VWHK Launches Golf GTI Clubsport, Shows Off All Seven GTI Generations In One Go

This year Volkswagen celebrates its 40^th anniversary of the Golf GTI by introducing the special edition Clubsport and track-specific Clubsport S variants.  While the latter won’t see its light in Hong Kong, the former was launched on July 5 at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, accompanied by an eye-catching showcasing of all seven GTI generations, with vehicles loaned out by members of the local Vorsicht web forum.

MGJMW will publish a separate post on additional sightings of these seven legendary GTIs.

Specs summary and pricing

Built upon the GTI Performance model (obviously), the Clubsport sees various chassis, powertrain and aerodynamics upgrades.  Highlights include a 265hp, 350Nm EA888 turbo I-4 capable of overboosting to 290hp and 380Nm for ten-second periods during kickdown between the third and sixth gears (under Sport mode).  The Clubsport also sees the front VAQ electro-hydraulic differential mated to the six-speed DSG automatic for the first time (6MT only with the GTI Performance and Clubsport S).  The Clubsport’s enhanced body aerodynamics include additional air inlets, Piano black front underspoiler and rear roof spoiler, as well as radiator and air intake grilles in honeycomb design.  As for footwork, the four-wheel ventilated disc brakes are apparently carried over from the GTI Performance and the (Golf) R, down to the same brake rotor dimensions.

Performance-wise, the Clubsport accelerates from 0-100km/h in 6.3 seconds, with top speed limited to 250km/h and achieves a combined fuel economy of up to 14.5km/L under Euro 6, or 14.7km/L under JC08.

Priced at $399,980 and limited to just 40 quotas, the HKDM Clubsport’s price is hard to beat, with ten already pre-sold before the launch and nearly 20 as of this publication.  According to VWHK, no more quotas will be added so once sold out, they're gone forever.

And if you're an American expat in HK and like this one, better pony up the money before it's gone.  Because, well, 40 quotas is still better than ZILCH in the US, eh, right?

JDM Clubsport Track and Street Editions

Elsewhere, our neighbouring Japan gets a bigger reception with the Clubsport, where more units will be promised later.  Priced at JPY4.669M (post-taxed) the JDM GTI Clubsport Track Edition was launched on May 21, with just 400 quotas equally divided in Pure White and Carbon Charcoal Grey Metallic body colours.  Meanwhile, the Clubsport Street Edition is scheduled for release in fall, but the limited 400-strong Clubsport S is not likely to make it there either.

Nevertheless, this arrangement is a good thing, courtesy of VGJ President/CEO Till Scheer who also happened to work for VWHK since the late 2000s, even assuming responsibilities at the Bentley side of things during his tenure (marketing, planning etc.).

The JDM Clubsport Track Edition also shares the HKDM model’s four-door hatch form, RHD, 6DSG, black rooftop and the same Recaro front seats.  But the former has more proper equipment specs, such as non-moonroof spec, top-tier in-car infotainment and navigation (the latter not available in Hong Kong), 19” wheels (18” for HKDM), and rear parking camera (not even optionally available for HKDM).  Meanwhile, the upcoming Clubsport Street Edition will feature 18” wheels, and standard semi-bucket seats in place of the Recaros, but whether moonroof is included remains to be seen.

If the HKDM Clubsport’s specs could ever be amended, then we’d definitely like to see the unbundling of the panoramic roof and Recaro seats in favour of the rear camera and standard semi-bucket seats instead, rendering the Recaros and moonroof optional.  That way, not only the vehicle’s specs would be more street-oriented, but also the price could be further lowered to attract more crowd.

No GTE For HKDM

Not ready for a high-power FF Golf here?  There’s still the 4WD Golf R Racing Edition at ~$500k complete with rear camera, 19” wheels and other goodies, plus similar fuel economy.  But if you’re instead looking at the other side of the spectrum especially in the NEV category, then sorry, no Golf GTE for HK (although the eGolf is still available): VWHK said that plug-in hybrids are not a viable alternative in town due to higher vehicular retail and running costs (let alone no tax incentive for such hybrids).

Or at least, there will be no plug-in hybrids in the local VW lineup anytime soon, even though at the local Audi side there's currently the A3 e-Tron which has reportedly been selling like hotcakes, with a trove of them recently delivered to their respective owners.