The all-new eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI is soon to arrive in SA without its hard-edged Clubsport 45 counterpart. Although this derivative is available in Europe, German-based tuner Manhart has put together a package for the standard GTI to match the more powerful variant.
Using the same EA888 turbocharged 2,0-litre four-cylinder engine, which pushes 180 kW and 370 N.m of torque to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, Manhart has applied an MHtronik ECU upgrade which increases outputs to 213 kW and 425 N.m. While power is 8 kW less than the Clubsport, torque is 25 N.m higher. Manhart has not provided any details regarding improvements in acceleration times.
Power is not the only enhancement provided by this catalogue. Manhart has also fitted the Volkswagen Golf GTI with an H&R kit which lowers the ride by 40 mm. This is joined by a set of Venturi design 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels.
Further visual changes to the Volkswagen Golf GTI’s exterior include a custom rear diffuser and a number of red decorative strips for certain trims such as the air intakes and doors. For a very exclusive cabin experience, the tuning firm has also installed a starry sky to the roof-lining which uses a collection of small LEDs to light up the interior, much like one would find in a Rolls-Royce.
If you’re looking for true Clubsport power, DTE has already created an ECU package that matches the manufacturer’s 221 kW output but with a higher torque figure of 418 N.m.
Late last year, Volkswagen South Africa revealed that it would not be bringing the uprated Golf GTI Clubsport 45 to our local market as it has been calibrated specifically to meet the current European fuel emission levels. As claimed, this car will achieve a 0-100 km/h time of 5,6 seconds and hit a top speed of 267 km/h. This model recently went on sale in the UK with a price tag of £39 980 (approximately R793 000).
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