Golf on a Sunday took on new meaning as we drove Volkswagen’s arsenal of Golf-based performance hatchbacks over the weekend.
Getting out of bed early on a Sunday morning is a struggle for most people, but a chance to drive some of Wolfsburg’s finest hot hatches makes all the effort worthwhile. At our disposal was the Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance Pack, Golf R, Scirocco R and the new GTI Clubsport. The route for the day included excellent stretches of road through Malmesbury, Ceres and Villiersdorp. All the vehicles were equipped with DSG twin-clutch transmissions that made for lightning-fast gear changes. The experience was memorable and the performance offered by each car was surprisingly different. Let's take a closer look…
Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance Pack
Judging the Performance Pack by its "slightly warmed-up GTI" reputation does it a disservice. A superbly balanced machine.
It may have been the least powerful vehicle on this outing with 169 kW and 350 Nm of torque, but the Golf GTI Performance Pack exhibits good pace and its handling was put to the test through some tight bends. It offers more involvement than the standard Volkswagen Golf GTI, without compromising on premium feel or ride quality.
Read our review of the Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance Pack here!
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport
The Clubsport is a favourite of the Cars.co.za test team and a reacquaintance just confirmed our feelings.
The newest addition to the GTI range is the Clubsport. We’ve tested it extensively and came away mightily impressed. It was great to pilot the Clubsport again and it continued to thrill us with its pin-sharp handling, fun to drive characteristics and exhilarating engine note. The GTI Clubsport packs a serious punch delivered from its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine offering 195 kW and 350 Nm of torque. But that's not all, for 10 seconds with your foot planted flat, the Clubsport will kick into overboost (where power is momentarily bumped up to 213 kW and 380 Nm of torque).
Read a review of the Volkswagen Golf Clubsport here!
Watch a video feature on the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport
Volkswagen Golf R
The flagship of the Golf range. When rain is pouring down, the R's 4-wheel drivetrain is certain to make its presence felt.
The Golf R is a complete all-rounder and it's very quick thanks to a combination of all-wheel drive and its DSG transmission. In this company, however, it felt mature and tame, especially when compared to the fiery GTI Clubsport. The Golf R is fitted with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine developing 206 kW and 380 Nm of torque – figures not to be scoffed at. It’s a stellar car and it will remain to be one of the most accomplished performance hatchbacks on the road today.
Drag Race: VW Golf R vs Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG (Video)
Watch a video feature on the Golf R
Volkswagen Scirocco R
The fact that the Scirocco R remains enthralling to this day speaks volumes for its compelling packaging.
The surprise of the day was the Scirocco R. Launched way back in 2010/2011, the Scirocco R is no spring chicken, yet it still offers performance and features on par with cars of 2016. With 188 kW and 350 Nm of torque mustered from its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, power reaches the front wheels through a fast-shifting DSG transmission. The Scirocco R will spin its front wheels if you push it hard from standstill, but once it gains traction, performance is mega. Those large exhausts aren't just for show either, they produce a tremendous boom under full acceleration.
Drag Race: VW Scirocco R vs VW Golf R
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