Volkswagen’s iconic Golf hatchback will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2024, and the automaker marked the occasion by introducing a major update to the current eighth-generation model, unveiled late Tuesday.
The updates span the entire Golf lineup, but again, the U.S. only gets the sporty Golf GTI and Golf R grades. They are planned as 2025 models, but the exact timing of their arrival at dealers has not yet been announced. In other markets, sales will begin this spring.
2025 Volkswagen GTI
2025 Volkswagen GTI
2025 Volkswagen GTI
The Golf R 2025 is not yet in testing, but VW only unveiled the 2025 Golf GTI on Tuesday. Like the rest of the Golf range, the updated GTI benefits from a revised design, expanded standard equipment, a new infotainment system and improved electronic driver assistance technology.
The external changes are limited to revised bezel designs at both ends. The wide neck look of the current GTI remains, but with a flatter design for the top of the mouth and a revised mesh pattern. At the rear there is a revised diffuser design and a new exhaust tailpipe design that features chrome accents. The headlights have also been revised and feature Matrix LED technology. In some markets the VW emblem is also illuminated at the front.
2025 Volkswagen GTI
2025 Volkswagen GTI
2025 Volkswagen GTI
Inside, there’s a revised dashboard with a much larger infotainment screen. The Golf range currently has an 8.3-inch infotainment screen, but on the updated model the screen measures 10.4 inches as standard and a 12.9-inch version is available. A 10.2-inch screen serves as the digital instrument cluster, and a head-up display is available. The touch sliders for the climate and volume controls in the current model have also been redesigned and, according to VW, should be easier to use. They are also illuminated.
VW says it has also made the infotainment system more user-friendly. The infotainment screen, for example, has a configurable home page with a top bar that is also configurable. The driver can determine which functions are displayed in these areas. A bottom bar at the bottom also provides access to key functions, notably climate settings and seat heating and cooling, as well as a button to return to the home page. The advantage is that the top and bottom bars always remain visible, giving the driver quick access to important functions, regardless of which menu page is currently displayed in the main area of the screen.
VW has also improved the voice assistant, which is now integrated popular ChatGPT AI system. In addition to operating vehicle functions such as climate control, media and navigation, the voice assistant can now also provide more specific information, including answers to general knowledge questions. Other updates include a surround-view camera system and remote parking capability.
2025 Volkswagen GTI
The powertrain in the 2025 GTI is a 2.0-liter turbo-4, just like the current model. For Europe, the peak output increases by 15 hp to a total of 262 hp. The current GTI has an output of 241 horsepower in the US and VW hasn’t said how much the updated version will offer when it arrives here.
Drive is delivered to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission as standard. A manual is no longer available. VW brought this onto the market 2024 Golf GTI 380 Special edition last August to mark the end of the run.
Additionally, there is no option for an electric or electrified powertrain in the updated Golf. Buyers looking for an electric Golf will have to wait until the end Hatchbachk’s next redesign. VW confirmed last September that the next Golf will be an electric vehicle based on the Volkswagen Group’s upcoming model Modular SSP platform. This means that the Golf GTI and Golf R will likely also be electric cars in their next versions, so fans had better prepare to say goodbye to the idea of a petrol engine in these cars. You still have some time, as the SSP platform won’t be ready until around 2028.
