How many cars can you think of that have represented practicality, reasonable budget, performance, and passion for almost 50 years? Some would probably argue for the Ford Mustang, but let’s be honest. The people’s champion is the Volkswagen Golf GTI. It’s the face of front-wheel drive performance and a class-transcending masterpiece that looks great on everyone. It enjoys its own festival, its own songs and its own mascot. So if any changes are to be made, you’d better have your pitchforks ready. But it’s been a few years since the Mk8 model’s lifecycle began, which means it’s time for a mid-life refresh. And oh boy, will the torches be all set for this model. Rather than just tossing the hallmarks of hot hatch tradition onto the garbage heap of the past, it also enhances the technology with ChatGPT.
The European-spec 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI is now complete. Global debut Today, it is a symbol of a changing world. It’s too early to say whether it’s a definitive link between past and future, but it’s a clear and present indicator that something is starting to change. And you know what? Maybe the future won’t be so bad.
The new GTI looks almost identical to the old GTI, but the most noticeable difference is that the wheels look surprisingly Alfa Romeo. Volkswagen undoubtedly aimed for a throwback to the Mk5, fusing modern trends with a diamond-cut face and dark pockets, and the end result should come as no surprise to anyone. Please mark my words. These are going to be some of the most popular wheels in the OEM Plus scene because they fit a lot of vehicles, are available at a good price, and look really good.
What’s not so great is the giant GTI lettering on each front door. The concept is pretty cool, but the plastichrome finish feels more like a Chrysler Sebring Limited than a hot hatchback. Give me some italic vinyl and a cartoon rabbit the size of a manhole cover, you coward. On the plus side, it’s unlikely that the back of this lettering actually penetrates the panel, so you may need to use a heat gun and fish wire to sort these emblems. It looks very luxurious when displayed in a tool box.
Otherwise, the body-colored incisors on the Golf R-inspired lower grille look sinister, the new headlights are classy, and Volkswagen hasn’t done much to make the exterior look any better. Even with a little more aggressiveness, the GTI is still a hot hatch for certainly mature people, one that blends in on autocross courses and office parking lots.
Slide inside, and as you might expect, this is the first standard production GTI that doesn’t get the option to row your own gears, even if it’s an option. The only transmission listed on paper is his seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, and while it’s a good transmission, hot hatch enthusiasts will likely feel disappointed. You see, I had the chance to buy the last GTI with a stick, a 380 Edition, while I had the chance. At the time this updated GTI was being developed, Euro 7 emissions regulations were weighing heavily on Volkswagen, and with limited engineering capabilities, something had to give. As Volkswagen previously told us, “These are global cars, and no one in any other market would buy a manual.” If all companies offered each customer exactly what they wanted Then they’ll either go bankrupt or become Porsche. Thankfully, the GTI isn’t Cayman money.
Still, it’s not all bad news inside the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI. The questionable capacitive touch steering wheel controls are gone and replaced with real buttons. Volkswagen listened to customer feedback about how it reinvented the wheel to run itself over and then went back to the old, familiar ways. When it comes to user friendliness, the dreaded touch slider is still on the dashboard, but it’s now illuminated at night, and the improved top-spec infotainment system lets you control much more than before, including climate and heating. information is displayed at the top level of the screen. Seat information. About bloody time. Just to be clear, the jury is still out on Volkswagen’s ChatGPT integration. How much will he need LLM-generated AI while driving anyway?
Is there anything else worth noting? Well, the GTI now has carbon fiber interior trim. And, oh yeah, the European model shown off has horsepower increased from 241 to 262. There’s no word on torque, but 20-plus peak horsepower should make a difference. . If these accomplishments make it across the Atlantic, the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI should once again be a smart choice as an entry-level performance car.
(Photo courtesy of Volkswagen)
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