Clubsport S - Colours, Spec & Info ...

[wigit]

GTI is iconic but not a halo, i think it is great VW have released the S and if i was going to buy a VW it would be a Clubsport or a Clubsport S as it has that something special that you can never quantify by numbers

The  emissions debarcle has hit the sporting Golfs linked with sheer number of Rs on the road which has hit all residuals of the non limited models.

My dealer approached me about the CS as I was first to express and interest but in reality I would've had to pass on the M2, I know its more common but just feels a bit more engaging

I had turned my bacon VW but when you can get a R estate for £200 a month then they can take my money

[volkswizard]

The dealer checked with VW on database and just 7 slots were left available on launch day as of 1st August ...

Interesting, do you know how many they could select for themselves, say for example you wanted to buy 7 units?

The press release categorically said all slots gone "on release" - I guess allowing for a day of processing orders (1/8), it would depend at what point in the day that the dealer checked the database.

[GT4]

GTI is iconic but not a halo, i think it is great VW have released the S and if i was going to buy a VW it would be a Clubsport or a Clubsport S as it has that something special that you can never quantify by numbers

The  emissions debarcle has hit the sporting Golfs linked with sheer number of Rs on the road which has hit all residuals of the non limited models.

My dealer approached me about the CS as I was first to express and interest but in reality I would've had to pass on the M2, I know its more common but just feels a bit more engaging

I had turned my bacon VW but when you can get a R estate for £200 a month then they can take my money

I had a build slot for an M2 but returned my deposit ...!

I think BMW are playing games with the M2, saying its a limited build car, which it is definitely not! Being aware of the speculation on the 1M ... I thought their lack of transparency quite alarming and at virtually £50k thought it to be too much money for a mass produced BMW and didn't want to lose £££ over the next few years so pulled the plug on that car - hence my deposit for the CS-S at £34k

[Snoopy]

As far as VW are concerned the R is the flagship model and the GTI is a niche model (sub-brand) in its own right. The GTI was always the best balance of the range between sporty and useable but since the mk6 R the GTI seems to have been usurped a little, mostly due to the balance of traction versus torque has been tipped towards 4wd powertrains as uber hatches take over from 'mere' hot hatches. Time and progress march on. Plus the mk7 R offers relative value for money and has become the darling of those wishing to tune rather than the GTI. In other words the GTI has been massively diluted. Not for the first time either.

VW have done their publicity bit, they've gone as far as they wanted to, most likely because the mk7 Golf as we know it is drawing to a close. Production of the model is weeks away from ceasing.
The new Golf mk7.5 will get the fanfares it requires globally next year.
VW have a reputation to mend and a limited run GTI with bits borrowed off the Leon Sub8 might keep the GTI in focus but it's not going to untarnish an image wrecked by emissions fraud.

As a GTI owner on and off (more on than off) for nearly 30 years even I am not that interested in the CSS or 'Ring times. I'll leave that model to the speculators, traders looking to make a quick buck, those who have a VW related business to promote with one and the odd collector or two.
On that note I shall eject myself from this thread as I'm irrelevant. I only dropped by to try and explain why VW as a group didn't act like a specialist Porsche division on a dead in the water production model when they're in a huge turmoil with a global scandal the will require them to focus as much as possible on low emissions models.

Must agree with evwrything your saying. In my opinion the GTI died and became a marketing label when VW replaced its halo status with the VR -> R brands.
As a GTI owner for over 25 years I also dont think the CSS even conforms to what VW use to have as criteria for the GTI. It all seems to be marketing now all my opinion of cause.
If I was in the market for a car with only 2 seats I wouldnt be buying a golf.
So like you I will leave them to the speculators

[GT4]

As far as VW are concerned the R is the flagship model and the GTI is a niche model (sub-brand) in its own right. The GTI was always the best balance of the range between sporty and useable but since the mk6 R the GTI seems to have been usurped a little, mostly due to the balance of traction versus torque has been tipped towards 4wd powertrains as uber hatches take over from 'mere' hot hatches. Time and progress march on. Plus the mk7 R offers relative value for money and has become the darling of those wishing to tune rather than the GTI. In other words the GTI has been massively diluted. Not for the first time either.

VW have done their publicity bit, they've gone as far as they wanted to, most likely because the mk7 Golf as we know it is drawing to a close. Production of the model is weeks away from ceasing.
The new Golf mk7.5 will get the fanfares it requires globally next year.
VW have a reputation to mend and a limited run GTI with bits borrowed off the Leon Sub8 might keep the GTI in focus but it's not going to untarnish an image wrecked by emissions fraud.

As a GTI owner on and off (more on than off) for nearly 30 years even I am not that interested in the CSS or 'Ring times. I'll leave that model to the speculators, traders looking to make a quick buck, those who have a VW related business to promote with one and the odd collector or two.
On that note I shall eject myself from this thread as I'm irrelevant. I only dropped by to try and explain why VW as a group didn't act like a specialist Porsche division on a dead in the water production model when they're in a huge turmoil with a global scandal the will require them to focus as much as possible on low emissions models.

Must agree with evwrything your saying. In my opinion the GTI died and became a marketing label when VW replaced its halo status with the VR -> R brands.
As a GTI owner for over 25 years I also dont think the CSS even conforms to what VW use to have as criteria for the GTI. It all seems to be marketing now all my opinion of cause.
If I was in the market for a car with only 2 seats I wouldnt be buying a golf.
So like you I will leave them to the speculators

Snoopy

The CS-S has just been praised by The Top Gear Team in its COTY 2016 and made it to the Final 5 alongside some serious metal including Ferrari, McLaren and Porsche - of course the Porsche Won but the CS-S has been labelled as the best Golf GTi ever and one of the best hot hatches ever made! Chris Harris giving it rave reviews ... 

Andrew

[Snoopy]

Snoopy

The CS-S has just been praised by The Top Gear Team in its COTY 2016 and made it to the Final 5 alongside some serious metal including Ferrari, McLaren and Porsche - of course the Porsche Won but the CS-S has been labelled as the best Golf GTi ever and one of the best hot hatches ever made! Chris Harris giving it rave reviews ... 

Andrew

If Chris Harris actually puts his money were his mouth is and puts one in his garage collection with his collection of french hot hatches. AXGT, 205XS, 205 rallye I may take note. Don't forget he also gave good reviews to the GTI and R.
So lets see if he sells his 1M or CLK black and buys one.

[GT4]

Snoopy

The CS-S has just been praised by The Top Gear Team in its COTY 2016 and made it to the Final 5 alongside some serious metal including Ferrari, McLaren and Porsche - of course the Porsche Won but the CS-S has been labelled as the best Golf GTi ever and one of the best hot hatches ever made! Chris Harris giving it rave reviews ... 

Andrew

If Chris Harris actually puts his money were his mouth is and puts one in his garage collection with his collection of french hot hatches. AXGT, 205XS, 205 rallye I may take note. Don't forget he also gave good reviews to the GTI and R.
So lets see if he sells his 1M or CLK black and buys one.

Snoopy ...

I don't see why you have got such a critical turn of phrase for the CS-S ..? Surely someone as respected as Chris Harris saying positive things about a VW product is only a good thing ... The thread is about the CS-S ... I drove an R and thought it very good and may yet dislike the CS-S after being used to a GT4 but never the less its great for all GTi enthusiasts that VW have built a proper limited run car with a clear design brief & intent!

To see it received so well from the press who place it above the legendary Ford RS and have it in COTY 2016 Final 5 at £34k is truly fantastic for all those lucky enough to get their names down before launch ... and also those who cherish their VW Golf and its GTi pedigree!

Andrew

[CraigW]

Snoopy

The CS-S has just been praised by The Top Gear Team in its COTY 2016 and made it to the Final 5 alongside some serious metal including Ferrari, McLaren and Porsche - of course the Porsche Won but the CS-S has been labelled as the best Golf GTi ever and one of the best hot hatches ever made! Chris Harris giving it rave reviews ... 

Andrew

If Chris Harris actually puts his money were his mouth is and puts one in his garage collection with his collection of french hot hatches. AXGT, 205XS, 205 rallye I may take note. Don't forget he also gave good reviews to the GTI and R.
So lets see if he sells his 1M or CLK black and buys one.

Snoopy ...

I don't see why you have got such a critical turn of phrase for the CS-S ..? Surely someone as respected as Chris Harris saying positive things about a VW product is only a good thing ... The thread is about the CS-S ... I drove an R and thought it very good and may yet dislike the CS-S after being used to a GT4 but never the less its great for all GTi enthusiasts that VW have built a proper limited run car with a clear design brief & intent!

To see it received so well from the press who place it above the legendary Ford RS and have it in COTY 2016 Final 5 at £34k is truly fantastic for all those lucky enough to get their names down before launch ... and also those who cherish their VW Golf and its GTi pedigree!

Andrew

I wonder how many GTI enthusiasts are actually buying this car. To me this is more a car for the rich who want a track toy as let's face it, it's completely impractical without the back seats. How many GTI enthusiasts are going to be able to afford this car as I'm guessing they use their GTI as their daily so probably need back seats.

The CS for the enthusiast yes but not the CS-S

[GT4]

I will use my GT4 for Sunday morning blasts - my CS-S for days off in the week and for winter Sundays when GT4 is SORN and use my 2002 Mercedes C class as my 4 door daily .... If the CS-S is really good i may sell the GT4 as i am on the list for the 2017 GT3 ... So yes mine will possibly get used as a daily in some ways ... I like this set up as it gives me different driving and ownership experiences with Zero depreciation and relatively low running costs ... 

[jjgreenwood]

Snoopy

The CS-S has just been praised by The Top Gear Team in its COTY 2016 and made it to the Final 5 alongside some serious metal including Ferrari, McLaren and Porsche - of course the Porsche Won but the CS-S has been labelled as the best Golf GTi ever and one of the best hot hatches ever made! Chris Harris giving it rave reviews ... 

Andrew

If Chris Harris actually puts his money were his mouth is and puts one in his garage collection with his collection of french hot hatches. AXGT, 205XS, 205 rallye I may take note. Don't forget he also gave good reviews to the GTI and R.
So lets see if he sells his 1M or CLK black and buys one.

Snoopy ...

I don't see why you have got such a critical turn of phrase for the CS-S ..? Surely someone as respected as Chris Harris saying positive things about a VW product is only a good thing ... The thread is about the CS-S ... I drove an R and thought it very good and may yet dislike the CS-S after being used to a GT4 but never the less its great for all GTi enthusiasts that VW have built a proper limited run car with a clear design brief & intent!

To see it received so well from the press who place it above the legendary Ford RS and have it in COTY 2016 Final 5 at £34k is truly fantastic for all those lucky enough to get their names down before launch ... and also those who cherish their VW Golf and its GTi pedigree!

Andrew

I wonder how many GTI enthusiasts are actually buying this car. To me this is more a car for the rich who want a track toy as let's face it, it's completely impractical without the back seats. How many GTI enthusiasts are going to be able to afford this car as I'm guessing they use their GTI as their daily so probably need back seats.

The CS for the enthusiast yes but not the CS-S

Not sure you are 100% on the mark there as anyone spending £34k on a hot hatch with cash (no finance and discount support on clubsport S) is going to be relatively ok for money. Your insinuation seems to be relative to practicality and affordability when I can tell you with a high degree of authority (having sold VW for 12 years) that a decent percentage of GTI buyers have both the money, and rarely use the back seats of their cars. There are plenty of GTI enthusiasts that don't need back seats or could probably live without them to have the best version of their favourite hatch.

This car lives in the same kind of marketplace as the M3, M2 AMG A class and other impractical cars, the difference is it rides in a way that makes it acceptable to drive to work, yet races like a fiend. It's not pointless, its a practical everyday car for 2 people who want to carry stuff but also have something genuinely sporty to drive. It's a classic GTI easy to drive everyday, but will turn into a monster when asked along with the soundtrack from the new exhaust and drivetrain.

It may be pointless to you if you have more than 2 people to put in a car, but don't confuse that with those that only have themselves and their significant other to put in it. For them and their budget a coupe may be a compromise too far but a clubsport S might be just what they need. Desirable, large load area, powerful, very capable and hopefully low depreciation.

Lets face it what other options have you got, GT86 and MX5 are slower and less practical. Focus RS is not available and too hardcore. Civic type R is a harder ride and the quality of interior isn't there. Mini is tiny. Clubsport is not as special. R is not as dynamic. M series BMW is more expensive and less practical. AMG merc is more expensive and smaller, also not as dynamic. Anything Audi is more expensive and slightly dull. There isn't really anything which compares.