2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI Unveiled

The latest refresh of the iconic hatchback now boasts an increase in power to 262 hp, alongside a selection of new colors and several enhancements to the interior interface. Regrettably, the manual transmission option has been removed.

The 2025 VW Golf GTI arrives with a fresh look for its Europe-spec model. It features a slight power boost from its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and various exterior and interior modifications. While specifics for the U.S. model are still pending, more details are expected later in the year. The 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI, recently previewed at CES, now debuts with a range of updates, including a sleeker design, additional horsepower, new color choices, and significant interior technology improvements to improve upon the previous model's infotainment system challenges.

The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine now delivers 262 horsepower for the European version, promising more than the existing model's 241 hp for the U.S. market. This increase in power compensates for the removal of the six-speed manual transmission, leaving a seven-speed dual-clutch as the sole transmission option. Those desiring the last manual 2024 GTI models should act quickly.

Subtle yet modern updates can be seen in the front bumper, LED headlights, and taillights. New wheel designs, an optional black-painted roof, and four new exterior colors – including two shades of blue, a silver, and a black – enhance the vehicle's appearance. An optional light-up VW badge is now available.

The GTI's interior has been upgraded, discarding some previous touch-sensitive controls and aiming to enhance the infotainment interface. The steering wheel now features tangible buttons instead of touch-capacitive ones. The central screen retains touch sliders for volume and temperature control, now illuminated and reportedly more user-friendly. A new 12.9-inch screen equipped with VW's latest MIB4 software introduces a revamped menu structure and an improved voice assistant that recognizes more commands.