Volkswagen has an updated Golf GTI coming to dealerships for the 2025 model year. An updated Golf GTI means an updated Golf R.
VW formerly sold an entire range of Golf models in the U.S., but for this latest generation only offers the performance-oriented Golf GTI and Golf R. We’ve known the basic facts about the 2025 Golf GTI for a while now. It keeps the basic hatchback form the model has always had but adds a meaner look thanks to narrow LEDs and an illuminated grille badge. The interior gains a 12.9-inch touchscreen that should look big in a small car and, based on customer feedback, gets more physical controls and fewer touchscreen-only operations.
But VW has kept details on the hot hatch version close to its vest. That’s starting to change.
The company used a Facebook post this week to offer the first details about the 2025 Golf R. They then released photos of a model wrapped in camouflage. The photos show a body little changed, with R badging and reworked air vents beneath the grille.
But the R has never looked drastically different from the Golf it’s based on. Its charm has always come from its nature as a factory sleeper — a car much faster than it looks.
Price is a mystery for now, but the Golf R has always been among the priciest high-performance versions of affordable cars. The current 2024 Golf R starts over $45,000.
It gets away with a higher sticker price by overpowering the rest. That should remain true.
Volkswagen’s post also promises 329 horsepower – besting the Honda Civic Type R, the Toyota GR Corolla, and the Hyundai Elantra N in the cheap racer category. The current version brings 315 hp to the table.
Most of those rivals, however, will have one feature the Golf R won’t: A manual transmission, long an option on both the Golf GTI and Golf R. Going forward, they will instead be fitted with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.
We’ll bring more information soon, as automakers usually dribble out details regularly once they start showing teaser photos. Volkswagen promises a full reveal on June 26.
