Volkswagen Golf R 2025: the start of a new era
Introduced over 40 years ago, the Volkswagen Golf GTI almost never saw the light of day. But thanks to the will and passion of a small team, it was enthusiastically welcomed by the public, and went on to enjoy phenomenal success.
In 2002, Volkswagen launched an even more powerful and radical Golf: the R32, built around a Golf MK4 chassis. Unlike the GTI with its 4-cylinder engine, it featured a 3.2-liter VR6 with an atypical yet bewitching sound! The 240-hp engine was mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and 4Motion all-wheel drive. A second generation (MK5) followed in 2008. Alas, like the first, it was not distributed in Canada.
We had to wait for the Golf R MK6 to finally benefit from Volkswagen's best mechanical prowess. However, this one did away with the VR6 and called on a 256-hp turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder. The MK7 increased horsepower to 288, and the MK8 to 315. Refreshed for 2025, the Golf R MK8.5 is, unsurprisingly, more powerful than ever. It's probably the start of a new era for the automaker...
Increased sophistication and popularity
At the media presentation in Reston, northern Virginia, Volkswagen took journalists by surprise. To our general astonishment, the Golf R quickly gained in popularity with consumers across the country, surpassing the legendary GTI in sales with over 4,039 units sold, compared with 3,626 last year.
Will this initiative continue over the coming months and years? Possibly. The Golf R 2025 is more sophisticated and convincing than ever. It's practical and civilized in everyday life, and ultra-high-performance when needed. And it's equipped with all-wheel drive, which comes in handy in winter.
This year, it receives several modifications. In short, the front end sports more aggressive styling, and a new Black Edition version (shown above) debuts at a price of $53,595. The base model starts at $50,995.
An extraordinary machine
On our way to Summit Point Motorsports Park, we embarked with an instructor to get acquainted with the circuit, then took a quick lap. The track is particularly technical, with a series of turns, an uneven surface and a number of gradients. At the wheel, professional driver Tanner Foust prepared to tackle the tarmac. Also an animator, he can draw on his experience from the many disciplines in which he has participated, including rallying, ice racing, drifting and Hill Climb.
Set to Race mode, the Golf R changes the aesthetics of the instrumentation to highlight engine speed and the various driving-related functions. This mode was developed on the demanding and complex Nürburgring circuit in Germany. In addition, because of the comparable surfaces, it programs the differential aggressively, while the dampers retain a suppleness similar to Normal mode - something that standard modes cannot do.
The Golf R has innumerable settings and offers superior freedom in terms of driving configuration, depending on our preferences or circumstances. Differential and suspension calibrations work hand in hand, which is why Tanner decided to engage Race mode to attack the track.
From the outset, the powerful cavalry - 13 horsepower more than the 2024 model - makes itself felt. The turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder - combined with all-wheel drive - manages to squeeze out the maximum 328 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Golf R accelerates as vigorously as it stops, thanks to its huge perforated disc brakes. Tanner takes the first right-hand turn in a controlled skid. In the hands of an expert, it all looks like child's play! However, it proves that the mechanical components are working properly to keep the sports car on its ideal trajectory.
Differentials and electronics optimize chassis movements to keep it upright and minimize body roll. The first elevation point leads to a series of descending curves at the top, where patience is required as the road is narrow. Nevertheless, the Golf R tolerates even the mistakes of a professional: he intentionally accelerated too quickly to demonstrate the sports car's skills.
After a few laps, it was our turn to test it. Although we're nowhere near as quick and efficient as Tanner, the Golf R was nonetheless docile - even in Race mode. It forgives missed chord points where the all-wheel drive pushes to the inside of the curve. What's more, the brakes bite much harder than we might expect. In fact, the R takes us by the hand and lets us have fun without killing us. Not every sports car can boast that.
As much as the R provides extraordinary sensations on the track - where we can exploit its full potential - it is civilized on the road. Admittedly, the road surface is in much better condition than in Quebec, where during our winter test, the suspension proved particularly harsh. That doesn't prevent the seats from being very comfortable, especially the ArtVelours that were fitted to our model. This option is offered free of charge by the manufacturer.
In Normal mode, the firmness of the steering diminishes, while remaining communicative and sharp. Unlike the GTI 2025, the steering wheel has not been redesigned, so it retains its ugly haptic controls. Volkswagen told us that the entire steering wheel would have had to be redone, as it differs in design from that of the GTI - due to the R function. As for the 10.25-inch configurable instrumentation, it is beautifully colored and visually appealing.
The multimedia system is now equipped with a 12.9" diagonal screen. The interface is attractive and more ergonomic than in the past, even if it takes some getting used to. It includes the usual gadgets, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, not to mention the ability to change the ambience thanks to a palette of 30 hues that illuminate the cabin. The 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system also comes as standard, along with several other conveniences. In addition, the base model can be fitted with an optional sunroof ($1,250). For $3,000, the Golf R can be fitted with an Akrapovič titanium exhaust that reduces weight by 7 kg.
Ascension
In the end, it's hardly surprising that the public has turned to the Golf R. What was once a niche vehicle is now, in a way, the norm. It offers breathtaking sensations at a price that may be higher, but is still competitive with the competition (Toyota GR Corolla and Honda Civic Type R). What's more, its performance has nothing to envy the luxury brands - Acura, Cadillac, BMW and Audi, for example - which offer a similar package at a higher price.
The Golf R is at its peak, even if it doesn't have a manual gearbox in 2025. In fact, that's unlikely to diminish its popularity, as the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission does a remarkable job. Perhaps it will become Volkswagen's new mythical symbol - surpassing the GTI emblem. That's an ambitious goal, given that the GTI's career has spanned more than 40 years, but today, anything is possible, and the Golf R proves it.
