The Ultimate Volkswagen Golf...

The Volkswagen Golf GTI has an unmatched heritage attached to its name. From the Mk1 GTI of 1976 to the latest of the GTI range, the MK8 of 2020.

Our 2016 Golf GTI Clubsport S, Number 189 of 400 examples produced.

There have been many discussions about which Golf is best and which has more soul and whatnot, but there is no doubt in my mind that the MK7 GTI Clubsport S is the absolute best of the best.

The "stripped-out" interior of our Clubsport S

The term "Clubsport" is used loosely these days, with what seems like every performance vehicle having some sort of "Clubsport" edition. But this car is different. It is the epitome of the word Clubsport. Everything from the power down to the seriously low curb weight helped it achieve a Nurburgring Nordschleife lap time of just 7 minutes and 47.19 seconds, setting the world record for the fastest ever lap in a front-wheel drive production car at the time.

The Golf Clubsport S setting the world record lap time

Seen below are some of the remarkable specs that helped it achieve its lap time.

• Engine: 1,984cc (2.0 litre) inline 4 turbocharged

• Power output: 310 PS (306 bhp) at 5800 rpm

• Torque: 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) between 1850-5700 rpm

• Transmission: 6 speed manual

• Drivetrain layout: Front engine, front wheel drive (FWD) with an electronically controlled Limited Slip Differential (LSD)

• 0-62 mph (0-100km/h): 5.8 seconds

• Top speed: 165 mph

• Curb weight: 1,285 kg

• Wheels & Tyres: 19" "Pretoria" alloy wheels with 235/35 ZR19 Michelin Tyres

• Seating Layout: 2-Seater (rear seats removed as part of weight saving)

• Production run: Limited to 400 units worldwide.

Built-In G-Force Meter

The sheer performance and exclusivity has cemented the Clubsport S' legacy as a future classic and one of the greatest hatchbacks ever produced.