Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins
What a state of bliss the 2025 Golf GTI and Golf R create when cruising town or playing on racetracks over the weekend. The performance hatchbacks are compact for city maneuvering and parking, versatile to load up your mountain bike for trail rides, practical for daily chores, and sporty enough to produce endorphins in heavy doses.
Backed by a long history of success and a cult-like following to carry on its legendary moniker, the Golf GTI (Grand Touring Injection) and Golf R are as important to VW as protein is to bodybuilders. The momentum continues with an upward trajectory. For example, between 2023 and 2024, Golf GTI sales impressively rose 48.6% while the Golf R increased 29.6%. This is a testament to the technology and engineering, forward-thinking, and design elevation VW has instilled into the Golf formula for almost 50 years.
To join the fandom, Volkswagen invited me to Summit Point Motorsports Park, tucked within the rolling hills and rural lands of West Virginia. Since 1969 the road course and its fascinating jumps, bumps, and turns have become a haven and proving ground for aspiring racers and enthusiasts. But before we got into the business, VW showcased a Dark Teal 1992 Golf GTI 16V for media to test drive. The Mk2 generation became a hot commodity during its 1984 to 1992 run and featured BBS mesh rims, bolstered Recaro seats, and a rear window spoiler. The fanfare began in 1976 with the Mk 1 GTI, which featured round headlights, a red-bordered grille, a thin bumper, sport springs, and wide tires.
VW believes that performance hatchbacks bring people together since they are stewards of the brands they represent. I wholeheartedly agree as witnessed at car meets and owner rallies across the country. Prior to running the Golf R on Summit Point, we drove from Volkswagen’s new headquarters in a Kings Red Metallic 2025 Golf GTI. Representing the 8th generation as the Mk 8 GTI (2020 to present), the refresh is leaner and meaner. A 2.0-liter TSI evo4 engine distributing 241-horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque energizes the daring hatchback. It unites with an amazingly quick-shifting 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, incorporating launch control. Fuel economy is 27 mpg combined.
The bevy of updates for the new GTI are extensive. You can select the GTI in three renditions: S at $32,445, SE for $37,420, or Autobahn at $40,880. The vehicle received the following enhancements for the 2025 model year:
- Refined front fascia design with new front bumper, grille, and headlights, including the red character line.
- Illuminated front logo and light line.
- Sinister 19” wheel design for the Autobahn model. Inspired by the Mk 5 classic horseshoe wheel, they are paired with Bridgestone Potenza or Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 summer tires for precision grip and handling.
- New colors in Alpine Silver Metallic or State Blue Metallic, my favorite.
- The 12.9” MIB3 infotainment system with the sliding volume bar found in VW’s new EVs.
- Updated Carbon Gray décor and “Clubsport” ArtVelours seats with red accents.
The Golf GTI is a special vehicle for special individuals. At times, I wanted to drive the Rabbit slowly through West Virginia to admire the beauty of the land, but my alter ego said no and reminded me that I was behind the wheel of the latest GTI. So I pushed it, taking hold of the thick, flat-bottom, red-stitched steering wheel, interacting with the four drive modes, and meshing the wide metal pedals as the red 2-piston calipers clamped down on the 14.1” front discs when I needed to deaccelerate aggressively. Wow, the GTI drives like a dream. However, the multimedia system is still not as smooth or intuitive as it should be at this point in time.
Now we’re rolling with the “letter R” as in Raw performance. With similar styling updates to the GTI, the $47,100 Golf R is mainly recognized by its blue brake calipers, unless you go with the $48,415 Golf R Black Edition that turns them black in addition to the grille, logo, wheels, headlights, window trim, and quad circular Satin Black exhaust finishers. The cabin receives genuine carbon fiber trim with the Black Edition upgrade. Additionally, the $3,795 Euro Style Package can be combined with the Black Edition. It mainly adds a sunroof delete, ArtVelours seats, 19” forged alloy rims, and an Akrapovič titanium exhaust with richer notes. This package reduces weight by 80 pounds. The R also integrates a large bi-level tailgate spoiler that generates downforce and enhances aggression. The interior is similar to GTI except for a few callouts, such as 7 Drive Modes (Eco, Sport, Comfort, Race, Drift, Special, and Custom).
After the warmup up from the GTI touring drive, it was time for the track where the action is at. High performance is gained through the 328-horsepower (13-hp increase) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque 2-liter TSI evo4 engine. It is joined by the 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters and launch control for thrilling runs. The hot hatch was sticky on Summit Point and handled switchbacks like Brazilian futbol footwork. 4Motion AWD with R Performance Torque Vectoring, direct steering response, and bolstered seats certainly bring out the Tanner Foust in all of us. In fact, the pro driver was on deck to provide guidance and expertise. He advised setting the vehicle in Race mode, which keeps the R from upshifting or intervening too much. Accordingly, I did just that and let her rip!
Once again VW has scored more than a few goals with the 2025 Golf R and Golf GTI to advance to the knockout stage. Since the German automaker sponsors U.S. Soccer, expect to see the versatile hatchback profiling at tournaments and games with the biggest names in the sport as the fans scream Gooooolllffff!!!
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