The GTI badge has somehow always eluded us Indians, save for the time when Volkswagen brought in the Polo GTI as a CBU. At the ongoing 24 Hours Nurburgring race, the covers have come off the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport, and before you ask, no, it doesn’t receive a stick shift.
While it stays true to the current-gen model in its profile, the front and rear have been revamped, with a new illuminated VW logo on the nose, updated headlights and tail lights, a rear spoiler, and new optional 19-inch alloy rims. The Queensland rims, in particular, evoke nostalgia with the five oval semi-circles mimicking the look of the classic Detroit rims.
Getting to the meatier bits, we’ve got the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol, producing 296 bhp and 40.78 kgm of torque, which is about 38 bhp more than the standard Golf GTI. Triple digits come up in just 5.6 seconds, and the top speed is electronically restricted to 250 kph. However, you can breach this limit via the Race package, which increases the top speed to 267 kph. The GTI Clubsport also gets a ‘Special’ driving profile which has been made with the Nurburgring race track in mind, and it adjusts the driving characteristics of the car accordingly. The 7-speed DCT is the only gearbox option on offer, and there’s also an electronic front differential lock. Adaptive chassis control is available as an optional extra.
Inside, there is a new 12.9-inch touch screen infotainment system, along with a new sports steering wheel with physical buttons making a comeback. Volkswagen also specified that the new Golf GTI Clubsport features the new IDA voice assistant with ChatGPT integration. We’re honestly not sure what place it holds in a hot hatchback, though. And before you start daydreaming, the Golf GTI Clubsport is likely to continue eluding us.
