2025 VW Golf R - First Drive

Full Review available at www.DriveChicago.com

Test Vehicle:

2025 Volkswagen Golf R Black Edition
Powertrain: 2.0L TSI 16-Valve DOHC Turbo 4-Cylinder R-Performance 4Motion AWD
Exterior Color: Mythos Black Metallic
Interior Color: Blue & Soul Black Cloth/ ArtVelours
Options: Golf R Euro Style Package ($3,795), Monster Mats/Trunk Liner ($296)
MSRP as tested: $53,731 (With Destination & Delivery)

Pros: Performance/Handling, Versatility
Cons: No More Manual, Touch Controls, Price Creep

The Volkswagen Golf made its debut in May 1974 in Europe as a replacement for the iconic VW Beetle.The Golf reached the U.S. market a year later, in 1975, where it was sold under the name Volkswagen Rabbit. Since its debut, there have been eight generations with the most recent generation debuting in 2019. New for 2025, the Golf gets an updated design (front & back), new paint colors, new wheel designs, improved infotainment, push-button steering wheel controls, and the loss of the manual transmission. There are two Golf models to choose from, the GTI or R. GTI models are available in three trims known as S, SE, and Autobahn. All trims come with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, paired only with a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic and front wheel drive. It produces 241 horsepower and 273 pound feet of torque. Golf R models are available in a standard trim and in a Black Edition. Both come with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 that delivers 328 horsepower and 295 pound feet of torque mated to a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic. Golf R models get permanent AWD (VW’s 4Motion) with torque vectoring at the rear for better handling.

GTI models start at $32,445 for the S and climb to $40,880. The Golf GTI was recently named the Midwest Automotive Media Association’s favorite affordable vehicle at their annual Spring Rally. Pricing for the Golf R starts at $47,100 and climbs to $48,415 for the Black Edition. Competition includes the Audi S3, Honda Civic Si/Type R, Hyundai Elantra N, Toyota GR Corolla, Mazda3 Turbo, and Subaru WRX.

The Black Edition comes with larger intakes, gloss black trim, quad exhausts, and lighter wheels to amplify the sporty presence without going overboard. It’s a sinister looking Golf from all angles with blacked out badging, darkened R logos and a black tailpipe. It’s exclusively offered in Mythos Black or Lapiz Blue paint. Inside are sports black and blue Nappa leather upholstery with carbon-fiber trim accents. Also available is a Euro Style Package ($3,795) that includes weight-saving measures and an Akrapovič exhaust system with a more distinct exhaust note to distinguish it from the standard model. There’s limited production so this may be a model to get for 2025 if you want something more original.

Whether you opt for the Golf GTI or Golf R you’re getting an iconic hot hatch that is fun-to-drive. They share much of the same strengths and weaknesses with the same infotainment system, interior space, and general exterior style. Both also have impressive handling and quick acceleration. The Golf R has a more potent engine, but it doesn't drastically improve the car's overall experience. The starting price for the Golf R is also about $15k higher than the GTI and it will burn more gas. After driving both I would say the GTI is the better value, but if money is no object, then the Golf R Black Edition is a sinister looking hatch with performance chops to match.