Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40 Hot Hatch 2017 review | Mat Watson Reviews

I managed to get behind the wheel of the fastest two-wheel drive Volkswagen Golf money can buy, the Golf GTI Clubsport edition. Whilst the regular GTI can only boast 230hp (with the added performance package) the Clubsport can reach up to a whopping 290hp. With that said however, what’s the real point of all that extra power when the equivalent Golf R has 296hp at a cheaper cost? Has top end speed replaced features such as practicality, and fun handling ability? Do rivals such as the sporty Seat Leon Cupra or Honda Civic Type R outclass this hot hatch? Find out all my thoughts and see just what this Volkswagen Golf can really do!
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[@TheGreatestDaneEver]

"Looks a bit stupid"?? The aero's look great on this car. I'd kill to get that rear spoiler on my standard Mk7 GTI.

[@jh5kl]

anglo reviews need to pretend german cars have serious flaws and omit important details (like for example this golf is the one with the record time for front wheel drive in the ring).

[@leokal457]

jh5kl no it isnt! This is the Clubsport. The Recordholder is a Clubsport S! A completely different beast. It has an aluminium Subframe, other brakes, no backseats, other suspension and more power

[@karzem1]

@@leokal457 good to know, thanks 👍

[@Ztxk94]

@@leokal457Clubsport gti still wouldn’t be a bad platform to try out! Especially if it’s your first ea888

[@AceEyedAce]

This is how the Golf R should have been designed....

[@eklektikTechno]

But it would of been boy racer and not mature looking

[@MrCube17]

This car looks so damn good

[@ye23.]

The wheels are immaculate

[@JohnMcMahon.]

I would love to wash that Golf, I mean give it a really good detailing, then just sit on a stool and look at it for a while, before taking it on a 400 mile jaunt... And then wash it again.

[@carwow]

There are forums for people like you ;)

[@JohnMcMahon.]

That's what my doctor said aswell. 👍

[@crismartinus]

the only issue is the sport mode. Once you try it, you'll never want to leave it...

[@evoermine]

The overboost function issue wouldn't bother me, as a road car. How often are you on full power for on the road? If you're on full power for ten seconds in that car you'd be well over the limit anyway.

[@jh5kl]

its not an issue, thats how all overboost work, i guess we just must make it look nonsense because its a volkswagen

[@lordtherapeutics]

I’ve got one of these cars and in the real world, you’ve got 290 odd horsepower all the time whenever you need it. I don’t know if that’s because on the road you can’t be at full power for 10 seconds or more or whether the overboost Cutting is just for the brochures of marketing men and doesn’t really happen on the actual car.

[@lapamful]

Get a Seat Leon Cupra, you get the power all the time with limited slip diff as standard. But this GTI does look really nice and has a much better interior.

[@carwow]

+lapamful we have a group test coming...

[@lapamful]

carwow can't wait!

[@GeorgeX.]

Yeah but the Cupra is cheaper and it has everything u need really.Personally i would rather have the Cupra.Better looking too

[@korgond]

to me, leon cupra is way better option than golf gti.

[@Damayn]

Forgive me if I sound stupid but what exactly is the meaning of slip differential and how does it work?

[@Wolfpack310]

U just buy stage1 tune and u have over 300hp all the time

[@kimiroihanz9924]

Yes, it's true that I already have and stage 1 was very satisfied

[@ky93le]

@@kimiroihanz9924 How do you compare this to an R or standard GTI? What reasons made you buy this instead?

[@Plupx]

@@ky93le you don't, you get the R.

[@ky93le]

@@Plupx I am looking got get an R around a 2015/6 model. Any advice?

[@Plupx]

@@ky93le good cars get it pre inspected but most importantly enjoy it

[@ChopStickZero]

Its actually a great idea with the temporary 296bhp. 1,2 gear you cannot use it fully or even close. When alfa came out with 250bhp 156 there was not one review where they didnt say its ridiculous power for a fwd car and this guy complains about 296. In my previous car I had around 220 at the front and it went spinning in 3rd and its much worse with turbo cars. So whatever dude. In higher gears its usable but you never or in 99% of the time use it for more than 10s. If one thinks about their acceleration /overtaking they never last more than seconds. So then in all the other times you are running lower boost which means less consumption (more boost=more fuel to compensate the xtra air despite some think more boost=better mpg), less strain on the turbo, easier to drive/more practical etc... This guy complains too much and thinks criticism equals intelligence. Sometimes companies actually do put some thought into their products unlike this guy into his review of the car.

[@StephenButlerOne]

I agree, the amount of time you need full throttle on the open road is always less than ten seconds. Most cars hit 100 ten to 12 seconds from a stand still, so if your steady at 40 and in 3rd, in ten seconds time your at 120or 30. Thing about modern cars it's hard to push them. I recall a good few years back jumping in to the Mother in laws old Peugeot 105, it was a hoot, as you could give the little 1.2 59bhp the beans thought evey gear, and 40mph in that felt like 90. Today's quicker cars (or the most cars) are just to well safe and sterile. Don't get me wrong, we all like the comfort day to day, but when you want to have fun, I still think you can have more in a 1991 105 than most hot hatchs. Though I don't practice what I preach, I have a 2105 GTC, because 90% I just want to go a-b in comfort, and be a hooligan just 10%of the time. When it's safe of course.

[@chelseavoxofficial]

Matt... have you considered having the Golf 7s in a drag race? Golf GTI 7 vs Golf GTI 7 Clubsport S vs Golf 7 R.

[@xnknxwnhassxn6371]

Vs golf gtd 7

[@georkl8454]

for me the extra power is a good idea because you have more power and torque for overtaking and so on

[@AudiophileTubes]

GTI's are gorgeous cars, with such a great pedigree!

[@HForceClan]

The "Clubsport" exterior is how the standard GTI should've came from factory.. atleast in the facelifted version. :(

[@markrhoden68]

7.5 Golf GTi cs for me is the definitive performance Golf now great seats and great looking all round. The new 8 Golf just sadly isn't getting any good emotions compared to this car.

[@Mickthetechnerd]

There is no gti clubsport version for golf mk7.5 this is the mk7 golf gti clubsport. In mk7.5 we had the gti TCR.

[@Synysterjmz]

How many bloody versions of this car are they gonna make? GTI, GTI Clubsport, GTI Clubsport S, GTI Clubsport 40, GTI ASBO, GTI -4WD, GTI WIFI, GTI Nightclub, GTI Nightclub X, GTI TDI....

[@Harpreet06]

I'm pretty sure the Clubsport and the Clubsport 40 are the exact same car. They just added the 40 when it actually released. So there's 3 GTI's but really its just GTI and Clubsport.

[@alliancemad]

RALMHO (ROLLING AROUND LAUGHING MY HEAD OFF), this is one of the funniest comments i have seen in a long while. Thanks for making my week

[@tkomph7]

GTI WIFI? hahahahahahahahahahaha! Well, the Golf 7 GTI variants available worldwide currently are: GTI, GTI Performance Pack, GTI Clubsport , GTI Clubsport S. ("Clubsport" is equivalent to "Clubsport 40", "GTI 40 year edition".... ). There are actually FOUR types of Golf 7 GTI's available.

[@KootBear]

lmaaaoo

[@jaikee9477]

GTI TDI? That's a GTD, which isn't bad either.

[@BM_PAZ]

All I can say is...I like it. I'd struggle to pick this over an R though.

[@kendrickgoat]

yep

[@o2i3u5klwerh8]

+ian7675 for that price difference, the R is the one to buy.

[@robbeard6929]

Drinks fuel and eats tyres and added cost if the 4 wheels drive goes bangs when out of warranty.

[@Danial0152]

Golf R is so common, see them everyday daily seen about 3 Edition 40's in an entire 1 year

[@ky93le]

@@robbeard6929 What do you mean?

[@davisdesigns1153]

the perfect golf.

[@NZsarge1]

I like the additions in aero package from an looks point of view, I agree the power boost thing is daft, should've split the difference between the normal GTi and the R and been done with it. It ultimately is an enthusiast/investment opportunity, I'd go with the R if it were my money.

[@shawnriv9]

I love the wheels and surprisingly enough...the spoiler. I'm very curious to see when VW releases the MK8.

[@jh5kl]

i m anxious to see the interior because volkswagen is going to seriously update the infotainment. if it is close to what they previewed in the concept volkswagen r touch, its going to make everything else on the road look medieval inside

[@robert.reimon]

Price in spain between the R and this one is over 4000€ Gti clubsport 35000€ and the R 39000€. So I prefer the clubsport

[@detective3728]

Do Remember the R is ALL WHEEL DRIVE. :)

[@claudearchary8600]

I drive a 2014 Golf 7 Gti with DCC & thinking of upgrading to Clubsport with DCC. What's holding me back right now is the price tag compared to the R, actually VW are offering me the R at the same price, crazy I know. I'll never go for the R, please don't suggest going for the R. Or should I just dump the whole idea & stay with the awesome car I have?

[@m_b5891]

00:10 best looking Golf ever.

[@robertl2856]

great no nonsense review, good work Mat

[@Countrystock]

I love this car.......want!!!

[@superbock3932]

The Gti clubsport is the best looking golf ever made but I still prefer the R, cause AWD!

[@ContactFault]

Mats reviews remind me of old school top gear which is why I subscribe.

[@LivingLifeSlower]

I had one for 6 months. Brilliant car.

[@ye23.]

Why only 6 months

[@fs12r24]

It is not a surprise what VW tried to do with the “extra power” on Golf. Most of time cars manufactories are trying to setup, e.g. the handling, to make the difference. For sure, the VW could use all kind mode, like SPORT +, BRAVE or RACE, but, not this case.

[@rishikeshchoudhary4700]

Mat, what about the 7 series? I hope that's knocking my feed soon.

[@sic22l]

Design changes actually worked, It's a first Golf that actually looks different, more aggressive than regular TDI.

[@SebLoeb09Cars]

well for me this one is the most beautiful of golf gti i golf r BUT i will wait for a new megane RS to come first and then decide this gti or megane RS

[@mattiaslevin6071]

Good review! Personally I would go for the golf R, especially the wagon is more spacious, all wheel drive, more power and almost the same price as the gti tested in this review! A no brainer really.

[@anderskaljas7830]

Couldn't you just hack the temproray boost to permanent at a car shop? ECU fiddling or something?

[@mattystewart8]

Anders Kaljas my thoughts

[@rodrigogarcia3771]

In my opinion, Seat Leon Cupra is better than this GTI, because is chepper, it has the "same" horse power (with overboost).

[@360FAMOUZ360]

Looks much better, 100% rarer than an R and comes with wingbacks as an option. So much better than a common golf R

[@camilorincon6431]

Mat I'm thinking of buying a Maserati Quattroporte. I'm waiting your review for the new 2017 Maserati Quatroporte GTS that would be great, interesting and fun, in addition that can help me a lot. Thanks.

[@carwow]

+Camilo Rincon maybe

[@alfie_kicks]

matt you are the best tester and presentater of car reviews. you are fun and you say the truth. I follow you since a few years now. continu like this ! I will follow you forever :) if you come in switzerland please say an hellow you are welcome

[@tandompotulo955]

Drag race a GTI Clubsport vs GTI TCR please

[@crismartinus]

Can anyone give any feedback about the ride comfort ? I've driven the Golf R and the ride comfort was great even in Sport mode. I'm thinking of buying a Clubsport but I'm worried the ride would be too stiff, especially inside town. Thank you.

[@Harpreet06]

I like the look of this more than the normal golf gti but it just costs too much. You can get a 3 year old used golf gti for half the price nowadays, 2 year old used golf R/Audi S3 is around £21-22k too.

[@aaronhussain3873]

Would you guys say that this is better value than the standard Golf GTI with the PP?

[@ogsmilesthedj7319]

The GTI Clubsport is more of a niche car and exclusivity hardly ever offers value for money. If you are looking for a more aggressive, track focused Golf and something that will standout a bit more between the normal GTI and the R then the Clubsport is for you. If you couldn't care less about exclusivity but want a better performing mk7 GTI, then just get the one with the Performance Pack.

[@emantabrizi]

Love it. I really hope this is a preview of the 2018 GTI here in the States.

[@M4rkmcc21]

If u can't feel the difference between the 2 powers then there isn't much in between this and the R

[@maximusprometheus6149]

I can't believe GTI clubsport is so much money. You can get a used M4 for that amount with very low miles.

[@GGO89]

I got the Cupra 290 right before the Clubsport launched and boy it made me so happy to see I got the cheaper and better solution.

[@tigerstripe3170]

How much can I pick this up for in 2022?

[@danielrayner1138]

29k for a good one.👍

[@MellowDTV]

40 years or brz? torn between these two on my next car

[@j11ssr]

Is the Clubsport Edition 40 the same car as the Clubsport S?

[@zephyr7Cs]

No

[@gme0ver24]

That interior is fabulous, really.

[@BM_PAZ]

Is this the car that holds the ring record?

[@arekb5951]

Nope, it was Clubsport S, made especially to beat Civic Type R by barely a second.

[@BM_PAZ]

Ah right, thanks.

[@ihavenousername1805]

Didn't the clubsport s beat the civic by about 3 seconds?

[@arekb5951]

ihavenousername1805 Yeah, I think they did a second run with even better time.

[@tkomph7]

Well, the Honda Civic Type R is pretty ugly. Always has been. Looks like a mouse... or a potato.

[@savatsan]

is that the Top Gear track?

[@TR.372]

Yeah it could be. Pretty much anyone can go there, my driving lessons are there.

[@oxcart4172]

No, it's Bruntingthorpe in Leicestershire. The Topgear track is at Dunsfold in Surrey

[@markjones2547]

It's know as the proving ground, Bruntingthorpe

[@ErikTheAndroid]

This car is marketed as having 290 HP though which is a false claim if it can only do it for a limited amount of time. It would have been different had they marketed it as having 260 + a temporary boost.

[@lease4less197]

Would much rather pay the bit extra for the Golf R, although this is very desirable as well.

[@miskatonic6210]

If you want "uniqueness" you don't buy a Golf. Seriously. I looks nice, it's still a good daily driver and therefore it's always easy to sell a Golf with its proper resale value. Try to sell a Honda Civic.

[@himanshujain892]

Hondas and Toyotas have the highest resale of all brands values.

[@Malavain]

Not in the uk they don't, not by a long shot

[@Horizon301.]

Yeah German cars are best for resale values, hondas and toyotas are the worst even Ford is better

[@Horizon301.]

***** elsewhere in the world you also have to pay more for them thats likely why resale values aren't as good, in Europe its not expensive at all to own a german car but i understand that in other countries it can cost a fortune

[@revolutions88]

Does that Golf GTI come with WiFi??

[@bumderbum9346]

Fun fact… this car is now owned by one of my customers. I work at vw ;)

[@eklektikTechno]

Nice car! But I would prefer not to have the big spoiler

[@TODM4XNL]

Where is the plaque placed?

[@AristotelisMitsiou]

Is it me or do the links for the videos at the end don't work?

[@TR.372]

Are you on mobile?

[@AristotelisMitsiou]

T R Nope, I'm on PC, and I don't get those link boxes.

[@TR.372]

Well you can always use the "i" button

[@AristotelisMitsiou]

T R Or the description. Thanks for attempting to help though.

[@GGO89]

Mat, could you share your thoughts on the Clubsport manual gearbox?

[@simiqz]

how many of these were made?

[@tsx3158]

I like the edgier style inside and out and will be little rare than the R. Like it.

[@ihavenousername1805]

A 'little rarer'?? It's unlikely you'll see one on road unlike the R which you'll see about 10 everyday.

[@tsx3158]

True.

[@alishakoor5228]

any chance of a review for the x5m or x6m next ?

[@leaderofthecommunistforces3180]

Hi Matt great review. You have to review the 2016 BMW X6 M Sport, It's simply a beast.

[@MonsterHunter104]

X6M or the standard X6 with the package?

[@leaderofthecommunistforces3180]

StatusAndChase. Well currently I own the 2016 BMW X6 X-drive 30D M Sport. But I don't know many of the functions yet. But if possible the Package X6 And Soon After the BMW X6M.

[@chappy2121]

Never understood the golf gti thing? I took a mk5 gti out a few years back far too boring for me I can't see me ever buying a golf.

[@JacesOwnWorld]

Its the best looking MK7 GTI spec by far, but considering its price, I just don't see why anyone would ever buy this over the Golf R. Its lighter, yes, but its held back because of its FWD. The R will out-handle it with the extra grip through a corner. This model is only good to get in the used car market.

[@Lamar96]

Everything you said was wrong, I’m on my second clubsport now, I’ve owned a Golf R & S3. The GTI Clubsport will destroy both in the corners. Also from 40mph or so, it’s actually quicker in a straight line.

[@Laban510]

I saw this GTI on the road a few times, I thought it was just an optional sports kit for the car lol.

[@tahag2107]

I’m normally a fan but this review seems slightly silly to me, sorry Matt. Coming off the throttle completely after 10 secs and pretending like the car dies in the ass apparently? No need for exaggeration to make a point

[@butchmeister80]

Looking for one of these in a few months rare to find

[@emilhalonen5]

Will there be a head2head between Audi A3, BMW 1-Series and Mercedes A-class?

[@carwow]

+emil halonen yes. In a few weeks

[@emilhalonen5]

ok thanks

[@trinitykami6868]

Pls do Golf 7 gti clubsport vs golf 7.5 gti

[@MikeLego89]

They should produce a golf R with the exterior dezign of a gti

[@CruiseReviews]

Nice Car!! Just reviewed the same one and it was a pleasure driving it!

[@ddz_7628]

One of the Euro cars I wish we got here in the U.S

[@GerhardSchroeder]

Matt, did you see the Stig? He lives somewhere near/on that track.

[@RSZ-R34]

they do a clubsport s version which has 306 bhp permanently!

[@carwow]

+muslim soldier I know and it's sold out

[@ACS607]

He seemed to ignore the rather enormous elephant in the room with every review he's done of the VW Golf GTI and especially with this Clubsport. The Leon Cupra R performance pack with the Pilot Sport cup tyre option which i believe is cheaper when compared like for like and has 296 hp 100% of the time. I'm starting to sense that he doesn't like the Leon at all.

[@GeorgeX.]

He has said many times that he considers the Leon a good alternative to the Golf.Cheaper,good looking and good interior.

[@ACS607]

I remember the review of the top 10 family cars. I also know he has spoken about his mum having a mk1 Leon, but i find it odd that he has not reviewed the mk3 Leon at all on Car wow at all and neither when on Carbuyer. Have a look and it's Rebecca and Ginny have shared the reviews and when you look at the equivalent Golf, A3 and Octavia, the reviews have been shared by him and the others. I find it a bit odd. Makes me think he has no real interest in or opinion on it what so ever.

[@GeorgeX.]

Yes i remember that.Ginny reviewed the Cupra and Rebbeca the standard mk3.But he has spoken well about this car many times so i dont think he is biased against it,plus carwow responded to a comment above and said that there is a group vag video coming.Lets wait and see.

[@carwow]

+ACS607 my mom got rid of her mk1 Leon... And bought a mk3 leon SC 1.4TSI on my advice. So I do quite like Leons. My uncle is even called Leon. And I'm quite fond of him as well. Also - today I bought my lunch from a shop called Leon. Nice spicy salad thing - I'll be going back. And guess where I'm going on holiday next week - the town of Leon from which the car gets its name. (All of this is true... Apart from the last bit.) So no negative bias here.

[@GeorgeX.]

Oh boy.A Leon SC for your mom,sounds like u guide her well."My uncle is called Leon",lol

[@AG-jh1ky]

This 10 second overboost limit is ridiculous.

[@liamjacobs2857]

Expression link nightmare.

[@butchmeister80]

10 sec overboost you would be doing well over 100mph plenty of time

[@livc444111]

Not interested in ever owning a Golf but I can see why they sell like hot cakes. Decent all rounders in general. Good review

[@InterPaul13]

Great review Matt. Could you review the Model S or X? Thanks and keep up the brilliant work

[@garysavage5675]

When are you going to do the ford edge

[@carwow]

+gary savage filming it next month

[@DaSpookyNuts]

Where do you get your music from? Nice review, although I did miss the weird things and good things!

[@vegass04]

Funny thing is that Golf VII GTD looks better then the GTI.

[@owenrichards2622]

Top gear presenter written all over

[@billgates1604]

That over boost is stupid

[@leannepagano772]

Be aware of second-hand car sellers... There are too many scammers and cheaters who sell their cars at a good price which is not worthy of those car conditions...

[@susiebradley7001]

@Suzanne Duncan yeah .. My friend advised me to visit a web portal which is confidentcarbuyer there is a course which support me as a proficient in this matter..

[@leannepagano772]

@Suzanne Duncan on this web portal, there are many videos about buying used cars and engine conditions and also many items... This is just compact and free also..

[@Ahmad-ck7lj]

Dayum Mat looked so young here

[@LITTLEbigREG]

Those mentioning the Cupra - sit in one then go sit in a Golf...

[@richpotatothebestg.m.ovegg2599]

Keep saying that to yourself...you overpaid for a wrong wheel drive car. Get over it...its a Golf

[@crismartinus]

I'm sorry Mat, I disagree. Take this one around some mountain road with a lot of hair pin curbs and you'll know why it's more fun than a Golf R. Those that owe one, will know why.

[@LVTwinturbo]

Mat for the grand tour

[@bogdanvidrean4728]

whyyy.The Grand Tour was created to reunite the classic trio from Top Gear.

[@fatfat6389]

And I think it's with payment.

[@legolas5684]

he is more for regular new boring Top Gear

[@OwenChinaloi]

The clubsport walked so the TCR could run ❤

[@CarswithB]

I would rather get the Golf R anyday everyday :)

[@daveem4008]

DSG?

[@z00h]

they are all sold out now so what's the point of this video?

[@carwow]

+z00h it's the S that's sold. Not this one.

[@z00h]

carwow I see, respektos.

[@zephyr7Cs]

THE BEST GTI

[@SuperDigitalMe]

Im a proud owner of this car, but the 3 doors version.

[@nurbsenvi]

Matt!! no one has done GTI VS GTE drag race on youtube you should do it quuiiickk!

[@peterbennpan7288]

RandomTechS@#T the gtd is faster so the gti would be even faster

[@Chrissy-H]

Yeah but the best thing about this car is that you can legally tow with it ;-)