2025 VW Golf Unveiled With Subtle Design Updates, New Tech, and More

First things first, let's talk about the blink-and-you'll-miss-the-changes exterior design. As mentioned, the 2025 VW Golf is a facelift of the eighth generation, so you shouldn't look for any major stylistic novelties.

Then again, it's certainly on the discreet part, with the main clusters being straighter and protruding more into the bumper on the lower parts. You can also see the smaller air intakes on the base models, with a pair of claws on the GTE and GTI and a backlit VW logo joining the light bar. The taillights have revised graphics, and we can also see a new diffuser. The new colors and wheels round off the makeover on the outside.

It's more of the same in the cabin for the most part, yet it does feature a few novelties here, too. For one, the steering wheel and center console were updated. Volkswagen also mentions the new 10.4-inch infotainment system that will be offered on base cars, with the more expensive models getting 12.9-inch displays. The touchscreens feature improved graphics and rethought menus and are joined by a ChatGPT voice assistant on European versions, a feature that hasn't been confirmed on the US-spec.

In terms of power, it comes with two mild hybrids, making 116 and 150 ps (114-148 hp/85-110 kW), respectively, mated to a seven-speed DSG. A six-speed manual is also offered here, albeit at the expense of the 48v tech. A pair of diesel units is also available. The entry-level makes 116 ps (114 hp/85 kW) and comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, and the punchier one features a 7sp DSG and enjoys 150 ps (148 hp/110 kW).

Plug-in hybrids are also on deck, with the most affordable putting 204 ps (201 hp/150 kW) under the driver's right foot and the GTE offering 272 ps (268 hp/200 kW), 27 ps (26 hp/19 kW) more than its predecessor. The sporty model also gets a larger battery pack, from 10.6 to 19.7 kWh, which enables a zero-emission range of 100 km (62 miles), up from 61 km (38 miles). The GTI FWD hot hatch now has 265 ps (261 hp/195 kW), up from 245 ps (242 hp/180 kW), and is only available with a DSG. The R (hatch and wagon) and GTI Clubsport will join the family later.

Volkswagen says the facelifted Golf will launch in Europe this spring, whereas the first copies will officially cross the Atlantic Ocean for North America next year. Mind you, while shoppers in the Old Continent will get all versions of the car, it is only the GTI front-wheel drive hot hatch that will launch in the New World, joined by the punchier R with its AWD system. On a final note, this is the last ever Golf to feature internal combustion engines, as its successor, which is expected in 2028, will go fully electric.