Fordredesign.com – For decades, the Volkswagen Golf GTI has been recognized for quick handling, an eager motor, and surprising practicality. The newest model, the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI, does not deviate from that formula, although it does include some new technologies while eliminating the option for a manual transmission.
We’re unhappy that VW is getting rid of the stick shift, but the new GTI is still a fun car to drive even without a clutch pedal. The turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four continues to deliver plenty of power in the front-wheel-drive GTI, but there’s also an even more extreme all-wheel-drive Golf R, which we examined separately, if you want an even hotter hatch.
On top of that, the GTI’s four-door design provides ample space for rear-seat passengers and goods, making it one of the most versatile vehicles on the market.
What’s New in the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI?
The 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI boasts numerous new technological innovations, including a larger touchscreen, an improved voice assistant, and upgraded infotainment software. It also boasts new steering-wheel controls that replace the previous unpleasant touch-sensitive buttons, which is a great improvement.
The selection also includes revised headlights, taillights, and new wheel styles. For Europe-market versions, the turbo four-cylinder engine gains some power over the previous generation, but we’re assured that the extra power will not be used. Unfortunately, if you want a manual-transmission GTI, you must act quickly because the 2025 variant will not include a stick shift. The 2024 GTI 380 edition is your last chance to shift your own gears.
2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI Pricing: How Much Will It Cost?
The pricing of the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI is estimated to range from $34,000 to $42,000, depending on trim and extras. VW has yet to announce pricing or trim-level details for the redesigned GTI, but we expect it to be available in the same three models as previously. We’re mostly hoping the plaid seats stay in the cheaper trim levels.
What’s the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI Interior look Like?
A number of noticeable upgrades make the GTI’s already attractive cabin more functional. While we were previously disappointed by the unintuitive infotainment touchscreen and finicky touch controls, both have been improved in the current model. Real buttons have replaced touch-sensitive sliders on the steering wheel, and the infotainment system has been significantly upgraded.
Aside from those revisions, expect the same capacious front and rear seats, as well as the unexpectedly large cargo compartment made possible by the GTI’s boxy hatchback design.
The new GTI will include a larger 12.9-inch infotainment screen. That’s a useful size boost over the previous model’s 10.0-inch screen, and VW claims improved functioning with its enhanced MIB4 software. An upgraded voice assistant promises to recognize more requests.
How Does the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance Look?
The 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI features a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine that produces around 241 horsepower. This time around, the single gearbox option will be the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, which shifts quickly but is ultimately less engaging than the discontinued six-speed manual transmission.
Fortunately, even the automatic GTI is a thrilling car to drive, thanks to a firm brake pedal and a desire to shift direction that makes it a delight to drive on a winding road. In our first test drive of the Europe-spec vehicle, we discovered that it was significantly less lively than before due to adjustments in steering tuning and other tweaks.
The optional 19-inch wheels on the car we drove, which may or may not be available in the United States, reduced ride quality and agility, so we recommend going with smaller wheel options.