Driving impressions - Clubsport S

[Ooosh]

In 2014 I heard rumours that VW were going to build a R400/420 Golf and placed a £500 deposit with my local VW dealer. (Listers of Stratford upon Avon.) As a consequence of the emissions scandal it gradually became clearer that the prospect of the R400 being built was extremely unlikely. I kept the deposit in place on the off chance it happened but as soon as I heard about the Clubsport S Listers amended my order.

To put my experiences of the Clubsport S into perspective my current 'main' car is a GT4 and previously I've owned about 5 or 6 BMW 'M' Series cars (including an M2), several GT series Porsches, lots of Renault Sport cars including R26R and a few VX220's. The only VW's on my list are a Corrado and the first R32. FWD does not generally appeal to me but I have had great experiences with Renaults. (I kept the R26R for 4 years!)

So - onto the Clubsport S. Listers were great and did not clean the car. Topaz then detailed the car and fitted (applied?) paint protection film. I know people argue for and against the merits of PPF but it works for me! When I collected the car from Topaz it looked simply stunning even next to the worlds most exclusive supercars.

The car has now covered 1500 miles and I simply can not fault it. A list of things I like:

The anonymity especially compared to my bright green Porsche.
The smart but understated looks.
The seats - supportive stylish and heated :-)
The steering wheel. Gorgeous styling, comfortable to hold and positioned perfectly.
The instrument cluster. Particularly the clarity, the way the numbers on the micrometer 'tumble' over. Other software niceties are the reminder to take my phone with me and the big clock display in the dash as leave the car. Simple little touches but so very thoughtful.
The sound. The exhaust are a slightly larger diameter than the Clubsport. I don't know if that is what makes the difference but the burbles and pops are fabulous. Opening the throttle mid rev range is a delight.
The acceleration. Even at quite high speed there is still a lunge forward when you want it.
The gear change. The gear ratios (unlike the M2 I had recently every upshift drops you right back in to the chunky part of the torque curve).
The grip. Simply sensational. There is no understeer whatsoever. The front end just grips forever!
Steering feel - simply incredible for a FWD EPS car.
The stereo is not bad and even the Sat Nav is OK. In fact that is about the only negative thing I could say about the car -  it is slightly awkward to enter a postcode.

The Clubsport S is simply sensational.

:-)

[Bigwod]

Great write up, got mine being delivered to me tomorrow,will have a little go in it then straight to the detailers for c-quartz protection. The black paint should looks fab when all finished,may if i can put a parcel shelf in the back if fitings are there for a bit of privacy from prying eyes ,want to keep a pump and a few bits and pieces in the wheel well,  and any shopping in the back,from store to store.

[kalimon]

Great to hear feedback like that, especially from someone who has experienced lots of other performance cars in the recent past.
Please keep the updates coming

[VAG]

I am so impressed with my CSS, i honestly though it was just going to be a mapped gti with no rear seats! love how crude and raw it feels when you're in race mode but in normal its just like a normal GTI.  Really reminds me of my MK2 16v which i never get from any modern VW. Mines now done 271 miles and sleeping until the sun comes out

[Sean G]

Great write up Ben looking forward to collecting mine on Wednesday
By all accounts reviews from owners have been very positive

[GT4]

Great review and most appreciated ....

[Bigwod]

First day in mine, have to say I love it, only on 80 miles so being sensible with the power output but from what I am getting with a little blast  hear and there feels so good.

[Bigwod]

Dropped mine of at the detailers yesterday night to be c quartz coated.Had a mini JCW done a couple of months ago and looked awesome .
I've put 140 miles on it now , before drop off i had it in the different driver modes,individual,comfort,normal, and race, been thinking this morning how do I get the  special Nurburgring setting on.or is that race?...

[Ooosh]

... how do I get the  special Nurburgring setting on.or is that race?...

Individual mode is pre-programmed with the settings that were used for the Ring record. Everything Race except dampers (DCC) which is in Comfort.

[Bigwod]

Cheers  OOOsh