Skip advert
Advertisement
Features

Volkswagen Golf R vs GTI Clubsport vs Cupra Leon 300: Track Battle video

Watch as some of the Volkswagen Group’s leading hot hatches go head-to-head, on track and against the clock. There can only be one winner...

A trio of hot hatches that share an engine, platform and parent company - which is fastest around a track? Time to put this sibling rivalry to bed.

The new Volkswagen Golf R packs a serious punch. Its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot puts out 316bhp, and the chassis is more playful than ever - a torque-vectoring rear differential can send up to 100% of drive to the outside rear wheel, and there's even a Drift Mode. On paper, then, it should be the most potent hot hatch from the VW Group, but the Golf GTI Clubsport is here to cause an upset. 

With a 20bhp deficit and front-wheel drive, the odds are against the Clubsport overthrowing the R. However, it has shed 90kg by dropping the four-wheel drive gubbins of its sibling, which might pay dividends around the technical Llandow Circuit. An electronically controlled limited-slip differential should also help drag the car out of the critical low-speed turns.

Advertisement - Article continues below

And what about the 296bhp Cupra Leon 300, which undercuts both VWs on price? Mechanically, it’s closest to the GTI Clubsport - its EA888 engine is in the same state of tune, and it powers the front wheels alone. Equipped with an incisive DSG ‘box, just as in the other two cars, the Cupra launches from 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds. It carries a 29kg weight penalty over the GTI Clubsport, which allows the VW to shave 0.1 seconds from that time. 

So the scene is set, now which sets the quickest lap time? Join Steve Sutcliffe at the helm in this video to find out...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New 2026 Honda 0 SUV: Japanese brand to finally have an EV to rival Tesla and BYD
Auto Express senior staff writer Jordan Katsianis stood next to the Honda 0 SUV prototype

New 2026 Honda 0 SUV: Japanese brand to finally have an EV to rival Tesla and BYD

Honda EV plans are gathering momentum, and they’ll be realised in the groundbreaking 0 SUV next year
News
1 Jul 2025
Hyundai Kona Electric review
Hyundai Kona Electric - front tracking

Hyundai Kona Electric review

The Hyundai Kona Electric is one of the best small SUVs around and a previous Car of the Year winner
In-depth reviews
1 Jul 2025
Alfa Romeo Junior review
Alfa Romeo Junior - main image

Alfa Romeo Junior review

The Alfa Romeo Junior is the brand's smallest SUV, and it aims to woo buyers looking for some sporty fun
In-depth reviews
30 Jun 2025
MINI Aceman review
MINI Aceman - front

MINI Aceman review

Think of the MINI Aceman as an electric version of the five-door hatch and you won’t be disappointed; this is not a particularly practical car
In-depth reviews
27 Jun 2025

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal
BMW M5 Touring - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal

The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It’s our Deal of the Day for 29 June
News
29 Jun 2025
Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
New 2026 Honda 0 SUV: Japanese brand to finally have an EV to rival Tesla and BYD
Auto Express senior staff writer Jordan Katsianis stood next to the Honda 0 SUV prototype

New 2026 Honda 0 SUV: Japanese brand to finally have an EV to rival Tesla and BYD

Honda EV plans are gathering momentum, and they’ll be realised in the groundbreaking 0 SUV next year
News
1 Jul 2025