What's all this about?

Would you believe the Volkswagen Golf GTI is nearly 40 years old? To celebrate, Volkswagen has created the Golf GTI Clubsport, which will go on sale in 2016. The news was revealed at the annual gathering for GTI fans on the south bank of Lake Wörthersee in Austria. At the moment, the Clubsport is a concept but we are assured it is pretty close to the eventual production model.

What's special about it?

For the styling, Volkswagen has gone for a series of changes that enhance the aerodynamics and hark back to the original, 1976, GTI. The concept is finished in Onyx White with a black roof and there are special alloy wheels.

At the front, a new bumper incorporates a gloss-black spoiler designed to increase downforce. The intakes are also designed to direct the airflow into the engine bay while giving the Clubsport a distinctive new look. A larger rear spoiler wraps around the rear window and extends above the roofline. Below the rear bumper, there's a diffuser that frames the twin, chromed exhaust pipes. In homage to the side-rubbing strip on the original Golf GTI, the Clubsport wears a black stripe along the length of the sill, matching the colour of the door mirror caps. Special 19-inch 'Brescia' alloy wheels were designed for the anniversary concept and a forged, 18-inch wheel design will be available on the 2016 production car.

Inside, there are folding racing bucket seats, part trimmed in Alcantara and featuring a honeycomb pattern on the back and cushion. The backrests also incorporate 'GTI' lettering. Continuing the hexagonal theme from the seats there is 'Honeycomb 40' trim on the instrument strip, centre console and doors. Volkswagen has also added a splash of red to the interior as a stripe on the seatbelts, a seam on the steering wheel and edging for the floor mats.

Is there any more power?

Under the bonnet, the power output of the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine has increased from 230- to 265hp. For short periods, a boost function can increase that figure by roughly ten per cent.