Tuesday, December 30, 2025

2025 Volkswagen Golf R Black Edition: The Track Inspired Hatchback Designed for Drifting

 

Highlight: The Golf R is the performance version of the German model’s GTI.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $53,731 (Base MSRP): $48,325

Seating Capacity: 4 or 5

Standard Safety Equipment: a blind spot monitoring system; back up camera; a lane departure warning system; a rear cross traffic alert system; and a tire pressure monitoring system


Standard Equipment (Golf R Black Edition): 19-forged alloy wheels; gloss version of the wheel; summer performance tires; painted brake calipers; sport seat with integrated headrest; heated and ventilated front seats; rear heated seats; a 13-inch infotainment screen; 12-way power seats with three memory presets; R function sport steering wheel; and a heated steering wheel

Options: Euro Style Package: a solid fixed sunroof; a titanium exhaust system; a manual adjustable driver’s seat with manual lumbar support, a power reclining seat, diamond patterned cloth seat surfaces with seat bolsters, padded door panels with inserts; and monster mats with heavy duty trunk liner

Other Trim Levels:

Golf GTI

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 9-speaker/480-watt Harman Kardon AM/FM audio system with SiriusXM

Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles


Engine/Horsepower (Test Vehicle): 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder DOHC turbo engine/328-hp

Standard Fuel Mileage: 22-city/31-hwy (test model)

What’s New: For the 2025 model year, the sporty hatchback wears a sleek headlight design.  Also, the hatchback can be outfitted with a new Euro Style package. Up until recently, this optional appearance package was only reserved for European markets.




Why:

Designed for drifting - A variety of driving modes (racing, economy, sport)

A heads-up display (HUD) system

A crystal-clear Harman Kardon audio system

Sporty updated design

19-inch forged alloy wheels

Precision drive and peppy engine make the vehicle fun-to-drive (and less than paying for the premium Audi models)

Dual quad rear muffler

Keyless doors

A zippy performer with a throaty engine

Depending upon driving mode, the steering gear shifter kicks-in

AWD

Navigation system available

A wireless charging pad

An adjustable center driver’s armrest

An easy-to-use 10-inch infotainment system

A power sunroof

Comfortable sport style front passenger seating

Available black package

A high-level of safety driving aids

A power driver’s seat

Power folding exterior mirrors

But:

Pricey

No brake hold feature

No manual transmission

Adding the Euro Style package eliminates a power sunroof

Too modernized for a sports car as a result of such driver aid features as assist automatic parking and a co-pilot assist steering system

The firm suspension magnifies every bump and imperfection in the road


Verdict: The sporty Volkswagen Golf R Edition is a fan favorite. From a quick glance, the sporty hatchback looks like a GTI. However, the cool looking, track-inspired, five-seater hatchback costs about $15,000 more.

Unlike the GTI, the Golf R Edition offers a 328-horsepower engine, a R tuned AWD suspension system, a R-designed heated and ventilated sport bucket front seats, a R-design steering wheel, a R-design performance spoiler and 19-inch forged alloy wheels.  All of these features distinguish itself from the lower priced GTI.

Moreover, our test model was accessorized with this year’s Euro Styling Package, which eliminates approximately 80 pounds off the overall vehicle weight while boosting the driving fun factor. An although the optional package eliminates the sunroof to save on weight, the Golf R's appearance is enhanced by such features as a titanium exhaust system and diamond patterned cloth seat surfaces with seat bolsters.

Yet, while we typically welcome such features as co-pilot assist system and automated parking assist systems, we frown upon such AI aids in this vehicle. We would prefer a manually controlled transmission and limited driving aids. Like in the Mazda Miata roadster, there are some driving enhancement features we can live without in order to be at one with the high=performance hatchback.

Overall, the Golf R doesn’t disappoint. In an age where crossovers, trucks and SUVs are king of the road, it reminds us there is a place for those still seeking an engaging, fun filled driving experience.

Competition: Honda Civic Type R

Electric Competition: Hyundai Ioniq5

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2025 Volkswagen Golf R Black Edition: The Track Inspired Hatchback Designed for Drifting

  Highlight: The Golf R is the performance version of the German model’s GTI. Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $53,731 ( Base MSRP) : $48,325 Seati...