The playful Volkswagen Golf GTI hot hatchback gets updated for 2025 with a restyled front end including new headlights, a new bumper, and a new grille. Technology features are upgraded and expanded. Interior layout and controls have been revised to boost driver convenience and ease of use.
One of the more noteworthy changes is something the GTI doesn’t have this year: a manual transmission option.
GTI’s indomitable spirit is still very much in existence, carried over for a long time by a 2.0-liter TSI turbocharged and direct-injection engine producing 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Its sole pairing now is with the GTI’s other partner, the well-established seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission.
It’s a formidable powertrain, a heartthrob among hot-hatch aficionados. Combine it with GTI’s fantastic sporty handling and you’ve got the essence of fun driving.
The EPA fuel economy rating for the front-wheel-drive GTI is a respectable 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined. That’s equal to or better than other cars in the sport compact class. Volkswagen recommends premium fuel for the GTI.
The GTI isn’t just another wild ride. It also offers practicality, such as seating for five, and 91.9 cubic feet of interior room along with 19.9 cu ft of luggage (or whatever) space. Versatility is enhanced by a trunk floor that can be raised or lowered, and a 60:40 split backrest that can be folded down to create an almost flat cargo area of 34.5 cu ft.
The stylish and comfortable 2025 GTI interior has a driver-centric design, dominated by a new center stack with a freestanding 12.9-inch display angled slightly toward the driver. The display is attractive and highly visible. Some functions have been simplified and it would be great if VW continues in that direction, making its infotainment system truly friendly for users.
VW replaced the previous model’s touch-sensitive steering wheel controls with buttons, another good move. I nominate the finicky touch-sensitive sliders that control the audio volume and climate temperature as the next replacement.
GTI continues with three main trims for 2025: S, SE, and Autobahn. Pricing starts at $32,445 for the S trim plus a $1,225 destination charge.
I drove the Autobahn model, whose prolific list of standard goodies includes 19-inch wheels, rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated and ventilated front seats with memory on the driver side, three-zone climate control, power sliding panoramic sunroof, head-up display, Digital Cockpit Pro configurable instrument display, navigation, SiriusXM, Bluetooth, nine-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, App-Connect smartphone integration, Qi wireless charging, and a slew of safety and driver assistance systems.
It should be noted that the more affordable GTI S trim is well-equipped with standard features.
2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn
Base Price: $40,880
Price as Driven: $42,295
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