THE hottest version of the latest Volkswagen Golf will cost from £39,270 and it is arriving at the same time as VW introduces a Clubsport variant of the Golf GTI that is almost as quick

While the new Golf R becomes the flagship of the range and is priced some £7,000 more than its predecessor, the GTI Clubsport tips the scales at £37,215.

Both are fitted with advanced features including matrix LED headlights, lane assist systems and technology which allows for semi-autonomous driving at speeds of up to 130mph.

The Clubsport Golf is the fastest accelerating GTI model VW has produced in the car's 46 year history and it has a 0 to 60 time of 5.6 seconds.

It has a 2.0-litre turbo engine developing 300ps and comes with a driving mode that was developed specifically for the Nurburgring.

Other features include a two-part rear spoiler for added downforce and a new-look front bumper incorporating a splitter to push the front of the car down at speed.

It also has oval exhaust tailpipes to differentiate it from the round ones fitted to the standard GTI.

Meanwhile, the Golf R produces 320ps from its similarly sized turbocharged engine which gives it a 0 to 60 acceleration time of just 4.7 seconds making it's the fastest accelerating Golf currently on sale.

Its all-wheel-drive set up has been modified with a new R-Performance Torque Vectoring system that distributes the engine output to all four wheels and a new rear axle differential that distributes the drive power not just between the front and rear axles, but also variably between the two rear wheels.

Up to 100 per cent of the car's torque can be directed to the wheel on the outside of a bend if necessary.

An optional R-Performance Package is available on the Golf R for £2,000 which includes a performance rear spoiler for added downforce and an increased top speed of 168mph.

The pack also adds two new driver modes, Drift and Special. Drift mode is entirely focused upon driver enjoyment away from public roads while the Special setting is an extension of the Race mode in which engine sound is increased and the steering and AWD system are adjusted for a sportier feel.

Extras for the Golf R include an Akrapovic titanium exhaust, panoramic sunroof, a Harmon/Kardon sound system and a head up display.

Fuel consumption figures for the pair are a best of 38.2mpg for the GTI Clubsport and 36.2 to the gallon for the Golf R. Emissions are 167 and 177g/km respectively.

The two new models join the current line up of performance-oriented Golfs - the GTI, GTD and the GTE.