When the Mk VII generation debuted, the Golf R became more important than the GTI because it was way faster and still enjoyable to drive. And it seems the gap remains the same for the all-new 2022 models that are a few months away from arriving in America, but there's a third rival that combines elements from both cars, the GTI Clubsport.
Normally, a hot hatch is supposed to be simpler and relatively affordable. But driver engagement has been replaced by the instant acceleration of an AWD system backed by 300 horsepower turbo engines. Everybody makes these cars - Audi, BMW, Mercedes - so the Golf 8 R is automatically the most important model in the range.
Volkswagen knew that and gave its top hatchback a 316 hp (320 PS) engine, making it more powerful than the rivals. In addition, the AWD system is the only one in this segment that can send more power to the rear and allow you to drift. We already know the R is going to be the fastest to 62 mph (100 km/h), but it's not Game Over for the other two yet.
During the past five years, we have seen that certain Cupra models were faster on the track than the R due to their lightness and similar power. The GTI Clubsport is basically just like a Cupra, only wrapped up in VW cosmetics. The 2.0 TSI installed here makes 296 hp (300 PS), sent only to the front wheels.
The regular GTI is here just as a benchmark. During a past drag race from Carwow magazine, we saw how this 242 hp (245 HP) average hot hatch could take on a more powerful Ford Focus ST. During the independent tests carried out by German YouTuber Automann-TV, the normal car did the standard sprint in 6.4 seconds and went from 62 to 124 mph (100-200 km/h) in 15.9 seconds.
The Clubsport has better numbers, obviously, reaching 62 in 5.8 seconds and 124 mph in 11.5 seconds. And finally, we have the lightning-fast Golf R with a 4.4-second sprint. Most importantly, it reaches 124 mph (200 km/h) about as fast as the Clubsport: 11.4 seconds. So you see, once the cars are up to speed, AWD doesn't really matter.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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