Picked up my Clubsport on Thursday from the local dealer who have been great.
I went for a 3 door in Silver with the buckets and dynaudio. The silver really contrasts with the black parts of the Clubsport and I will post pictures when I figure out how to do this but there have been plenty of posts with images of shiny new Clubsports - no regrets on colour choice or spec.
The seats are fantastic and thankfully no squeaks (yet!) they are super supportive, comfortable and looks the bees knees. I love the nice little features such as the small recall badge on the side of the bolster etc. The other special parts are great too, the steering wheel has a great feel, I just hope it is durable.
Mine was allocated number 275 so I am not sure how these numbers are allocated - I ordered end of August. I would really like to understand how many were sold in total - can anyone confirm? I went for the standard wheels, which I love and probably would have specced them as an option due to the weight and the classic look of them.
First drive, the throttle response is improved so no immediate need for a pedal box - much of the lag experienced in the standard GTI has been removed. The gear change is more positive - perhaps the engine and transmission mounts are firmer, I am not sure but in my previous car I installed a 034 dog bone mount to firm things up a bit but do not think it is needed in this car. The steering initially felt too light which I am sure is due to the wheels. I understand they are around 5 kg lighter each corner, which will have a huge influence at speed. The steering is direct and has a great feel especially when pushing on. I found out yesterday when I took the car round some local roads A272, A32 and some of the smaller roads I used to ride years ago. You really feel the difference in the car once it is loaded and I am seriously impressed. It feels a very different car to the standard GTI. My previous car was a non PP, so may be the PP has some of the qualities I am experiencing with the Clubsport but it feels mostly suspension/bushing related. The car's control is just fantastic, it is more pointy, it feels tauter and simply more precise but it has not lost any of the compliancy. The car feels fluid and it absorbs undulations and bumps etc without getting unsettled. The car is shod with S001s at the moment. Perhaps VW have improved the OEM spec. If not then I cannot imagine how good the car will be with a good tyre!
Traction is great too and throttle inputs that would have engaged the TC in the previous car - in this car, it just translates to forward motion. Perhaps the GTI with the smaller turbo has a more aggressive initial torque delivery, which results in the traction issues.
Brakes compared to non PP seem a little stronger but the difference is not that noticeable however I have not just them in earnest yet. The engine is smooth and pulls very well but with only 150 miles on the clock, it still feels tight and I have not gone over 5000 revs but with full throttle in 3,4 or 5 the car feels quick. I will update when the car has more miles on the clock. The exhaust sounds better, it has a nice burble to it and The sound seems to get deeper just over 5000 revs so I cannot wait to really stretch the car as the extra power should be more noticeable at the top end as there are only 20 additional torques at the lower end but you can feel a difference. I will wait until at least 500 miles before given the car some proper beans.
So I am very smitten an look forward to owning this car for many years. Would be interested to hear the views of other UK Clubsport owners. Thanks to Scanesare for his great reviews. It was your reviews that made be order the car in the first place, so thank you.
