I loved the new Volkswagen Golf GTI 50, but you can get similar thrills for £20k less
Car changing is a big deal
News editor Jamie Edkins was hugely impressed by the new Volkswagen Golf GTI 50, a hunkered-down, more powerful version of the brand’s iconic hot hatch. However, you can get a similar experience without splashing out £50,000.
Earlier in 2026, I flew out to Spain to drive the new Volkswagen Golf GTI 50. It’s a special edition built to celebrate half a century of this iconic hot hatch, and under the skin it’s basically the same as the GTI Clubsport.
This means it has lowered, stiffened suspension compared to a normal GTI, and the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine is tuned from 300hp in the standard Clubsport to 325hp in the GTI 50. These upgrades make it astonishingly good to drive, but it comes at a price.
And that price is almost £50,000, which makes it more expensive than a Golf R. It’s a lot of money for a hot hatchback, but I’ve got a way of getting similar thrills for a lot less.
Used Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport: almost as brilliant and £20k cheaper
The Golf GTI 50 is basically the same as a Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport under the skin. It does have 25 more horsepower, some styling upgrades and an Akrapovic exhaust as standard, but the basic suspension setup is very similar.
And the standard Clubsport is almost £3,800 cheaper than the GTI 50. It starts from £48,000, whereas the Clubsport costs £44,200. And you can save even more by looking for a used example through Carwow.
I found a 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport with just 20,000 miles on the clock for a smidge under £28,000.
This is a pre-facelift car, meaning it has slightly different styling to the current one and a smaller infotainment screen, but mechanically it is pretty much identical to the latest Clubsport.
So you still get a 300hp 2.0-litre engine and a hunkered-down suspension setup compared to a standard GTI. It won’t feel quite as sharp as the GTI 50, but you’ll have to be pushing it right to the limit to notice the difference. And with that £20,000 saving there’s plenty of budget for an aftermarket tune to boost the power.
I did truly love the Golf GTI 50, and I would have one over a new Golf R. It’s much more playful and engaging than the four-wheel drive R, and on a track there aren’t many new hot hatches which come close.
But if your budget doesn’t stretch to almost £50,000, a used Golf GTI Clubsport will offer you very similar thrills on the road for a fraction of the price.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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