VOLKSWAGEN is topping out its current range of fast Golfs with a new GTI Clubsport 45 celebrating nearly half a century of quick hot hatches aimed at keen drivers.

Priced from £39,980, it costs £2,750 more than the existing Golf GTI Clubsport and has identical power - but comes with a more aggressive exhaust note and higher top speed, now 166mph after removal of the speed limiter.

The distinctive exhaust note comes courtesy of an Akrapovic titanium sports system which will add to the thrill of hitting 62mph in 5.6 seconds, thanks to the 296bhp unleashed from the 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine.

The Clubsport 45 achieves fuel economy of 37.7 mpg on the combined WLTP test cycle, with CO2emissions of 169 g/km.

Thesporty aesthetic of the GTI Clubsport is given additional assertiveness with a set of dynamic 19-inch ‘Scottsdale' alloy wheels, which feature a high-gloss black finish and a Tornado Red pinstripe around the rim.

The car's special status is further marked out by ‘45' lettering on the side sill panels, and a metallic black finish to the door mirror covers and upper part of the spoiler.

Inside, GTI lettering appears on the backrests of the front sports seats, while the ‘45' emblem features in the centre spoke of the steering wheel - 'a constant reminder to the driver that they are driving a part of hot hatchback history,' says VW.

Artvelours fabric in the door panels and a leatherette arm support add further sporting luxury to the interior of the model.

The Golf GTI Clubsport 45, as the pinnacle of the Golf GTI range, also has a wealth of equipment included as standard.

The model comes equipped with Volkswagen's Digital Cockpit Pro - a 10.25-inch, high resolution TFT dash display screen with customisable menus and information; IQ.Light LED Matrix headlights with different modes for diverse driving conditions and situations; Travel Assist, facilitating semi-automated driving at speeds of up to 130 mph; the Car2X vehicle communication system, which communicates with other Car2X-equipped vehicles nearby for advance warning of hazards and other road obstacles; and the GTI Clubsport's uniquely styled bumpers and performance rear spoiler, which improve aerodynamics and downforce of the car to sharpen the model's dynamic drive.