Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R 2025 – First Driving

• Auto123 performs a first test of Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R 2025.

Reston, Virginie – Volkswagen goes from an upgrade of mid-term with the two representatives of the Golf which she always deigns to offer us, the legendary GTI and R. The current generation, the eighth, was launched here for the year 2022.

We cannot say that the update allows models to stay in the blow, because they were always. Volkswagen is rather taking the opportunity to refine the diamonds that are these two variants, with minor modifications here, more important there.

But beyond this small refreshment, a glimmer of hope points to the horizon for these two models. We entrust this to you in conclusion.

The Volkswagen Golf GTI 2025 | Photo: D.Rufiange

Volkswagen Golf GTI / Golf R 2025 – What’s new?

The Volkswagen Golf 2025 are deposited on the MQB EVO platform which comes to offer more possibilities, especially with multimedia functions.

Otherwise, nothing major changes with one or the other of the models. There are aesthetic touch -ups that are described to you in the next section.

On board, new seats options are possible, while the multimedia system screen is brand new, with a faster new interface.

Small touch -ups have also been brought to the chassis, in order to refine the performance of the models to give even more to the one who is behind the steering wheel.

The Volkswagen Golf GTI 2025, three quarters before | Photo: D.rufiange

Design of the Volkswagen Golf GTI / Golf R 2025 – 8.5 / 10

Regarding aesthetic changes, in both cases, we have revised facies with new bumpers and adaptive headlights. The illuminated logo is also invited to the front.

The two models also take advantage of new designs for 19 -inch rims. New colors have also been added to the palette (two blue and a gray for the GTI), while with the Golf R, a black Edition variant is making its debut. It of course emphasizes black, with this shade on logos, brake calipers, and even exhaust jars. Even the headlights adopt a blackened look.

Optional with the Golf R, a titanium exhaust is now deliverable. He adds an interesting sound, in addition to reducing the weight by 7 kg.

Volkswagen Golf R 2025, interior | Photo: D.rufiange

Interior
On board, the two models take advantage of a new 12.9 -inch multimedia screen that houses a new version of the Volkswagen system interface. At its base, there are illuminated touch bands where by sliding the finger, for example we climb the volume. ID.4 and ID.Buzz electric models already have them.

For the GTI, Volkswagen listened to the grievances of the amateurs and brought back pimples on the steering wheel, replacing the touch keys. The latter remain on the steering wheel of the Golf R due to certain integrated functions which could not be managed differently. There is hope for the future.

What draws attention are the choices of configurations for the seats. In fact, Volkswagen makes Artvelours seats accessible. Covered with a fabric, they put forward a diamond design and offer decorative accents (blue with the Golf R, red with the GTI). This is an option at $ 500 for the GTI, while nothing is required for change with the Golf R, which receives Nappa leather seats as standard.

Volkswagen Golf R 2025, multimedia screen | Photo: D.rufiange

Technology of the Volkswagen Golf GTI / Golf R 2025 – 8.5 / 10

In addition to a updated multimedia system, a few other little techno things caught our attention.

For example, for wireless recharge for cellular, we are entitled to a new ventilated pavement whose power is 15 kW. For navigation, Volkswagen’s Discover Pro system is now standard with the GTI.

What will mainly interest the amateur of these models is what the chassis allows. With the GTI, four driving modes are offered to you, while the R suggests seven. The GTI is delivered with a limited slip differential whose couple management is managed electronically. Adaptive shock absorbers are available with the Autobahn variant.

With the Golf R, we find these same shock absorbers, with a differential that can be locked electronically. The R can see 50 % of its torque being sent to the rear wheels and 100 % of the latter being relayed to the right or left, depending on the need.
With the two models, we can ask the stability control system to reduce its interventions, or do not squarely annoy us on the track. This is more than interesting.

Volkswagen Golf GTI 2025, engine | Photo: D.rufiange

Volkswagen Golf GTI / Golf R 2025 – 9.5 / 10 engines

There is always the 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder turbo from the brand under the hood, an engine which is only supported by a DSG automatic box with seven-speed. Yes, it’s over for the manual gearbox, with the disarray of all those who prefer more committed driving.

With the GTI, the power remains identical to 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. With the Golf R, we take advantage of a gain of 13 horses for 328 forces and 295 lb-ft of couple.

Volkswagen Golf R 2025, South La Piste | Photo: D.Rufiange

Conduite des Volkswagen Golf GTI / Golf R 2025 – 9.5 / 10

It is rare to find models that have very little defects, but this is the case with these two variants of golf performance.

With both, what always impresses is the connection that unites us on the road. The steering is precise and predictable, the biting and stable braking, while the handling is solid and reassuring. On the road, the level of comfort of the two golfs impresses and on a winding road, the balance felt when we put on the turns makes us want to attack the road in a even more aggressive way.

On the track, the GTI remains very impressive, which is not always the case with traction models when pushing them. The front axle bites the bitumen with confidence and you really have to push irresponsible to feel it steal.

With the Golf R, we live another experience because of motor skills on the four wheels and the vectorization system of the torque which distributes the power where it needs to be at any time. We can attack turns in a very aggressive way to the point of leaving it with a controlled slip of the four wheels knowing full well that by keeping the foot on the accelerator, the car will bite the pavement rather than taking the enclosure.

And as if a session at the wheel was not enough to convince us of the capacities of the model, we were lucky to be the passenger to Tanner Foust, a professional rally pilot who showed us how far the Golf R could be pushed. Let us say that its limits greatly exceed those of the one who writes these lines, and 99.9 % of all the drivers belonging to the ordinary of the mortals.

Really impressive, this Golf R, both on the track and for the Sunday race at the grocery store. Because yes, this car, like the GTI, is good for everything.

Volkswagen Golf GTI 2025, three quarters rear | Photo: D.rufiange

Versions ET Prix of the Volkswagen Golf GTI / Golf R 2025

The two models are expected this spring in concession. The Golf GTI is offered at $ 36,495 in basic configuration. Three options are possible; The Artvelours seats ($ 500), unique 19 -inch rims ($ 500), as well as a sunroof ($ 1250).

The Autobahn variant is $ 40,495, with the leather option for seats, which includes ventilated tubs, electrical controls and memory for the driver’s position ($ 1200).

Golf R is sold at $ 50,995, with the sunroof ($ 1250). The Black Edition livery is $ 53,595, with the titanium exhaust offered in surplus ($ 3000).

Transport and preparation fees at $ 2050, should be added to these invoices.

Volkswagen Golf R 2025, rear | Photo: D.rufiange

The end word
Volkswagen has two jewels with these models, which have the wind in the sails in terms of sales in the country. And they are popular in Canada. last year, until the end of November, he sold more golf R with us than in the United States. That is to tell you.

You will have to see if the withdrawal of the manual transmission will hurt.

The good news when writing these lines is that the models are built at the Volkswagen factory in Wolfsburg, Germany, so no 25 % prices when they arrived in Canada.

And concerning the hope announced in the introduction, here it is. During the presentation of the current generation, while the electrification was on everyone’s lips, we understood, chatting with the leaders of Volkswagen, which we may have presented the last Volkswagen Golf with petrol. However, with the reality that has changed for three years, where electrification does not go at the same rate as before, there is hope for a ninth generation to always put on a petrol engine.

Volkswagen did not confirm anything to us, of course, just saying that it would meet the expectations of the market. It is allowed to hope, therefore.