the new 2024 Golf GTI Clubsport with the standard 19” Queenstown wheels said to be reminiscent of the Detroit alloys that were synonymous with the MK V Golf GTI. Squint and you’ll see it, but they look like they belong on a car with a cloverleaf badge to me. Optionally available will be the Warmenau forged wheels that weigh just 8 kilos each.

The tweaks continue inside with an updated infotainment system that promises to be more user friendly than the one the Mk8 launched with. Proper shortcut buttons return to the steering wheel and the customisable 10.2” driver’s display has three preset views available, with additional car data like torque and boost viewable in real time. The front seats are two-piece buckets with red contrast stitching and GTI lettering stitched into the backrests; the flat-bottomed steering wheel follows suit with red accents and a GTI badge below the airbag. 30-colour ambient lighting is available and naturally, all the launch images show this in red to keep the theme going. Even the engine start button is backlit and will gently flash red until pressed…I’m expecting to learn that the lights for the vanity mirrors and glovebox glow red too.

Lighting aside, the cabin has a functional side underneath all those flashes of red; there is room for five occupants, ISOFIX child seat anchors and a 381 litre boot. Even in a more spritely guise, the Golf GTI Clubsport is still built for everyday use as well as track day use.

The new Mk8 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport is the most powerful, focussed and fastest Golf available at the moment and owing to the UK market’s preference for top of the range performance models, I’d expect it to be an instant hit over here. The power and torque boost, optional DCC with a Nurburgring-optimised drive setting and standard electronic differential look to be all the right ingredients for a brilliant hot hatch.

The regular and Clubsport versions of the Mk8.5 Golf GTI are due to go on sale soon and we can expect these to be on our roads in the second half of 2024…just in time for the new Golf R to be unveiled.

Author

Ken Pearson

Deputy Editor

Photography by:

VW Media

Published on:

1 June 2024

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Revised 2025 Volkswagen Golf R MK8.5 unveiled

VW is aiming to re-establish the Golf R as the benchmark family super hatch. Will the revisions to the 2025 MK8.5 model sharpen up the oft criticised fun factor? And will the updated infotainment make the Golf easier to live with?

Completing the high-performance Golf offering, the new Volkswagen Golf R returns to its perch at the top of the model range. The reworked hatch and estate have been through a raft of updates above and below the skin, with the headline tweaks being found under the bonnet.

2025 Volkswagen Golf R: Performance, Powertrain and Handling Improvements

The 2024 Mk 8.5 facelift continues to use the powertrain that has set the template for the modern hot hatch: a 2.0 litre engine driving all four wheels through a twin-clutch automatic transmission. Never to be left behind, the well known EA888 engine has received a 14 bhp increase, with outputs now at 328 bhp and 310 lb ft (420 Nm), matching the recently revised Audi S3 and outperforming the new BMW M135.

The long serving engine gains a new coolant regulator which allows for reduced warm-up times, and benefits from a reworked throttle map and updated wastegate that holds on to boost pressure for longer after you’ve lifted off. The resting boost pressure has also been raised, which will mean quicker responses at low revs and under gentle loads. The result of these changes isn’t quite an anti-lag system, but it will make the car easier to drive when traffic is heavy and quicker to respond when you’ve got the road all to yourself.

Acceleration has been improved too, with the hatch taking 4.6 seconds to reach 62 mph, and the estate needing an extra 0.2 seconds. Both cars have a limited top speed of 155 mph as standard, although this can be raised to 168 mph with the optional R-Performance package. The option includes a GPS lap timer and G-force metre, along with an extra pair of driving modes: Drift and Special. Drift mode does what it says on the tin, allowing for the famously planted hot hatch to break traction, while Special mode is a setup tuned for the mixture of elevation changes and cambers found on the Nurburgring, which sounds like it’d be perfect for a British B-road.

The standard passive suspension setup features MacPherson struts at the front with a four-link rear axle. DCC adaptive suspension is available once more, but now it works in conjunction with a new Vehicle Dynamics Manager system that can continuously vary the damping, brake-based torque vectoring, and electronic differential lock in line with the selected driving mode. Volkswagen says that understeer should be a thing of the past, and that the car will be able to find a good middle ground between being comfortable and engaging in everyday use, but quick to react and able to stay well composed when pressing on. Changing from sensible to swift driving modes can be done quickly with a dedicated button on the steering wheel marked with a blue R.

2025 Volkswagen Golf R: Styling Tweaks and Infotainment Upgrades

Those are the key changes to the chassis and drivetrain, but no facelift would be complete without some styling tweaks. The Mk 8.5 Golf R certainly looks purposeful with its large, almost full-width open grille dominating the front end. Would I call it particularly pretty though? No. That said, it is nice to see a fully functional grille, with radiators visible at either side of the bumper. The upturned body coloured trim returns, but moves towards the centre of the grille, giving a clear visual separation from the GTI and GTI Clubsport models. At the rear, four exhaust tips flank the four-strake diffuser. The standard exhaust system contains controllable flaps to increase or decrease the amount of noise on offer, however I expect the optional Akrapovic titanium exhaust to be incredibly popular in the UK.

Both the hatch and estate get a subtle tailgate-mounted spoiler as standard, but this can be enlarged to a higher-standing wraparound wing as part of the R-Performance package. I’m still not the biggest fan of wings on hatchbacks, but the one on offer for the Golf R looks like it was actually designed to be there. The new Golf R wears 18” wheels as standard, with two flavours of 19” rims available as options. The Estoril 5-Y-spoke wheels can be selected, along with Vermenau forged wheels that double the spoke-count and look great in the standard silver/grey finish, but they are also available in black.

It may take a keen eye to spot the final R-specific touches of the R badges on the front doors and wheel hubs, blue brake callipers, modified side skirts and mirror caps, but the new rear light design and standard-fit illuminated badge on the nose will be impossible to miss.

The updated infotainment that has been moving across the Volkswagen range is something of a known quantity now, so it’s the details of the cabin – aside from the enlarged 12.9” central display with updated hardware, new software and illuminated trackpads as opposed to physical buttons for controlling the volume and air conditioning at the base of the screen – that I’m interested in here. Performance Golfs all get checked fabrics in designs that I would happily see on trousers in my wardrobe and the new Golf R is no different.

The blue colour seen on the brake callipers is the hue of choice for the trim, upholstery, stitching and ambient lighting, as opposed to the red-fest found in the GTI Clubsport. The two-piece seats are clad in a mixture of grey suede, checked fabric and black velour in addition to the R logo, contrasting strips and piping in blue, of course.

The flat-bottomed steering wheel looks like a wonderful item to hold, especially with the huge gearshift paddles attached to them; when the transmission is locked into its manual mode, kickdown and automatic change-ups are deactivated, putting the task of nailing the perfect shift squarely on the driver. Behind the wheel is a 10.2” driver’s display that has R-specific digital dials.

With the Performance package equipped, more display styles including a horizontal rev counter and gearshift recommendations can appear on screen, along with a timer that can record 0-62 mph, 50-75 mph and standing quarter mile times. We know what the 0-62 mph times are for the new Golf R, but to find out the other stats, we’ll have to get ourselves behind the wheel!

2025 Volkswagen Golf R: Estate, Pricing and Deliveries

Naturally, a huge part of the Golf R’s appeal in hatch or estate form is the practicality on offer. The pair of five-door models have room for five people, ISOFIX points for child seats available and enough room for a large greyhound to fit in the boot of the hatch, so I’m told. Naturally, the estate has room for two greyhounds, with a maximum capacity of 1,642 litres with the rear seats folded. For the first time, the hatchback is available with a tow bar and both models can pull up to 1,900 kg braked, if you’d like the quickest B-road tow car available.

The new 2024 Volkswagen Golf R is on sale, with prices starting at £44,535 for the hatchback. An extra £1,250 for the Black Edition turns the Golf R into the average UK-spec with black trim, 19″ wheels, brake callipers, badges and exhaust pipes. The estate is priced from £45,970.

Over 250,000 Golfs carrying the R-badge have been sold since the original R32 of 2002, and Volkswagen will be hoping that the Mk 8.5 can return the model to the benchmark position that the Mk 7 and 7.5 enjoyed.

With strong competition from Audi, BMW, CUPRA and Mercedes-AMG I think it has a tough task on its hands, but the driver-focussed tweaks to the facelifted Golf R may give it an edge.

Key stats: 2025 Volkswagen Golf R

Engine: EA888 2.0 litre turbocharged in-line 4

Drivetrain: front-engine, all-wheel drive

Transmission: 7-speed DSG twin-clutch auto

Power: 328 bhp at 5,600 – 6,500 rpm

Torque: 310 lb ft (420 Nm) at 2,100 – 5,500 rpm

Hatch 0 – 62 mph: 4.6 seconds

Estate 0 – 62 mph: 4.8 seconds

Top speed: 155 mph (168 mph with Performance package) – limited

On sale: now

Author

Ken Pearson

Deputy Editor

Photography by:

Volkswagen Media

Published on:

26 June 2024

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BMW M2 Update; Has the Ugly Duckling Become a Swan?

BMW’s model update offensive continues with the 2024 M2 Coupé. 473 bhp, quicker acceleration and suspension updates mean the divisive model may finally be coming of age, according to Craig Toone.

BMW M cars seem to be regenerating at a rate that would make Dr. Who blush these days, with the recent updates to the M3 Competition and M4 earlier this year. Now it’s time for the M2 to go through the LCI mixer, benefitting from a minor hike in power to 473 bhp (up from 454), new alloys wheels, a significantly expanded colour options list, and perhaps most importantly to us, the M Division is promising an “improved suspension technology” and greater throttle response. The changes come as part of an entire 2-series range update.

Whilst it doesn’t feel like five minutes have passed since the G87 was introduced, the changes are nevertheless welcome. BMW says there are new exterior design elements but even with my M-anorak status I cannot spot the difference. Whatever the changes are, they’ve worked. We’ve been outspoken critics of the M2’s design language, however it’s amazing what a set of silver alloys and a new hue can do for one’s perspective. Is this the M2’s teen movie moment where the geek takes off their glasses, lets down their hair and then everyone realises they’re actually rather hot? Perhaps I’m getting ahead of myself and I need to go look at some pictures of a 1M or previous-gen M2, but suddenly I’m finding the G87 no longer burns my retinas.

The new colour roster includes three solid, five metallic shades and six BMW Individual paint finishes. Sao Paulo Yellow, Fire Red, Portimao Blue and Skyscraper Grey. The Individual options offer a more striking palette, including Java Green, Voodoo Blue, Grigio Telesto and Twilight Purple. Overall, there are fourteen paint finishes to choose from where previously there were only four; Brooklyn Grey, Toronto Red, Black Sapphire and Zandvoort Blue – which are expected to continue. Speaking of Zandvoort Blue, this will now be available on the junior M240i Xdrive, which has also been revised. But more of that in a moment.

The silver alloys in a staggered 19-inch front and 20-inch rear format are an optional extra, with the original jet black variants remaining standard fit. Another option is to specify your alloy wheels wrapped in track-focussed rubber – providing you’ve also specified the M Race Track package for an additional £9,500.

Inside, there’s a new ‘Dark Graphite’ finish to the trim, the door cards now feature M tricolour flashes and the new flat bottomed M steering wheel joins the party. Like the M3 and M4, an alcantara finish to the wheel is available on the options list. The notoriously difficult to get into but supremely comfortable once in M Carbon bucket seats from the M3/M4 are now also listed as an individual option, trimmed in Merino leather. BMW’s Operating System 8.5 has also been introduced, including an ‘Augmented View’ in the head-up display.

BMW is remaining tight-lipped about what the “improved suspension technology” refers to, but given the press releases for the big brother M’s contained no such information, this is intriguing. It could be as simple as a recalibration of the DSC system to adapt to the additional power, or the changes could be more far-reaching to include revisions to the adaptive dampers and steering geometry. Time will tell.

Something else which is telling is the difference in torque outputs depending upon the transmission specified. Paying an additional £1,235 manual will see torque pegged to the 406 lb ft (550 Nm) of the outgoing model. However, with the standard eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, the figure rises to 443 lb ft (600 Nm). Both cars develop maximum twist between 2,650 and 6,130 rpm, and both benefit from the additional 20 bhp hike, now developed at 6,250 rpm. The redline of the twin-turbocharged S58 straight six remains at 7,200 rpm.

The increased output is enough to shave 0.1 seconds off the 0-62 mph sprint off both the manual and automatic variants (4.0s auto, 4.2s manual). More telling is the improvement in the 0 to 124 mph times, cut by 0.6 seconds with the M Steptronic posting a 12.9 second run, with the manual clocking 13.7 seconds.

As before, the top speed of the M2 is limited to 155 mph, however this can be upped to 177 mph via the optional M Driver’s Package. An M-specific exhaust system with electrically controlled flaps is fitted as standard.

When it comes to the rest of the 2-series coupe range, the excellent M240i Xdrive remains endowed with 374 bhp courtesy of its B58 turbocharged straight six, which transfers power to the road via an eight speed paddle shift auto and adaptable four-wheel-drive. The junior M2 will remain the only six cylinder 2-series coupe and is capable of 0 to 62 mph in 4.3 seconds.

The petrol engine 220i and 230i make up the rest of the range, powered by the B48 turbocharged four pot. The rear-wheel-drive duo offer 184 bhp in 220i guise and 245 bhp in the 230i, also equipped with the 8-sp automatic transmission. Fitted exclusively with the M-Sport suspension package for the UK marketplace, the updated infotainment and new ‘M PerformTex’ upholstery plus an expanded list of paint options will also be available on the regular 2-er coupe.

In a slightly confusing move, the 2-series coupe will hold onto the i badging suffix which has recently been dumped by its 1-series brethren. We remain hopeful this is because BMW is secretly working on re-introducing the fabled iS badge – a 230iS with a manual gearbox, a limited slip differential and UHP tyres could make for a compelling driver’s car.

BMW has been rather busy of late, with the debut of several important cars including the aforementioned M3 and M4, Skytop Concept, new M135 and ALPINA B3 & B4 GT. Priced from £63,360 RRP, the revised M2 is available to order now with customer deliveries starting in autumn 2024. The configurator is already live, and you can play around with it here. With my preference for Fire Red, the M Steptronic (purists shoot me down in flames) and the M drivers package, a new BMW M2 would set me back £76,185.