The Market Minefield

Edward Ellis
Apr 22
6 min read

As a car enthusiast, shopping for a new car is an incomparable experience with twists, turns, trials & tribulations, which often lead you to unexpected outcomes.

Owner: Steven Nurden - @N4_URD | Photography: Nate Smith - @njs_visuals

For most of the population, car shopping is nothing more than a must-do chore once the car you've owned, from new, for the past 10 years finally packs up. For others, it's a simple trade-in once the 3 year lease deal ends with emotions felt similar to that of upgrading your phone contract. For car enthusiasts, this is an entire ordeal. Spec & trim levels, handling, sound, comfort, aftermarket support, rarity in the car scene, and overall project potential are all elements that need to be researched in depth.

If you're outside of the car world, the only comparable experience would be navigating a West African minefield. Take 3 steps forward and you find an advert for a car matching your trim level and specification. One step further and you find the car has no service history and a tachometer reading 20,000 miles whilst the engine knocks & rattles like a rabid squirrel is caged within the block. Clearly, there's foul play and the soul of your foot is millimetres from the underground trip wire.

"When I sold my previous Mk7 Golf R, I was initially eager to purchase an Audi S3 8Y. However, after exploring options within my budget I found that many of the available models were not well-maintained.

Consequently, I decided to broaden my search and consider other vehicles. Since I still had the air suspension from the Mk7 Golf in storage, I focussed on cars that could accommodate a direct fit. This led me to the Mk8 Golf.

Although I was not an immediate fan of this model upon its release, my research into the new GTI - particularly the Clubsport variant - spurred my interest. Ultimately I made the the decision to purchase one, with the intention of modifying it to enhance its performance and features."

Staying true to form and being won over by the charm of a beefed-up Clubsport model, Steve opted for his Mk8 Golf GTI. At first glance I too was no fan of the Mk8. It seemed to embody everything the original Golf GTI wasn't - a big, heavy and warbling modern carnation. Look a little closer however, and the original spirit of the Mk1 is alive and well.

The 2.0l 4-cylinder turbo charged engine has been amped up to produce 300bhp. The chassis has been lowered by 15mm with the handling dialled in with heightened camber on the front and larger brake discs. 0-62mph is achieved in roughly 5.6 seconds and the hot hatch will stretch its legs all the way to 155mph (166mph with the performance pack).

To further create a sense that this car is a real driver's tool, VW even created a 4th driving mode - 'special' - which is calibrated for the Nurburgring. An opportunity then, to turn any B-road into the twisting challenge of the Nordschleife.

"The Clubsport provides a pleasant driving experience and offers excellent comfort on long journeys. Recently, I had the opportunity to drive it to Belgium for an event called Risenation, and I was very impressed with its performance over the four days and distance it covered."

Whilst the car performed impeccably, especially considering it now runs 402bhp and 540NM of torque courtesy of a Stage 1 Racingline Remap, things didn't all go to plan in Belgium.

"While I can reflect on it humorously now, at the time it was quite stressful. I was driving along the narrow streets of Belgium when I accidentally curbed my new wheels, just one day before unveiling them at Risenation."

The wheels in question - a gorgeous set of WORK Meister S1 3-piece wheels. I can imagine it wasn't just Steve who shed a tear when they were curbed as WORK wheels definitely hold a special place in many car enthusiasts hearts.

"The WORK Meister wheels are a standout feature of my vehicle. They are quite rare on VAG cars, particularly on a MK8 Golf GTI Clubsport. I appreciate how I was able to achieve a well-defined dished lip on the rear wheels, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the car and showcasing a distinctive character for the MK8."

Combining JDM influence under the arches of this euro icon has led to a sensational final result. Tucking under the arches, the chunky 5-spoke alloys really fill the wheel wells to ensure that no hellish gaps can be seen. A slight bit of rear camber helps the rear end sit lower whilst further enhancing the stance. I mean, is there anything better than a slammed hot hatch running a tasteful amount of camber?

"I previously installed air ride on my MK7 Golf R and, upon acquiring the MK8, I recognised that it would be a direct fit. I anticipated that it wouldn't be long before the new Golf was equipped with air ride as well."

Aside from the stance, Steve has successfully achieved a clean OEM+ look to his MK8 by addressing other exterior elements. A full Maxton Design splitter kit has been added to extenuate the MK8's body lines. Clear rear lights add a more futuristic style to the already uber-modern design, oval exhaust tips fill the space under the diffuser, and Zaero Design side skirts help add some more flare to the side profile.

Most notably, the entire car has wrapped in Inozetek Dandelion Yellow vinyl to provide a stylish and eye-catching final aesthetic.

"I aimed to create a unique project, and I recognised that the MK8 Golf GTI Clubsport is quite rare, especially when modified with Air Lift and WORKS Wheels. I chose the Inozetek Dandelion Yellow for its distinctive appearance, as yellow vehicles are not commonly seen and I believed the colour would help the car stand out."

Stand out it definitely does. In-fact Steve is now solely responsible for sending children waiting at the school bus stop into a violent frenzy, as 'yellow car!' screams can be heard ringing out from the brawl. Understandably there would be one child who doesn't join the fight. Instead, they stand and watch this MK8 masterpiece leave over the horizon like a loved one crossing over to heaven. It's at this moment that another car enthusiast is born and will go on to enjoy 4-wheel antics and share in our passion. Yet getting a car to this point always comes with its challenges.

"The primary challenge I encountered during the build was ensuring the wheels fit properly on the car and adjusting the camber for both the front and rear. It required considerable effort to locate a suitable garage within a reasonable distance to address these issues and achieve the desired appearance of the car."

Taking the time to perfect the fitment has been more than worthwhile as the real stand-out element of this build is the way it sits. The only part of the MK8 that hasn't been tweaked is the cockpit, however, Steve ensures us that is due to change very soon.

"I would like to make some interior enhancements including upgrading the speaker system for improved sound quality, potentially installing a roll cage, and adding a reversing camera. Regarding any additional exterior modifications, I believe its best to keep those details under wraps (a yellow one) for now."

Whilst Steve is keeping future mods close to his chest, a roll cage in-particular will enhance the Clubsport feel of this MK8. On the whole, Steve has done a fantastic job in creating an OEM+ modern build with a twist. Taking what is a rare model and adding further flare through the camber and WORK wheels has led to a show-stopping formulation. Enhancing the modern twist with the clear taillights, a full splitter kit and exterior wrap has elevated what is an already special car into something truly unique. Be prepared to see plenty more of Steve's MK8 Clubsport on social media and at shows throughout the year.

Spec Sheet:

Power Output: 402bhp / 540NM

Suspension Setup: