VW GTI Clubsport vs Audi RS3 vs Mercedes-AMG A45 World Champion

*With ‘boost function’, 261bhp without

At first, there’s nothing overly dramatic to the A 45, speed building gradually – albeit quickly – towards the 2500rpm mark. It’s here that the turbo makes its first strike, the punch of momentum such that those closeting Sport Seats take on an all-new significance as they prevent me from rolling into the boot. Like the RS 3, the A 45 is blisteringly quick, though the manner of its delivery – combined with a more booming soundtrack – is altogether more aggressive. And characterful.

Mechanically, there’s no difference between the World Champion Edition and the base A 45 on which it sits. Consequently handling is much as we’ve experienced before. Like the Audi, the Mercedes grins through gritted teeth as you muscle the nose through the corners with no real degree of finesse. Admittedly there is slightly more consistency to the steering than in the RS 3 but still both feel vague and limited on feedback compared with the Clubsport, an element the A 45 pre-update was particularly lambasted for. Where the AMG does pull back points though is with its neutral balance through the corners, the stiffened chassis allowing the Merc to corner beautifully flat regardless of Drive mode. Personal recommendation though would be ‘Sport’ handling and ‘Race’ drivetrain, the former of which makes less tangible difference to the ride quality while the latter unlocks the full fury of that 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder.

Admittedly you could slide a sheet of paper between the specsheets of the 362bhp Audi and the 376bhp Merc: both staple 100kph a tenth apart at just a hair above four seconds flat, they’re split by 40kg in the Merc’s favour, and they hit their respective showrooms separated by $1200 (though the World Champion Edition’s price tag leaps by nearly $10K purely down to its exclusivity). But there’s a degree more charisma, if not aggression, about the Mercedes that draws me closer to it than the more refined, more sensible Audi. Yes, part of me wants to poke fun at the World Champion tinsel (sorry Mohammed) and yet, it appeals. It just feels right for an AMG, even if I can only admit this whilst chewing my knuckle.

Where the Audi does win back some cachet against its countryman is under braking, the stopping power similarly impressive on the Merc but limited travel in the pedal offering less confidence when the anchors are not being fully thrown out. Similarly Audi’s more elegant cabin design, despite lacking a certain joie de vivre, gets the nod between the two, and though the more aggressive pick-up of the Merc’s four-pot is more charismatic than the Audi’s five-cylinder, it’s the latter that ultimately puts a wider grin on my face.

“The Mercedes offers an explosive, almost deceptive turn of speed that could rotate your kidneys”

Back at base, our deadlock continues. Even despite his drive in the Clubsport, the Audi’s brute strength under turn-in, the almost endless reserves of power in its tank, and the RS 3’s deliberately understated design have won Jamil over completely. He’s a fan of the GTI as most of us are, but by comparison, he just finds the Clubsport too ‘normal’. Mohammed is similarly chuffed – hardly surprising – with the Merc’s over-the-top nature of the package and its more outlandish character as strongly today as when he first reached for his deposit cheque. That and an explosive, almost deceptive turn of speed that could rotate your kidneys.

And me? Well, I’m still not convinced. Yes, the Audi is breath-takingly quick, its manoeuvrability under cornering – despite a few question marks – is still impressive and the beautifully crafted cabin goes a significant way to vindicating that $8K(ish) price gulf over the Clubsport S it would realistically rival on the showroom floor. Still the RS 3 lacks a certain sense of accomplishment, the ‘turn-in and hold on’ approach exciting in its own way but not as engaging as the Volkswagen, which proves considerably lighter on its feet. Ditto the Mercedes, even despite the more rancorous speed pick-up and impressive composure through the longer sweeping corners. To me, neither quite nail the principal of a hot hatch.

The GTI Clubsport is another matter. My diplomatic side yearns to end the story with all three of us shaking hands, agreeing to disagree. But I can’t. The agility through the turns, the weighty but not overpowering feel through the steering, and the spirited turns of speed that don’t offset an almost perfect balance between grunt and composure. Throw in revised bodywork that’s both traditional and charmingly modern, and Volkswagen has done a masterful job celebrating 40 years of the Golf GTI. As well as being the best hot hatch here today (in my opinion anyway), the Clubsport is also the best Golf GTI yet.

Technical specifications available on page 3