The 2025 Volkswagen Golf R will outperform the competition
The 2025 Volkswagen Golf R will surpass the Honda Civic Type R, Toyota GR Corolla, and all other mainstream small cars.
In the high-performance version of the economy compact sedan, there is a small but fierce competition. Models such as the Hyundai Elantra N are based on economy sedans. But they are equipped with all the advantages that a car manufacturer can offer, so they are also transformed into sports cars.
The low-profile Volkswagen Golf is the foundation of the high-performance Golf R. Volkswagen today unveiled an upgraded version of the Golf R for the global market. The company may make minor changes before shipping it to U.S. dealers, but what you see here is likely to be the model you'll be able to get in the U.S. later this year.
Volkswagen has not yet announced pricing. The current 2024 Golf R starts at over $45,000 – undoubtedly the most expensive in its class. In the latest generation of models, Volkswagen also sells a sporty GTI version, but not the standard Golf hatchback.
Among its competitors, the Golf R won the battle for horsepower, with its 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 328 horsepower — one horse less than the company had announced two weeks earlier. Maybe Volkswagen will find the lost horsepower before shipping this car to the United States. The current Golf R puts out 315 horsepower.
You can only transmit power through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The manual option has been withdrawn in 2025. Power is transmitted via Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD) system. Torque vectoring control helps to point it towards corners.
The available R Performance Package adds additional driving modes, including Drift and Special Driving Modes, which are "specially adapted to the conditions of the Nürburgring Nordschleife" if you unexpectedly find yourself transported to Germany's famous circuit.
It differs from the standard Golf in appearance, thanks to a redesigned front face with a glowing Volkswagen badge, an air curtain in the bumper, and new LED headlights. The new LED taillight cluster sets it apart from the rear.
Inside, the enlarged 12.9-inch infotainment screen features a new operating system capable of interpreting conversational commands through ChatGPT.
European buyers can also opt for a black version "with a dark Volkswagen badge and R logo, black R brake calipers with a dark R logo, black 19-inch Estoril wheels, and black exhaust trim." "It's unclear whether the model will be available in the United States.