The 2021 VW Golf GTI Clubsport is a proper rival to the likes of the Honda Civic Type R, Hyundai i30 N and Renault Megane R.S. and during a recent track test, Sport Auto pitted it against the Honda for a flying lap around the Hockenheimring.
Powering the Golf GTI Clubsport is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder punching out 296 hp and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm), serious gains from the 242 hp and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) mustered up by the standard Golf GTI. VW was able to extract the extra power thanks to an enlarged intercooler, a new Continental turbocharger, and retuned ECU software.
Coupled to this engine is a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission driving the front wheels and allowing the car to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in less than 6.0 seconds and reach a 155 mph (250 km/h) top speed. It all sounds rather impressive. However, is it enough to upset the current king of front-wheel drive hot hatches, the Honda Civic Type R?
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During the onboard video of the VW’s lap, we can see that it puts power to the ground very well and doesn’t suffer from much understeer, no doubt helping its time. The DSG also shifts through the gears at lightening speeds. The Golf GTI Clubsport set a best lap time of 2:02.7 on the German track.
By comparison, the Civic Type R is sold exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, meaning the driver has a little more to think about. It recorded a best time of 2:02.8, just one-tenth behind the VW.
So, the two hot hatches were neck-and-neck at the circuit. Now, which one would you rather drive, the new Golf GTI Clubsport or the Civic Type R?