Clubsport S - the best Golf ever made. JayEmm, your channel is great! Great selection of odd older cars and your presentation reminds me of old school Top Gear.
I’m a gti clubsport S owner since 3 years i’ve done prox. 55.000 km in it and i havent regret any single one of them. This car is just so much fun. In februari 2020 i bought a bmw m2 competition and advertised the gti, since then i havent made any terms with possible buyers since im not ready to let go of it yet. Its sitting in the garage and i still take it for a drive now and then. People ask me what i think about the m2 and i have to admit its a very very nice car, but i just dont get that feeling that i do in the gti. I wont sell it any time soon 🤭
That’s crazy, I have a 20 year old Silvia that turns better than a golf. Fair enough I only have a mark 6 but I always felt like people overstated the golf (that or my Silvia really is that good)
@@alexadelaide your Silvia could be a great car but a stock mk6 isn't exactly nico to drive in comparison to the CSS, the extra 2° of camber really helps
Hi , Jay, thanks for the amazing series, how about a little comparison/summary of all the hatches you have driven this week, ie which had the best engine, steering etc. Maybe a chat from your office. Thanks for all the work and really glad your channel is doing so well, keep up the good work, you have done something good here
Amazing, Ben who owns this car bought my Megane Trophy R. Great guy with a mega collection. I love the Clubsport S it was a toss up between this and my Trophy R at the time but went with the Renault as I have a soft spot for them. One day I will own one of these though!
I'm genuinely shocked. I've never driven a GTI Clubsport but wasn't expecting such a glowing review. Might have to look at the normal Clubsport variant as a daily!
Get it , i have one down in OZ and after 3 GTI its my keeper , so easy round town , but a great B road drive , manual . we missed out on the S , would have loved to have one .
Golfmother I’m based in Melbourne and you’re right we did miss out on the S version! Yeah loss of nicely optioned examples out here. I suspect the FWD drivetrain adds to the enjoyment rather than detract from it.
@@prashanthp5448 The Clubsport is lighter through the corners than the R , plenty of clips of a close fight on the track , iam in adelaide and we only have a few here i suspect mine is the only manual as they only imported 100 manuals .i had a TT but sold it because it was stodgy compared to the Golf , very light on its feet the Golf .
So it’s been 1 year that I have my clubsport S and I love it, more then my 390hp Ford Focus MK3. I usually did not like or the R or the other GTI’s even the special 360hp limited Swiss edition Golf R, but this thing is so much fun that I put my Focus for sale. I don’t really like the front diff, I find it to slow so a wavetrac diff is getting it’s way into it and to use the capable chassi I think that 369-380hp should prove just right. For now it seems stock suspensions are fine, since its an every day car and mountain road in Switzerland are a bit like your B road in Uk. I swapped the focus suspension after 2000km when Liethfield came out with their KW for the focus, an improvement but still not as comfortable as the golf. This car is not going to be sold any time soon, I reckon its going to go with my Evo IX 2008,. I also like the fact its a Golf, quite discreet and not so loud as the focus. I loved this car from start, I did Geneva-Cavalaire-sur-Mer at the end of the lockdown for covit on winter tyres and fell in love, even on wet and cold roads it was just easy and healthy chassis and great break with a bit of brake-oversteer, but nothing dangerous, just enough to really out the car in place for a nice fast exit. Some traction loss, but in wet with winter tyres it was more then acceptable. Of course all electronic help was switched of. If you can find one not to expensive, get one, but hurry price have gone up 7000pounds since I bought mine.
I love the Clubsport S. I just ended up getting a MK7 performance pack, remapping, adding dampers and additional camber and some stiffer suspension bushes, the S exhaust, and tracking it.
To be clear, the Civic Type R you referred to being beaten by the VW Golf GTI Clubsport S at the Nurburgring, was the prior iteration from 2014, the newest version (2017 onward) won back the Nurburgring top spot until 2019 when it was overtaken by the Renault Megan RS (EVO magazine). Loved this review and the Clubsport is lovely! Fastest hot hatches top 10 recap: 1. Renault Megane RS Trophy-R - 7:40.1 2. Honda Civic Type R - 7:43.8 3. Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport S - 7:47.2 4. Honda Civic Type R - 7:50.6 5. Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy-R - 7:54.4 6. SEAT Leon Cupra - 7:58.4 7. Ford Focus RS - 8:06.3 8. Renault Megane RS Trophy - 8:08 9. Renault Megane RS R26.R - 8:16.9 10. Ford Focus RS - 8:26
The real standout time for me on this list is the old FK2 Civic Type R, still only 7 secs slower than the new one, and only 10 secs slower than the £70k Megane with the nurburgring pack on, over about 13 miles of track. That's pretty good going for a car 5 years old now.
I am lucky to have experienced this car. My friend owns no..387 of 400 and most people will never know how capable this car is. It just delivers in every situation while being fun just amazing how it delivers power at the top for a 2L engine.
@@nonstopgamingYT1 since buying in February, only a corroded wheel rim. I did get a rather tidy example at 72k miles- only advisories on the mot were tyres and windscreen wiper
Not the biggest fan of the Golf aesthetic but this one looks ace in the 3dr variant with that extra aggressive styling. I'm yet to drive a Golf though surprisingly but I've only heard great things. I drive an '07 Mini Cooper S with some mods at the moment, it's so much fun. I'd love to drive it back to back with one of these.
I love watching such a well versed auto journalist like yourself still be surprised and having your preconceptions flipped! This week was like, "watch James realise how good these cars actually are" its so refreshing, not even considering how much experience you already have! Side note, I've just finished building my 318i convertible E36 into 2.5 6pot fast road build for British roads! Whilst still retaining all the luxury and comfort of Oem BMW. I'll be studying Auto Design in Coventry from September on wards if you would like a blast!
Another nice video James.I would live to drive the Clubsport S someday,they really seemed to have gotten something very special with this car.From memory didn't Karsten Schebsdat,the Porsche engineer do a lot of work on the S?There are a lot of little differences between the S and other hot Golf's like the R,like aluminium subframe and brake rotors.It seems pretty remarkable that they can put that power and torque through the front wheels without it torque steering you into a hedge on your typical bumpy backroad.Hope the owner of the car in the video really gets to enjoy driving it,thanks for sharing a great car.Hopefully they will come down enough in price so I can afford one,but I think they will always be desirable.
The Clubsport/Clubsport S and now TCR are the best Golf's you can buy. Hate it when most just go straight for the R just for the crazy acceleration figures. It looks so boring in comparison and they are usually on basic lease spec with no options.
Cup tyres are a critical differentiator on the CSS. In the the wet the R will disappear. With Michelin PS4S tyres on the R, with a remap, the R is just as much fun in the dry. Am on my 2nd R CSS with no doubt hold value well for future collectors.
Great review Jay. I'd love a Clubsport as it definitely is the best drivers Golf. Sadly I have children and I'm too old to bother changing gear so I'm slumming it in an R instead😫
That’s my old car!!!!! I was the second owner. I bought it from Cameron’s in Perth Scotland. Nice. The original owner was from Kirkcaldy in fife. I put dynax wax under all the suspension to help protect it. If the current owner needs any info then feel free to contact me. Think I still have some of the original paperwork somewhere. Oh and the spare and rear boot liner was added by the owner that bought it of me. I’d suggest removing it as it suppress the exhaust sound. Good to see it being used.
80s_90s_00s_cars Hi mate. No worries I’ll have a look. The car was serviced at Cameron’s and had the year warranty ontop of the manufacturers. The guy that bought it of me was a chap called Rob Cunningham. He kept it for a year ish and then sold it to a dealer. Have you owned the car long? I have a good few photos of the work I did to the car. Also the PPf is expel so it should last a good few years.
Obsessed Closet Hi I bought the car in November last year and really enjoying it. As you know they are a fantastic drive. First car I’ve had with PPF and think it’s great. Any extra information would be fantastic. Probably best to message me through my Instagram account. Thanks, Ben.
This car sums up why I bought a SEAT Leon Cupra 280 instead of a Golf GTI after testing each back to back. Clubsport is great but it’s too late to the party by about 5 years.
You heard the man. It's destined to be a garage queen with the occasional track day for owners who don't faint everytime the odo thinks about moving. Just remove the back seats, get better front ones if you need them and get a remap and quality alloys. Make it truly your own, save cash and enjoy driving it not worrying about miles and collectability. Seems like a no-brainer to me but to each his own of course.
I'd love to have a go in one of these and compare it to my Cupra. Similar package but the manual and the weight reduction must really give it that 'old school hot hatch' feel. Hopefully these are all kept in good shape for years to come being a limited run. Having had a go in my Cupra, a friend of mine sold his tuned Golf R for a Megane RS, citing similar needs for more driver engagement. He did also go for a manual. A Clubsport S would probably have been a similar trade.
Got a Cupra and was thinking the same thing. Must be within 25-50kgs of each other and very similar in most other ways. Think it's possibly even the same diff.
@@toadscrote123321 James drove my Cupra so hoping he weighs in on this one. I imagine its the stripped rear and the manual that really brings out the character of the Clubsport S.
There’s a uk Clubsport S for sale on AT, Feb 28 th 2024, for £41,995. I wonder what the list was back in 2016? I would guess possibly more than this, so values are stable but its not an investment car.
We don't get that car in the USA, unfortunately. We can only take a regular GTI, APR tune it, and add Michelin PSS tires. Or just get the R. But those beautiful seats are only for Europe.
Soooo... VW didn't do their market research homework properly back in 2014-2015 and came up with 240hp GTI in the world of 276hp hot hatch. Looks like they didn't do their homework again last year and came up with a GBP33k 250hp GTI in the world of GBP30k 280-300hp hot hatch. Uh. Damnit. If I'm in the market for hot hatches, and wanting a GTI, this Clubsport S or the TCR would be the first choice.
I have no interest in modern VWs or the golf R but these are simply epic. Although, I'm not sure what the benefit of stripping the rear is though if they didn't want to put a roll cage in. If no roll cage, just sell it with back seats and if someone wants to make it lighter they'll take the seats out. Of course I'm sure the lack of roll cage would have absolutely nothing to do with setting nurburgring times..... ;)
Clubsport S the beat golf ever made and like you say .. will sit in collections undriven until the window regulators stop working (it’s a golf it WILL happen at some point!)
@@thedoghandler1 I just spat my coffee out when you said the Civic is better looking then this. Yeah in the same way Caitlyn Jenner is better looking then Cindy Crawford😂😂
LSD and TC won't stop torque steer entirely- only suspension geometry can do that but I imagine they've done a fairly good job of hiding it. I've driven an FK8 and that didn't noticeably torque steer at all since it's got all the fancy geometry. Just because it stays straight doesn't mean it can put the power down of course- it just spins the wheels in a straight line instead. I also found it much less fun than people claim it is, but that's beside the point.
@@ApothecaryTerry You're right. But even suspension geometry has it's limitations. Usualy manufacturers reduce torque in lower gears to reduce torque steer. It's the cheapest way , and they can still boast that "it has 300BHP" , just only usable in good conditions and from 3rd gear onwards ;) A lot of trickery going on these days.
@@roymoorman5990 Definitely true, whatever they were doing that Civic was not able to put 300bhp down out of corners. Even in 3rd if you've got any steering lock on and floor it then it just spins the wheels. It's possible to make it go quickly, but I don't want to exhibit self control, I want to be an idiot and floor it (which is why I bought a Cayman S instead ☺)
That sucks for you lot. Its strange how the uk wish we had some of your cars and the usa wish some European cars. How ever no one would buy them over here as there way to big and your fuel is super cheap compared to ours.
Definitely one for GTi collector s. Just can't see the point of such a compromised hatchback, its still no real sports car. Love the regular mk7 GTi and though the 40th version would be interesting until I realised the MPG was just awful. It kind of stinks of VW building a car just for marketing that they've broken the ring record...
removing the aircon out of a hardcore awesome hot hatch is a crime. because that is just going to lead you to not take it out for a drive for every day driving, which is a crime itself.
I’d have one of these over an R every day of the week. Much better looking, with far more presence, but I’d have a normal GTI over an R. Interesting re the weight given how much everyone moans about the weight of modern cars.
Clubsport S is the full-insanity version of the Mk7. The TCR is the Mk 7.5 hot version but nowhere near as crazy- it's got less power, it's auto-only, has all the seats and no rollcage.
a Bliss yeah the s is better around a track but it a big compromise isn’t it. I think a regular clubsport with a remap, exhaust and intercooler is the way. Still got back seats then
Well I am shocked how quite that is. sounds muted to hell. Give me a old golf de cat R32 sounds super mean and like my zed balls loud and super obnoxious at low speeds never mind high rpms. Love a loud exhaust but has to be a nice note.
I don't think he has the ability to magically make these cars appear- someone who owns one has to offer it for review. Perhaps if you're that bothered you should go find an owner and get them to contact James...
Yeah you can ask as much as you like Jamie, and I would love to be able to do it, but I do indeed need an owner to come to me with a car for me to be able to make it happen
@@JayEmmOnCars Ok well at least I've gotten my message across. Hopefully soon, someone will appear with one. I sold my one back in 2013 and it was a huge mistake. I've always wondered what other people's opinions of the car would be.
Love the car but I dont track my dailys so my Manual Mk7 Golf R 3 door fits so well and my subscribers love them. Nothing against this car as its awesome but pound for pound a Golf R is a sensational daily driver all things considered 👍My RUclips channel hopefully portraits that 😁
Gray Panther I had an alignment issue with my old MkIV back in the day, but both my MkVI and MkVII have been fine. They are great daily drivers, good enough Clarkson.
93455Driver I miss my MKIV, but the salt rotted away at it and it got to be annoying to replace a component every month it felt like. 15 winters is a long time, but tranny and engine were very strong and reliable even with 150k miles.
I miss the 3 dr GTI. Yes the 5 dr is more practical but I’m old school and I love a 3 dr hatch
Right with you, 3 door big power..... although tempting I went for the BMW m140i
Shame they're dying out. 3dr is only way to go for enthusiast fun hatches imo, they just look that bit better.
Just went stage 2 on my mk6 3 door. I don’t think I’ll ever sell the thing. Keep it as an extra grocery getter until it dies.
For the looks I agree, and if I want a 5door hot hatch I'll buy a leon cupra
Me too. Looks so much cleaner and better in three door. Disclosure; I own a three door GTI!
Clubsport S - the best Golf ever made. JayEmm, your channel is great! Great selection of odd older cars and your presentation reminds me of old school Top Gear.
Mk1 is best
Old school top gear ! I was thinking the exact same thing
I’m a gti clubsport S owner since 3 years i’ve done prox. 55.000 km in it and i havent regret any single one of them.
This car is just so much fun. In februari 2020 i bought a bmw m2 competition and advertised the gti, since then i havent made any terms with possible buyers since im not ready to let go of it yet.
Its sitting in the garage and i still take it for a drive now and then. People ask me what i think about the m2 and i have to admit its a very very nice car, but i just dont get that feeling that i do in the gti.
I wont sell it any time soon 🤭
My friend owns one and the M5 comp . He says the M5 can only dream of turning like that Golf in the bends.
That’s crazy, I have a 20 year old Silvia that turns better than a golf. Fair enough I only have a mark 6 but I always felt like people overstated the golf (that or my Silvia really is that good)
@@alexadelaide your Silvia could be a great car but a stock mk6 isn't exactly nico to drive in comparison to the CSS, the extra 2° of camber really helps
@@alexadelaide to be fair most golf owners probably haven't driven many genuine jdm golden era weapons. Especially UK drivers.
Still have mine 392/400 but it’s making 500hp and is an out and out track toy. Love it it’s an absolute blast and a giant killer on track
Never heard of the Clubsport S before. This is a proper Golf GTi in my eyes. Happy they stuck with it being FWD too.
Hi , Jay, thanks for the amazing series, how about a little comparison/summary of all the hatches you have driven this week, ie which had the best engine, steering etc. Maybe a chat from your office. Thanks for all the work and really glad your channel is doing so well, keep up the good work, you have done something good here
david hopkins I was just thinking that. This is quite the guide to all the cars I’ve ever wanted!!
Amazing, Ben who owns this car bought my Megane Trophy R. Great guy with a mega collection. I love the Clubsport S it was a toss up between this and my Trophy R at the time but went with the Renault as I have a soft spot for them. One day I will own one of these though!
I'm genuinely shocked. I've never driven a GTI Clubsport but wasn't expecting such a glowing review. Might have to look at the normal Clubsport variant as a daily!
Get it , i have one down in OZ and after 3 GTI its my keeper , so easy round town , but a great B road drive , manual . we missed out on the S , would have loved to have one .
Golfmother I’m based in Melbourne and you’re right we did miss out on the S version! Yeah loss of nicely optioned examples out here. I suspect the FWD drivetrain adds to the enjoyment rather than detract from it.
@@prashanthp5448 The Clubsport is lighter through the corners than the R , plenty of clips of a close fight on the track , iam in adelaide and we only have a few here i suspect mine is the only manual as they only imported 100 manuals .i had a TT but sold it because it was stodgy compared to the Golf , very light on its feet the Golf .
What a car. It inspires Bib to put 'taste the difference' diesel into his Peugeot 106 diesel in the hope it makes it as fast as this VW.....
So it’s been 1 year that I have my clubsport S and I love it, more then my 390hp Ford Focus MK3. I usually did not like or the R or the other GTI’s even the special 360hp limited Swiss edition Golf R, but this thing is so much fun that I put my Focus for sale.
I don’t really like the front diff, I find it to slow so a wavetrac diff is getting it’s way into it and to use the capable chassi I think that 369-380hp should prove just right. For now it seems stock suspensions are fine, since its an every day car and mountain road in Switzerland are a bit like your B road in Uk. I swapped the focus suspension after 2000km when Liethfield came out with their KW for the focus, an improvement but still not as comfortable as the golf.
This car is not going to be sold any time soon, I reckon its going to go with my Evo IX 2008,.
I also like the fact its a Golf, quite discreet and not so loud as the focus.
I loved this car from start, I did Geneva-Cavalaire-sur-Mer at the end of the lockdown for covit on winter tyres and fell in love, even on wet and cold roads it was just easy and healthy chassis and great break with a bit of brake-oversteer, but nothing dangerous, just enough to really out the car in place for a nice fast exit. Some traction loss, but in wet with winter tyres it was more then acceptable. Of course all electronic help was switched of.
If you can find one not to expensive, get one, but hurry price have gone up 7000pounds since I bought mine.
I love the Clubsport S. I just ended up getting a MK7 performance pack, remapping, adding dampers and additional camber and some stiffer suspension bushes, the S exhaust, and tracking it.
To be clear, the Civic Type R you referred to being beaten by the VW Golf GTI Clubsport S at the Nurburgring, was the prior iteration from 2014, the newest version (2017 onward) won back the Nurburgring top spot until 2019 when it was overtaken by the Renault Megan RS (EVO magazine). Loved this review and the Clubsport is lovely!
Fastest hot hatches top 10 recap:
1. Renault Megane RS Trophy-R - 7:40.1
2. Honda Civic Type R - 7:43.8
3. Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport S - 7:47.2
4. Honda Civic Type R - 7:50.6
5. Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy-R - 7:54.4
6. SEAT Leon Cupra - 7:58.4
7. Ford Focus RS - 8:06.3
8. Renault Megane RS Trophy - 8:08
9. Renault Megane RS R26.R - 8:16.9
10. Ford Focus RS - 8:26
You forgot the VW Golf. R 8.14.00.
The real standout time for me on this list is the old FK2 Civic Type R, still only 7 secs slower than the new one, and only 10 secs slower than the £70k Megane with the nurburgring pack on, over about 13 miles of track. That's pretty good going for a car 5 years old now.
@@gkclarke the Golf R is 4wd. The Focus RS on this list will be the Mk2 which is fwd.
@@PureLeeful fastest laps.com : stock M140i doing a full lap in 8:07. With an open diff......
@@DjNikGnashers how much quicker do reckon with an lsd?
I am lucky to have experienced this car. My friend owns no..387 of 400 and most people will never know how capable this car is. It just delivers in every situation while being fun just amazing how it delivers power at the top for a 2L engine.
Agreed, You have to drive one to understand how good they are👍
I think if I stay with golfs after my edition 30, I might look at getting a regular clubsport. The styling on these things is brilliant.
Ed30’s are gorgeous. I was debating either an Ed30 or a Mk7 GTD. I opted for a GTD just because of ACC. Have you had any major issues with your car?
@@nonstopgamingYT1 since buying in February, only a corroded wheel rim. I did get a rather tidy example at 72k miles- only advisories on the mot were tyres and windscreen wiper
Matt Parkin That’s not bad at all. I might look at financing one in a year or two when my insurance is cheaper (currently £2k on the GTD).
@@nonstopgamingYT1 I have the mk7 gtd. Never seen a diesel turn so many heads. Not a fan of the upcoming mk8 though
@@nonstopgamingYT1 Acc?
One of the best cars I've ever owned.
Not the biggest fan of the Golf aesthetic but this one looks ace in the 3dr variant with that extra aggressive styling. I'm yet to drive a Golf though surprisingly but I've only heard great things. I drive an '07 Mini Cooper S with some mods at the moment, it's so much fun. I'd love to drive it back to back with one of these.
It's weird when you recognise the roads you are driving, the turn off to Holme Lacy gave it away... have enjoyed all of this weeks videos.
This is possibly the best video I have seen of yours. Not sure what it is, extra footage etc? But really good stuff. Thanks.
I love watching such a well versed auto journalist like yourself still be surprised and having your preconceptions flipped! This week was like, "watch James realise how good these cars actually are" its so refreshing, not even considering how much experience you already have!
Side note, I've just finished building my 318i convertible E36 into 2.5 6pot fast road build for British roads! Whilst still retaining all the luxury and comfort of Oem BMW. I'll be studying Auto Design in Coventry from September on wards if you would like a blast!
@@namegoeshere6638 In my eyes watching the growth from 12k subscribers he's more than worthy of the title motor journalist
I am a member of the guild of motoring writers if that helps!
The word "serious" was used an awful lot in this review. And that sums up the golf for me.
Forgotten about this car. Great review as always
Another nice video James.I would live to drive the Clubsport S someday,they really seemed to have gotten something very special with this car.From memory didn't Karsten Schebsdat,the Porsche engineer do a lot of work on the S?There are a lot of little differences between the S and other hot Golf's like the R,like aluminium subframe and brake rotors.It seems pretty remarkable that they can put that power and torque through the front wheels without it torque steering you into a hedge on your typical bumpy backroad.Hope the owner of the car in the video really gets to enjoy driving it,thanks for sharing a great car.Hopefully they will come down enough in price so I can afford one,but I think they will always be desirable.
Good car the clubsport S also just the clubsport if you want the practicality
The Clubsport/Clubsport S and now TCR are the best Golf's you can buy. Hate it when most just go straight for the R just for the crazy acceleration figures.
It looks so boring in comparison and they are usually on basic lease spec with no options.
The TCR is quicker to 200KM ☺
Congratulations on the win. Looks like a great event with lots of variety 👍
Cup tyres are a critical differentiator on the CSS. In the the wet the R will disappear. With Michelin PS4S tyres on the R, with a remap, the R is just as much fun in the dry. Am on my 2nd R
CSS with no doubt hold value well for future collectors.
Great review Jay. I'd love a Clubsport as it definitely is the best drivers Golf. Sadly I have children and I'm too old to bother changing gear so I'm slumming it in an R instead😫
Adding the price differentials would help with comparisons. Good review by the way
No Club sport in the States so had to do next best thing and install IS38 Turbo (and other mods) on my 2016 GTI SE. 300 HP in a 3000 lb car.
Really nice review. Would be interesting to see a review on a Mk5 Edition 30 and maybe a TCR too
Never owned any type Golf not yo say i wouldn't But owned a few hondas now the FK8 good review once again..
Filmed in my home city of hereford down the rotherwas industrial estate!!!
That’s my old car!!!!! I was the second owner. I bought it from Cameron’s in Perth Scotland. Nice. The original owner was from Kirkcaldy in fife. I put dynax wax under all the suspension to help protect it. If the current owner needs any info then feel free to contact me. Think I still have some of the original paperwork somewhere. Oh and the spare and rear boot liner was added by the owner that bought it of me. I’d suggest removing it as it suppress the exhaust sound. Good to see it being used.
Hi I’m the current owner it would be fantastic to have any paperwork to add to the history 👍👍👍
80s_90s_00s_cars
Hi mate. No worries I’ll have a look. The car was serviced at Cameron’s and had the year warranty ontop of the manufacturers. The guy that bought it of me was a chap called Rob Cunningham. He kept it for a year ish and then sold it to a dealer. Have you owned the car long? I have a good few photos of the work I did to the car. Also the PPf is expel so it should last a good few years.
Obsessed Closet Hi I bought the car in November last year and really enjoying it. As you know they are a fantastic drive. First car I’ve had with PPF and think it’s great. Any extra information would be fantastic. Probably best to message me through my Instagram account. Thanks, Ben.
I don’t have instagram.
These are super popular in Australia, I was going to get one but I snapped up a 350z instead
? VW Golf GTI Clubsport S.. in Australia?
@@Mexxx65 I meant GTIs in general
Same in South Africa, no one even buys the normal models
Mine is a 3 door MK6 and I was thinking of trading mine but since VW killed the 3 door, I will keep mine as long as it lasts!!
This guy has some collection of appreciating cars. Far more interesting then a room full of supercars imho
Thanks 👍👍
Quite fancy one of these, I’ve been looking at them for ages, I own a megane MK4 Trophy R and an R26.R, I’d certainly like a go in the Clubsport S
This car sums up why I bought a SEAT Leon Cupra 280 instead of a Golf GTI after testing each back to back. Clubsport is great but it’s too late to the party by about 5 years.
Fantastic car. Iconic S
That's a nice golf lighter than a lancia can't believe I wasn't subbed sooner
WHYYYY!, I'm desperately trying to tell myself there is no point in swapping my GTI for a clubsport S... now this, really not helping.
They are a cool Golf but for me, if I was to use one regularly (even daily it) I’d probably just buy a TCR.
Swap it mate
Just remap your golf gti it will make over 300bhp
You heard the man. It's destined to be a garage queen with the occasional track day for owners who don't faint everytime the odo thinks about moving. Just remove the back seats, get better front ones if you need them and get a remap and quality alloys. Make it truly your own, save cash and enjoy driving it not worrying about miles and collectability. Seems like a no-brainer to me but to each his own of course.
Why not buy a 3-door Golf R? Wish we had those in the USA.
Sounds great, fancy that though, usually folk just yawn and walk away but you didn't so that means it's a good'en!
I love the camera in the back
Another great review 👍
I'd love to have a go in one of these and compare it to my Cupra. Similar package but the manual and the weight reduction must really give it that 'old school hot hatch' feel. Hopefully these are all kept in good shape for years to come being a limited run. Having had a go in my Cupra, a friend of mine sold his tuned Golf R for a Megane RS, citing similar needs for more driver engagement. He did also go for a manual. A Clubsport S would probably have been a similar trade.
Got a Cupra and was thinking the same thing. Must be within 25-50kgs of each other and very similar in most other ways. Think it's possibly even the same diff.
@@toadscrote123321 James drove my Cupra so hoping he weighs in on this one. I imagine its the stripped rear and the manual that really brings out the character of the Clubsport S.
There’s a uk Clubsport S for sale on AT, Feb 28 th 2024, for £41,995. I wonder what the list was back in 2016? I would guess possibly more than this, so values are stable but its not an investment car.
It was £34k base with out AC. And a 2024???? They only made these in 2016 so something is not right.
James you're the only person I know who doesn't like alcantara, myself included.
i like the feel , but hate the dirt it collects .
I get car sick driving this on small tracks (the body roll is too much). Very fun on public roads though.
We don't get that car in the USA, unfortunately. We can only take a regular GTI, APR tune it, and add Michelin PSS tires. Or just get the R. But those beautiful seats are only for Europe.
Soooo... VW didn't do their market research homework properly back in 2014-2015 and came up with 240hp GTI in the world of 276hp hot hatch.
Looks like they didn't do their homework again last year and came up with a GBP33k 250hp GTI in the world of GBP30k 280-300hp hot hatch.
Uh. Damnit. If I'm in the market for hot hatches, and wanting a GTI, this Clubsport S or the TCR would be the first choice.
I have no interest in modern VWs or the golf R but these are simply epic.
Although, I'm not sure what the benefit of stripping the rear is though if they didn't want to put a roll cage in. If no roll cage, just sell it with back seats and if someone wants to make it lighter they'll take the seats out. Of course I'm sure the lack of roll cage would have absolutely nothing to do with setting nurburgring times..... ;)
Clubsport S the beat golf ever made and like you say .. will sit in collections undriven until the window regulators stop working (it’s a golf it WILL happen at some point!)
The aircon also saps power from the engine doesn't it, so it's a double whammy?
Only if it's on.
Decent car back on the channel
Reminds me of the R26R
If i was in my early 20's would of snapped one of these up great value for what it is.
These sports hatchbacks are tooooo expensive in UK market, just crazy!! The ALL NEW GTI sells for less than £19k in China, US and many places..
The euro spec is higher, so more expensive i'm afraid.
Canada pays the least for their Golfs. A loaded R in Canada is about $35,000 USD (US they’re $41,000)
Make comparison between this and civic type r.
Civic type r. Don't know the engine code factory turbo one is a better looking than this plus less up civic r that model on the road as well
@@thedoghandler1 I just spat my coffee out when you said the Civic is better looking then this. Yeah in the same way Caitlyn Jenner is better looking then Cindy Crawford😂😂
we love your job too....
Funny how this lightweight, stripped down mk7.5 golf, weighs the same as my stock mk6 manual
Lmao, no. Clubsport S weighs 1280 kg which is almost 100 kg lighter than regular mk6 gti that you mention.
This makes me wonder why there are people that buy the £72k megane RS Thropy when you can have this for £30/40k...
The Trophy-R without the carbon wheels and brakes can be had for just over 50k brand new.
Aw, no look at the Suzuki Swift Sport generations?
Did you mention something about an escort cosworth the other day? Will it be on the channel?
Yes
I think what makes the R not as fun is it’s additional weight
I am still mad at VW for not bringing this to us in the States.
Hi James, how does it compare with the Cupra Leon in terms of dynamics?
question would u taka a hothacht to your dream garage after this week
Should find a Corolla Supercharged and do a comparison against a GTI 30th edition.
I really want to know what mounts you use for the cameras on the exterior shots, most of them ive tried can’t stay on above 50mph
I would love a nice RWD hatch
M140i????
Best video title ever?
I think so
JayEmm on Cars well played sir
Would love one of these worth the premium
i thought lancias got lighter as time goes by :D
Great video. Das auto
Great car but they forgot big brakes
7:40 If they blocked out the rear windows I'd have been much more tempted by one of these...
So the Clubsport or the Civic type R ?
Makes me wanna rip out the rear seats of my Mk5 Golf GTI 😊
Please now borrow Andrew’s TCR..... and give us your opinion on that. 👍
Instantly Forgotton? - don't think so, 2016 ECOTY #2 Legend.
Quite a ‘Serious’Hot Hatch then....
Doesn't it have a lot of torque steer ? I would expect that with 300BHP FWD, or traction contol interfering a lot.
It’s got an lsd and traction control so it’s fine
LSD and TC won't stop torque steer entirely- only suspension geometry can do that but I imagine they've done a fairly good job of hiding it.
I've driven an FK8 and that didn't noticeably torque steer at all since it's got all the fancy geometry. Just because it stays straight doesn't mean it can put the power down of course- it just spins the wheels in a straight line instead. I also found it much less fun than people claim it is, but that's beside the point.
@@ApothecaryTerry You're right. But even suspension geometry has it's limitations. Usualy manufacturers reduce torque in lower gears to reduce torque steer. It's the cheapest way , and they can still boast that "it has 300BHP" , just only usable in good conditions and from 3rd gear onwards ;) A lot of trickery going on these days.
@@roymoorman5990 Definitely true, whatever they were doing that Civic was not able to put 300bhp down out of corners. Even in 3rd if you've got any steering lock on and floor it then it just spins the wheels. It's possible to make it go quickly, but I don't want to exhibit self control, I want to be an idiot and floor it (which is why I bought a Cayman S instead ☺)
@@roymoorman5990 My Megane rs has hardly any torque steer, only on very uneven surfaces. Google 'Perfohub'.
Get a focus St mk3
The gti is definitely better all round
But been the focus is a more fun car to drive
Rear wheel drive would be cool
Thats why BMW 1-series exists.
It’s the caddy gti!
4th today.......No
Polo GTI possibly James
Too bad they didn’t release these with a DSG. If I was in Europe the 3-door R would be the way to go. The US didn’t get a R w/sunroof or 3-doors.
That sucks for you lot. Its strange how the uk wish we had some of your cars and the usa wish some European cars. How ever no one would buy them over here as there way to big and your fuel is super cheap compared to ours.
Greatest Golf ever was the Mk I GTI
Great cars but not the the best Golf to drive.
Definitely one for GTi collector s. Just can't see the point of such a compromised hatchback, its still no real sports car. Love the regular mk7 GTi and though the 40th version would be interesting until I realised the MPG was just awful. It kind of stinks of VW building a car just for marketing that they've broken the ring record...
removing the aircon out of a hardcore awesome hot hatch is a crime. because that is just going to lead you to not take it out for a drive for every day driving, which is a crime itself.
Do a mk5 gti
I’d have one of these over an R every day of the week. Much better looking, with far more presence, but I’d have a normal GTI over an R. Interesting re the weight given how much everyone moans about the weight of modern cars.
Who dislikes this guys videos?
Wasn't there also a GTI TCR edition or was that the next gen Mk7?
TCR is a better car
Clubsport S is the full-insanity version of the Mk7. The TCR is the Mk 7.5 hot version but nowhere near as crazy- it's got less power, it's auto-only, has all the seats and no rollcage.
dazgreen it’s a better daily or all rounder for sure but I doubt it’s the better car in outright driving performance terms
a Bliss yeah the s is better around a track but it a big compromise isn’t it. I think a regular clubsport with a remap, exhaust and intercooler is the way. Still got back seats then
Apothecary Terry neither have a factory roll cage
Gotta get me clubsport s
Well I am shocked how quite that is. sounds muted to hell. Give me a old golf de cat R32 sounds super mean and like my zed balls loud and super obnoxious at low speeds never mind high rpms. Love a loud exhaust but has to be a nice note.
This is about my 30th comment to ask you if you can please;
*REVIEW A HONDA CIVIC JORDAN*
PLEASE!!
I don't think he has the ability to magically make these cars appear- someone who owns one has to offer it for review. Perhaps if you're that bothered you should go find an owner and get them to contact James...
Yeah you can ask as much as you like Jamie, and I would love to be able to do it, but I do indeed need an owner to come to me with a car for me to be able to make it happen
@@JayEmmOnCars But while you're at it a review of the Abarth 1500 Biposto would be great, thanks ☺
@@JayEmmOnCars
Ok well at least I've gotten my message across.
Hopefully soon, someone will appear with one.
I sold my one back in 2013 and it was a huge mistake.
I've always wondered what other people's opinions of the car would be.
Love the car but I dont track my dailys so my Manual Mk7 Golf R 3 door fits so well and my subscribers love them. Nothing against this car as its awesome but pound for pound a Golf R is a sensational daily driver all things considered 👍My RUclips channel hopefully portraits that 😁
Shameless plug of your own channel lol
@@dennisb5319 If people like Jay's content on this clubsport S they might like mine is the theory. Plus I did enjoy the video 👍
Had a drive in both the Golf R and the Clubsport S then bought the Clubsport S.........
@@s_s_s_cars To drive 100% no contest between the two but as a daily it's a bit harder to justify.
Sam A true👍
Doesn't seem like they sold this in the US, too bad.
I have a clubsport, and im gonna sell it for a................ clubsport S. I found one with just 800 km so its new
Looking for US comments about VW reliability :/
53k miles on my 3-door GTI S. Not a single issue. After watching this vid, I want to find funds to convert mine to CS spec!
Gray Panther I had an alignment issue with my old MkIV back in the day, but both my MkVI and MkVII have been fine. They are great daily drivers, good enough Clarkson.
93455Driver I miss my MKIV, but the salt rotted away at it and it got to be annoying to replace a component every month it felt like. 15 winters is a long time, but tranny and engine were very strong and reliable even with 150k miles.