Clubsport advice

[davyk31]

I used to be on this forum when I firstly had a Mk 7 and then a 7.5 GTI. Strayed away 3 years ago to BMW but now back to find out more about the Mk8 GTI models. I also have an ID.3 so am pretty familiar with what to expect.

Don’t want to wait for ever and according to the configurator a Clubsport can no longer be ordered. Is that due to parts issues or what is the reason.

By my little research it seems the Clubsport is the one to go for unless I’m missing something. Likely would go for a used one but absolutely needs to have 19” wheels which so many do not seem to have.

[davyk31]

Thanks. Agree the CS looks better and will be more desirable when selling on. There are a lot more standard GTI for sale at a good bit less than a CS but think if I go for it I will hold out for a nice CS. Seen a few 2021 at around £35k, does that seem about right? Would prefer to buy new but can’t wait 2 years and would likely have spotted something else by that time.

[davyk31]

How do you find the CS compared to your 7.5 Gti? I also had a 7.5 Gti and part of me thinks save some cash and just get another one but another part of me says that is a bit boring to repeat a car and go for the Mk 8.

[davyk31]

I also have an ID.3 so the software should be similar I imagine and I find it perfectly fine. All on the screen but that is ok once you get used to it.

[Exonian]

After 21 months in mine I can heartily recommend a mk8 Clubsport.
I very much doubt the mk8 R is dull but have never been near one to find out. If paying the £40k tax I think I’d rather pay it on an R than any GTI iteration though (unless a limited run special maybe).

If it were me I’d bin the ID.3 and get a Cupra Born e-Boost, forgetting a mk8 Golf and get something a bit older that had more character as a second car.

But I’m not you, so a Clubsport is very good and 19” wheels are very easy to source separately to the car this allowing you free choice of rubber boots too as the factory tyres generally aren’t inspiring choices.

[Foxy367]

How do you find the CS compared to your 7.5 Gti? I also had a 7.5 Gti and part of me thinks save some cash and just get another one but another part of me says that is a bit boring to repeat a car and go for the Mk 8.

I came for a 7.5 GTI Performance to a 21 plate Clubsport. Mine is as basic as they come spec wise with the 18's and no heated seats. Do I miss them? On really really cold days perhaps but it warms up quick and the heated steering wheel offsets it.

To drive its fantastic, the diff is a step up again and the speed over ground is phenomenal, traction off the line seems ok unless its wet considering its 300ps and FWD its not surprising but rolling there's not a lot that will trouble it.

UI I find fine I've quickly got used to it and find it fairly intuitive. Most of the issues have been ironed out with the 1896 software update (look out for that) but still get the occasional bing and bong from sensors not being available. I'm getting very friendly with the local VW service centre!!!

[WelshGolf]

I also came from a 7.5 Gti Performance to a 22 plate Clubsport and would say it's a step up. The clubsport's power increase is noticeable and seems to have a better power band, I felt the 7.5gti dropped off a bit too quick in the revs. Mine has 19" wheels purely for aesthetic reasons. Ride is fine for me but then i've never owned a car with soft suspension! Infotainment system is all good for me, no bugs and all easy to use. Yes it would of been better with a couple more physical buttons but it's not as bad as I was expecting.

The second had prices are still silly at the moment, there are basic spec ones 1 year old cars with 12,000 miles on them asking more than what I paid new! There is even a delivery mileage one on there for £48k!