Golf GTI Clubsport or R?
Discussion
Hi everyone - new member here! 
I'm currently considering a new car.
I have always been drawn to the more purposeful (uncompromised, if you will) drivers cars, e.g. Mini JCW GP, M3 GT, M3 CSL, GT3s, Boxster Spyder and Cayman GT4. Being in college, those cars have remained mere dreams, however.
Fast forward to today and I have graduated and sold my previous car. I am now considering one car to do it all. Summers and winters. Mostly spirited driving (no commuting what so ever), a few roadtrips here and there as well as the occasional grocery-getting. Sure I'd love an M2 but that won't be happening yet. I would also like the ability to bring my bike in the back.
I've been strangely attracted to the GTI Clubsport ever since it was released. Some additional power over the regular GTI and finally the looks to boot. Oh, and don't even get me started on those Recaro bucket seats and that alcantara steering wheel. This, coupled with the versatility of the hatch, and the typical german fit and finish I have come to expect after my previous cars, makes it a seriously compelling package.
I visited my dealer last weekend in order to test one. Unfortunately they had not arrived yet, but I got to try a GTI Performance and a Golf R Estate. I was seriously impressed by the R. With those 300hp, it really left a much bigger impression. Felt glued to the road, and seriously quick - whereas the GTI struggled a bit to get its 230hp down. The R definitely sounded better as well. I was told the Clubsport would be a different experience altogether, however.
Did anyone here get a chance to drive the Clubsport yet - if so, how did it compare to the Golf R? Which sounded better, and ultimately - which was more fun?
I did manage to get a quote on the GTI Clubsport however. As a fairly standard car, with the optional Recaros, Bi-Xenon/LED-lights, folding rear-view mirrors and the rear-view camera, it ended up around £31k after discount.
However, VW are now running an offer on the Golf R which is really hard to resist. The Golf R is normally a £40k car where I'm located. Currently, VW offers it for £33k, which also includes £2-3k worth of extras as standard - e.g. the Dynaudio system, Keyless Access, 19" Pretoria wheels, Tinted windows, et.c. Adding the rear-view camera and folding mirrors, it ended up at £33k after discount. It's also available as an Estate with the DSG gearbox for the same price, but that car is bog-standard. Manual gearbox would be my preferred choice, however.
Residuals are an important point. The Clubsport has the advantage of being a very rare car, whereas the Golf R on the other hand has the advantage of being offered at a serious discount, which I believe would offset some of the depreciation during the first year.
Where I live, we tend to get plenty of snow. The Haldex system in the Golf R would definitely come in handy, and would also make for a more fun car during the winter I believe. But would it be too dull and lifeless during the summer?
Finally, my main gripe with the R is that it simply doesn't feel special enough compared to the Clubsport, in the looks department. It looks rather dull and boring, and could easily be mistaken for a regular Golf with the R-package. The Clubsport on the other hand is on a completely different level.
Considering the above, what would you recommend and why? Thanks in advance!
I should add that the Civic Type R, Focus RS and Subaru STI are out of the question unfortunately, as they are plenty more expensive here - and I cannot stand the interiors of either. Both the S3 and M140 are quite a lot more expensive as well.
I'm currently considering a new car.
I have always been drawn to the more purposeful (uncompromised, if you will) drivers cars, e.g. Mini JCW GP, M3 GT, M3 CSL, GT3s, Boxster Spyder and Cayman GT4. Being in college, those cars have remained mere dreams, however. Fast forward to today and I have graduated and sold my previous car. I am now considering one car to do it all. Summers and winters. Mostly spirited driving (no commuting what so ever), a few roadtrips here and there as well as the occasional grocery-getting. Sure I'd love an M2 but that won't be happening yet. I would also like the ability to bring my bike in the back.
I've been strangely attracted to the GTI Clubsport ever since it was released. Some additional power over the regular GTI and finally the looks to boot. Oh, and don't even get me started on those Recaro bucket seats and that alcantara steering wheel. This, coupled with the versatility of the hatch, and the typical german fit and finish I have come to expect after my previous cars, makes it a seriously compelling package.
I visited my dealer last weekend in order to test one. Unfortunately they had not arrived yet, but I got to try a GTI Performance and a Golf R Estate. I was seriously impressed by the R. With those 300hp, it really left a much bigger impression. Felt glued to the road, and seriously quick - whereas the GTI struggled a bit to get its 230hp down. The R definitely sounded better as well. I was told the Clubsport would be a different experience altogether, however.
Did anyone here get a chance to drive the Clubsport yet - if so, how did it compare to the Golf R? Which sounded better, and ultimately - which was more fun?
I did manage to get a quote on the GTI Clubsport however. As a fairly standard car, with the optional Recaros, Bi-Xenon/LED-lights, folding rear-view mirrors and the rear-view camera, it ended up around £31k after discount.
However, VW are now running an offer on the Golf R which is really hard to resist. The Golf R is normally a £40k car where I'm located. Currently, VW offers it for £33k, which also includes £2-3k worth of extras as standard - e.g. the Dynaudio system, Keyless Access, 19" Pretoria wheels, Tinted windows, et.c. Adding the rear-view camera and folding mirrors, it ended up at £33k after discount. It's also available as an Estate with the DSG gearbox for the same price, but that car is bog-standard. Manual gearbox would be my preferred choice, however.
Residuals are an important point. The Clubsport has the advantage of being a very rare car, whereas the Golf R on the other hand has the advantage of being offered at a serious discount, which I believe would offset some of the depreciation during the first year.
Where I live, we tend to get plenty of snow. The Haldex system in the Golf R would definitely come in handy, and would also make for a more fun car during the winter I believe. But would it be too dull and lifeless during the summer?
Finally, my main gripe with the R is that it simply doesn't feel special enough compared to the Clubsport, in the looks department. It looks rather dull and boring, and could easily be mistaken for a regular Golf with the R-package. The Clubsport on the other hand is on a completely different level.
Considering the above, what would you recommend and why? Thanks in advance!
I should add that the Civic Type R, Focus RS and Subaru STI are out of the question unfortunately, as they are plenty more expensive here - and I cannot stand the interiors of either. Both the S3 and M140 are quite a lot more expensive as well.
GTi all the way. The R is a soulless car and you'll get bored of it after a while. The engine noise sounds fake, the interior is rather dull, and (most importantly) it doesn't look much whereas the GTI looks good and will always feel special.
And the R also has those t
tty four exhausts out the back.
And the R also has those t
tty four exhausts out the back.CerberusRogue said:
GTi all the way. The R is a soulless car and you'll get bored of it after a while. The engine noise sounds fake, the interior is rather dull, and (most importantly) it doesn't look much whereas the GTI looks good and will always feel special.
And the R also has those ttty four exhausts out the back.
Someone couldn't stretch the bank loan to RRP of an R And the R also has those t
tty four exhausts out the back.
CerberusRogue said:
GTi all the way. The R is a soulless car and you'll get bored of it after a while. The engine noise sounds fake, the interior is rather dull, and (most importantly) it doesn't look much whereas the GTI looks good and will always feel special.
And the R also has those ttty four exhausts out the back.
Soulless - With the same basic engine I struggle to see how the GTI would be any different then.And the R also has those t
tty four exhausts out the back.Fake engine noise - can be turned off.
Dull interior - same as the GTI. A different finish on the steering wheel and seats is not significantly different.
Dull looks - same as the GTI, bar badging and 2 extra pipes.
I really can see why somebody would go for a club sport but your stated reasons seem a little superficial
Husaberk said:
CerberusRogue said:
GTi all the way. The R is a soulless car and you'll get bored of it after a while. The engine noise sounds fake, the interior is rather dull, and (most importantly) it doesn't look much whereas the GTI looks good and will always feel special.
And the R also has those ttty four exhausts out the back.
Soulless - With the same basic engine I struggle to see how the GTI would be any different then.And the R also has those t
tty four exhausts out the back.Fake engine noise - can be turned off.
Dull interior - same as the GTI. A different finish on the steering wheel and seats is not significantly different.
Dull looks - same as the GTI, bar badging and 2 extra pipes.
I really can see why somebody would go for a club sport but your stated reasons seem a little superficial
CerberusRogue said:
Ooops, looks like I've upset the "Golf R on a lease" brigade.
Not at all. I don't even have a golf R. I just find it funny how you obviously own a GTI and are trying to make it seem much rarer and superior to it's big brother.The GTI is lesser to the R in every sense. Sorry if that hurts your feelings.
GTI Clubsport is sold out I think so that leaves you with a choice of GTI or R.
The GTI is a much rarer car, I've seen 3 since January compared to a lot of R's. The GTI is the better car if you're concerned about fuel economy.
I went for an R. The cost difference between the 2 was worth it for the all extra stuff you get as well as more power and 4WD. Loving the R as a daily driver so far. Not much compares in terms of power, specification and cost.
The GTI is a much rarer car, I've seen 3 since January compared to a lot of R's. The GTI is the better car if you're concerned about fuel economy.
I went for an R. The cost difference between the 2 was worth it for the all extra stuff you get as well as more power and 4WD. Loving the R as a daily driver so far. Not much compares in terms of power, specification and cost.
The R has no soul, it sounds fake, they're everywhere on the road because of the lease deals... you really don't turn your head twice to look at them. I see less MK7 GTI's around by a long way, not to mention the clubsport, for that alone I'd sway towards the GTI.
The only latter Golf with real soul is the R32. Yes they aren't particularly fast and they're getting old now but a future classic with a real exhaust note and a proper engine.
Have you considered a second hand MK6 R or do you only wish to consider the MK7 range?
Apologies, majority of the above is off topic and of course just my personal opinion...
I'd go for the clubsport. It looks better, there's hardly any around and you'll feel 'different' as opposed to just another MK7 R driver. Realistically, unless you plan on enhancing the power, I don't think you'll miss the 4WD. If you plan on remaps/bigger power then yes the R does have a big advantage with power delivery.
The only latter Golf with real soul is the R32. Yes they aren't particularly fast and they're getting old now but a future classic with a real exhaust note and a proper engine.
Have you considered a second hand MK6 R or do you only wish to consider the MK7 range?
Apologies, majority of the above is off topic and of course just my personal opinion...
I'd go for the clubsport. It looks better, there's hardly any around and you'll feel 'different' as opposed to just another MK7 R driver. Realistically, unless you plan on enhancing the power, I don't think you'll miss the 4WD. If you plan on remaps/bigger power then yes the R does have a big advantage with power delivery.
ashleyman said:
GTI Clubsport is sold out I think so that leaves you with a choice of GTI or R.
The GTI is a much rarer car, I've seen 3 since January compared to a lot of R's. The GTI is the better car if you're concerned about fuel economy.
I went for an R. The cost difference between the 2 was worth it for the all extra stuff you get as well as more power and 4WD. Loving the R as a daily driver so far. Not much compares in terms of power, specification and cost.
I think you'll find the Clubsport S is sold out, not the Clubsport 40 Edition, which is what I believe the OP is referring too. The GTI is a much rarer car, I've seen 3 since January compared to a lot of R's. The GTI is the better car if you're concerned about fuel economy.
I went for an R. The cost difference between the 2 was worth it for the all extra stuff you get as well as more power and 4WD. Loving the R as a daily driver so far. Not much compares in terms of power, specification and cost.
I would go for the GTi Clubsport 40 Edition. I've driven a 3 door R and although very quick unfortunately I too thought it was soulless. It is a very capable car and does everything brilliantly but it is just a little bit dull.
I was speaking with a MK7 GTi owner recently who has had fitted the IS38 turbo, bigger intercooler, an Akrapovic exhaust and other bits to his car and he's running 401bhp. I asked him why he didn't buy a R and his response was the same as many others, it is a great car but a little dull. That's why he bought the GTi and speant another few thousand pounds modifying it to what he wanted.
Edited by Andy OH on Monday 8th August 13:24
If it was my money I'd rather have the Clubsport. Not because I think the R is a worse car but rather the Clubsport appeals to me more - I'm unsure why, it just does.
Overall though, I'm not a fan of the rear of the Mk7 Golf so would probably purchase the best Mk6 R I could find as an alternative to both.
Overall though, I'm not a fan of the rear of the Mk7 Golf so would probably purchase the best Mk6 R I could find as an alternative to both.
MrBarry123 said:
If it was my money I'd rather have the Clubsport. Not because I think the R is a worse car but rather the Clubsport appeals to me more - I'm unsure why, it just does.
Overall though, I'm not a fan of the rear of the Mk7 Golf so would probably purchase the best Mk6 R I could find as an alternative to both.
Totally agree with this. MK6 R is a better looking car, especially rear end and you hardly see any on the roads as they weren't part of a huge lease brigade.Overall though, I'm not a fan of the rear of the Mk7 Golf so would probably purchase the best Mk6 R I could find as an alternative to both.
JRC1 said:
MrBarry123 said:
If it was my money I'd rather have the Clubsport. Not because I think the R is a worse car but rather the Clubsport appeals to me more - I'm unsure why, it just does.
Overall though, I'm not a fan of the rear of the Mk7 Golf so would probably purchase the best Mk6 R I could find as an alternative to both.
Totally agree with this. MK6 R is a better looking car, especially rear end and you hardly see any on the roads as they weren't part of a huge lease brigade.Overall though, I'm not a fan of the rear of the Mk7 Golf so would probably purchase the best Mk6 R I could find as an alternative to both.
So are people are essentially suggesting the R is boring purely because it's 4WD? I think that opinion might change when an R walks away from a CS at the lights and on a wet and cold back road!
I think your main issue with the R appears to be based on how people fund it.
SuperchargedVR6 said:
But you can apply the same FWD vs 4WD argument with the MK6 R as well. I.e get the MK5 Edition 30 instead. Same engine, just FWD.
So are people are essentially suggesting the R is boring purely because it's 4WD? I think that opinion might change when an R walks away from a CS at the lights and on a wet and cold back road!
I think your main issue with the R appears to be based on how people fund it.
Out of interest, are there many back roads with traffic lightS? Just wondering, as I don't think I've ever come across one.So are people are essentially suggesting the R is boring purely because it's 4WD? I think that opinion might change when an R walks away from a CS at the lights and on a wet and cold back road!
I think your main issue with the R appears to be based on how people fund it.
Andy OH said:
I think you'll find the Clubsport S is sold out, not the Clubsport 40 Edition, which is what I believe the OP is referring too.
I would go for the GTi Clubsport 40 Edition. I've driven a 3 door R and although very quick unfortunately I too thought it was soulless. It is a very capable car and does everything brilliantly but it is just a little bit dull.
I was speaking with a MK7 GTi owner recently who has had fitted the IS38 turbo, bigger intercooler, an Akrapovic exhaust and other bits to his car and he's running 401bhp. I asked him why he didn't buy a R and his response was the same as many others, it is a great car but a little dull. That's why he bought the GTi and speant another few thousand pounds modifying it to what he wanted.
Ah, that makes sense. I would go for the GTi Clubsport 40 Edition. I've driven a 3 door R and although very quick unfortunately I too thought it was soulless. It is a very capable car and does everything brilliantly but it is just a little bit dull.
I was speaking with a MK7 GTi owner recently who has had fitted the IS38 turbo, bigger intercooler, an Akrapovic exhaust and other bits to his car and he's running 401bhp. I asked him why he didn't buy a R and his response was the same as many others, it is a great car but a little dull. That's why he bought the GTi and speant another few thousand pounds modifying it to what he wanted.
Edited by Andy OH on Monday 8th August 13:24
I've got an R in 5dr DSG format and would agree it is a little boring but very, very capable. I do get frustrated as you can never full push it to its limits on public roads whist staying legal but it is a very good car.
Personally I went for the R as it suited my circumstances for the price point. But it's up to the OP to decide whats best. I see quite a few R's around me but never any MK7 GTI's. My R isn't on lease and I wouldn't think the others locally to me are either based on the specs (they'd be expensive leases) but who knows. Still a great car if a little boring!
I was in a similar dilemma end of last year apart from it was either the R or the gti pp
I ended up in the gti and it's a lovely car I've not had any traction issues either as I don't set off like a stabbed rat! Remember the haldex only works under certain conditions otherwise you're just dragging an extra 80kg around
(Before anyone says I chose a gti because I couldn't afford an R my car with all its options was 36k before discount so I could have afforded the R)
Me personally prefer the looks of the gti but it's your choice
If it was no compromise I'd go for the clubsport S and use orangewheels or carwow to gauge your discount as some dealers make it look like they're doing you a favour when you could actually save more
I ended up in the gti and it's a lovely car I've not had any traction issues either as I don't set off like a stabbed rat! Remember the haldex only works under certain conditions otherwise you're just dragging an extra 80kg around
(Before anyone says I chose a gti because I couldn't afford an R my car with all its options was 36k before discount so I could have afforded the R)
Me personally prefer the looks of the gti but it's your choice
If it was no compromise I'd go for the clubsport S and use orangewheels or carwow to gauge your discount as some dealers make it look like they're doing you a favour when you could actually save more
lee_fr200 said:
I was in a similar dilemma end of last year apart from it was either the R or the gti pp
I ended up in the gti and it's a lovely car I've not had any traction issues either as I don't set off like a stabbed rat! Remember the haldex only works under certain conditions otherwise you're just dragging an extra 80kg around
(Before anyone says I chose a gti because I couldn't afford an R my car with all its options was 36k before discount so I could have afforded the R)
Me personally prefer the looks of the gti but it's your choice
If it was no compromise I'd go for the clubsport S and use orangewheels or carwow to gauge your discount as some dealers make it look like they're doing you a favour when you could actually save more
No one was discounting the Clubsport S as there were only 150 cars coming in to the UK and they are all sold out. I missed out on one as I took too long deciding whether to buy one or not.. The GTi Clubsport 40 Edition is still available and probably at a discount via Carwow or Orangewheels.I ended up in the gti and it's a lovely car I've not had any traction issues either as I don't set off like a stabbed rat! Remember the haldex only works under certain conditions otherwise you're just dragging an extra 80kg around
(Before anyone says I chose a gti because I couldn't afford an R my car with all its options was 36k before discount so I could have afforded the R)
Me personally prefer the looks of the gti but it's your choice
If it was no compromise I'd go for the clubsport S and use orangewheels or carwow to gauge your discount as some dealers make it look like they're doing you a favour when you could actually save more
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