2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport Photos, engines & full specs

In 2024, Volkswagen introduced the facelifted version of the Golf eighth generation that it introduced in 2019, and it started with the unveiling of the pumped-up version of it, the GTI Clubsport.

Volkswagen has celebrated half a century since the introduction of the first generation of the Golf. While it wasn’t the first hatchback in automotive history, the German vehicle was emblematic of the automaker. That car was considered by many as the founder of the European compact segment, the car to beat in the sales contest by every other carmaker that produced a similar-sized vehicle. Along with the 50th anniversary, the German brand introduced a facelifted version of the model’s eighth generation in the shape of the GTI Clubsport. While it wasn’t the hottest vehicle in the lineup, that credit went to the Golf R; this version was considered one of the best hot hatches available. Furthermore, the automaker unveiled it on the occasion of the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring.

The 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport had a new front fascia. Its new LED headlights, with available Matrix-LEDs, were enhanced by the cascading turn signal lamps that lit on their upper sides. The illuminated carmaker’s badge took center stage, mounted on a high-gloss black grille sporting a honeycomb pattern. On the lower side of the bumper, Volkswagen placed a more aggressive-looking apron featuring a broad center air intake flanked by V-shaped side scoops needed to cool the brakes.

From its profile, the GTI Clubsport boasted a new set of 18-inch alloy wheels with an option for 19-inch forged ones. Like its predecessor, the car sported GTI badging on the front doors. The automaker offered a black package, which added several unique parts, including the door mirror caps with integrated turn signal lamps. The lower side of the doors sported a Clubsport-specific wrap with an interrupted dark line, while there were shiny black side sills below them. As expected, the car was available as a five-door affair only. The rear of the car was also attractive, thanks to the oversized roof spoiler mounted atop the tailgate. In the back, the car came standard with LED taillights and an option for an IQ light package that added a three-dimensional look to the lamps, featuring six distinct blocks surrounded by a C-shaped continuous light. However, one of the most attractive parts of the car’s back was the double exhaust system integrated into the rear diffuser. In standard trim, these were made from stainless steel, while an Akrapovic titanium exhaust was available as an option.

Volkswagen also refreshed the car’s interior. Atop the center stack stood a 13-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. In addition, the automaker integrated the new IDA voice assistant with Chat GPT integration. The automaker included a set of high-bolstered front seats with integrated headrests and standard microfabric upholstery. Furthermore, Volkswagen installed carbon fiber trims on the door cards, the dashboard, and the center console around the switchgear for the transmission. Fronting the driver was a steering wheel with real buttons instead of the touch-sensitive ones as on other versions of the non-facelifted version of the Golf. A digital instrument panel sported the tachometer in the middle, and inside it was the speedometer. In the back, the split-folding bench seat could accommodate comfortably two passengers.

Under the hood, the 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport got an upgraded version of the already-known two-liter turbocharged and direct-injected gasoline engine carried over from the non-facelifted version of the car. It sent 300 PS (296 hp) to the front wheels only via a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) gearbox and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential. As a result, the acceleration time for 0 to 100 kph (0-62 mph) run took 5.6 seconds, while the top speed was capped at 250 kph (155 mph). The automaker also offered an option for an unlimited package, which allowed the car to reach 270 kph (167 mph). Volkswagen installed standard adaptive dampers for the 2024 GTI Clubsport.