The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 45 is The Hottest Hatch
The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 45 will be every bit worth the five-year wait. The souped-up hot hatch has more power and an upgraded appearance. American shoppers are missing out. Early images of the special edition were leaked online, but now the full specs have been released.
The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 45 packs a punch
Its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine provides the Clubsport 45 with 296 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. This is a bump from the 2022 Golf GTI, which packs 242 ponies under the hood. The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 45 is expected to go from zero to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds. Akrapovič titanium sports exhaust system improves the car’s sound.
The car isn’t just faster and more powerful. It’s also gotten some exterior upgrades. One of the most notable are the 19-inch alloy wheel rims. Painted high-gloss black with a Tornado Red pinstripe, these rims get noticed. The rear spoiler and door window caps are finished in black metallic paint. “45th Anniversary Edition” badges grace the side sill panels.
The Golf GTI Clubsport 45’s standard seven-speed dual-clutch transmission features shorter gear ratios than the standard GTI. It does not feature the same 155 mph top-speed limiter, making it the fastest version of the car yet. The suspension can be highly customized by the driver with 15 options ranging from “comfort” to “sport.”
Interior upgrades make the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 45 feel special
Every inch of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 45’s interior is crafted to create the ultimate themed experience. The black sport seats feature GTI lettering on the backrests to identify the car. Even the steering wheel features a “45” badge.
Sumptuous ArtVelours fabrics grace the interior door panels. The armrest and seat edging feature leatherette. The red color from the rims appears in several places inside the car. It’s featured in the stitching and piping along the sport seats. The dashboard ambient lighting continues the color scheme.
The 45th-anniversary edition Golf GTI Clubsport looks every bit the part of a $58,000 car. The sharp interior and exterior give it the distinction that honoring nearly half a century deserves.
Volkswagen’s tradition of honoring the golf
The original Volkswagen Golf was released in 1974. The car was immediately met with success and warm reviews. It remains one of the top three best-selling cars in the world. It’s been instrumental in the automaker’s success in several markets.
Beginning with the MkIII 20th Anniversary Edition in 1996, Volkswagen has been honoring this award-winning model. Every 5 years, the automaker releases a new special edition. Golf enthusiasts will have to wait until 2027 for the next iteration of the special anniversary edition.
European orders for the 2022 Clubsport 45 is already available to order. Unfortunately, this edition will not be available for purchase on the American market. The powerful 2022 Golf R will have to scratch that itch for American drivers.
