The Volkswagen Golf GTI made its original debut almost 50 years ago thanks to the determination and passion of a small team of designers and engineers. It was enthusiastically welcomed by the public and went on to enjoy phenomenal success.
In 2002, the German automaker introduced an even more powerful and radical Golf: the R32, built around an Mk4 Golf chassis. Unlike the four-cylinder GTI, it featured a 3.2-litre VR6 with a unique and captivating sound. The 240-horsepower engine was mated to a six-speed manual transmission and 4Motion all-wheel drive system. A second generation (Mk5) followed in 2008. Alas, similar to the first one, it was not sold in Canada.
We had to wait for the Mk6 Golf R to finally get a taste of Volkswagen’s ultimate hot hatch. However, this one did away with the VR6 and instead used a 256-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. The Mk7 increased output to 288 horsepower, and the Mk8 later took it to 315 horsepower. Refreshed for 2025, the Mk8.5 Golf R is, unsurprisingly, more powerful than ever. It also marks the beginning of a new era.
More Popular and Sophisticated
Volkswagen made a surprising revelation at the media presentation we attended in Reston, Virginia. Believe it or not, the Golf R has gained so much popularity among consumers across Canada that it surpassed the legendary Golf GTI last year with 4,039 units sold versus 3,626.
Will the trend continue over the coming months and years? Possibly. The 2025 Golf R is more sophisticated and stronger than ever. It’s practical and civilized in everyday driving, and extremely sharp and spirited when needed. And it happens to be equipped with all-wheel drive, which comes in handy during winter.
As mentioned earlier, the Golf R has received a significant mid-cycle update for 2025 including a more aggressive-looking front fascia and a new Black Edition (pictured above) that retails for $53,595 in Canada. The base model starts at $50,995.
An Extraordinary Hatchback
At Summit Point Motorsports Park, a driving instructor first guided us around the particularly technical track, which features an uneven surface and a unique combination of turns and inclines. Following a hot lap, we watched professional rally driver, drifter and hill climb racer Tanner Foust do his thing behind the wheel of the updated Golf R.
Set in Race mode, the car’s digital gauge cluster adapts to highlight engine speed and various driving-related functions. This mode was developed on the complex and challenging Nürburgring race track in Germany. Due to the similar surfaces, it recalibrates the differential but leaves the dampers pretty much as they are in Normal mode, which is something that standard modes can’t do.
The Golf R has countless settings and offers more options when it comes to tailoring the systems to the conditions and the driver’s preferences. Differential and suspension tuning goes hand in hand, which is why Foust decided to engage Race mode to shred the track.
Right away, we could feel the 13 extra horsepower over the 2024 model. The turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, paired with all-wheel drive, makes the most of its 328 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Not only that, but the Golf R slows down as forcefully as it accelerates thanks to huge perforated disc brakes. Foust drifted through the first right-hand turn and made it all look like child’s play, but let’s give VW engineers credit, too: the mechanical and electronic components at work do a remarkable job to keep the potent hatchback in the perfect line.
The differentials and computers optimize chassis movements to maintain a flat ride with minimum body roll. Following the first climb is a series of descending curves where patience and caution are required as the track is narrow. Amazingly, the Golf R can be forgiving even to a professional driver: Foust proved it to us by intentionally accelerating too quickly and letting the car work its magic.
Forgiving and Civilized
After a few laps, it was our turn to step behind the wheel and take on the track, albeit at a slower pace. The Golf R proved docile even in Race mode. It won’t get mad if you miss the apex, because the 4Motion system expertly pushes the car inside. What’s more, the brakes have much more bite than we anticipated. Simply put, the Golf R will let you have all the fun you want without killing you. Not every sports car can brag about that.
As thrilling as it is on the track, where drivers are able to exploit its full potential, this German hot hatch remains civilized on public roads. Admittedly, the ones in Virginia are in much better condition than ours (a previous winter test drive back home showed how harsh the ride can be), but the highly comfortable seats are a treat, especially the ArtVelours-trimmed buckets we tested. They’re a no-cost option, by the way.
In Normal mode, steering gets lighter yet still proves sharp and high on feedback. It’s a shame the steering wheel has not been updated (unlike the 2025 Golf GTI’s) and retains its awful haptic controls. Volkswagen told us they would have had to redesign it entirely because of the R function that sets the sportier Golf apart.
The configurable 10.25-inch instrument panel is visually appealing with sharp colours and graphics. Meanwhile, the infotainment system now powers a 12.9-inch touchscreen. Overall, the interface is attractive and more ergonomic than in the past, even though it takes some getting used to. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are naturally included, and we really liked the 30-colour ambient lighting system. An eight-speaker Harman Kardon stereo is among the many other standard features you’ll find. Once again, a sunroof is optional ($1,250). Oh, and for an extra $3,000, the Golf R can be fitted with an Akrapovič titanium exhaust that reduces weight by 7 kg.
Standing at the Top
In the end, it’s hardly a surprise that people turn to the Golf R. What was once a niche product is now, in a way, a go-to car. It delivers breathtaking performance, and while pricing has increased for 2025, it’s still right up there with competitors such as the Toyota GR Corolla and Honda Civic Type R. Similarly powerful and sporty offerings from Acura, Cadillac, BMW and Audi are more expensive.
There has never been a better or a more accomplished Golf R than this one, even with the loss of the manual transmission for 2025. We don’t expect it to lose that many fans since the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission does a remarkable job. Are we looking at Volkswagen’s new sporty icon, surpassing the GTI? Maybe. That would be quite a feat considering the latter has been around for nearly a half-century, but the Golf R is proof that anything is possible these days.
| Test drive report | |
| Test model | 2025 Volkswagen Golf R |
|---|---|
| Trim level | Black Edition |
| Price range | $50,995 – $53,595 |
| Price as tested | CA$53,595 |
| Warranty (basic) | 4 years/80,000 km |
| Warranty (powertrain) | 5 years/100,000 km |
| Fuel economy (city/highway/observed) | 10.5 / 7.7 / N/A L/100km |
| Options | N/A |
| Competitive models | Acura Integra, Audi A3, Honda Civic, MINI 3 Door, Subaru WRX, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Golf GTI |
| Strong points | Breathtaking performanceLoaded with featuresExcellent AWD systemSharp handling |
| Weak points | Some of the controls could be more user-friendlyThe ride can be stiff on Canadian roads |
