2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI Review

The Golf GTI is often heralded as the grandfather of the hot hatch; first launching with the Mk1 GTI way back in 1976.

Fast forward almost 5 decades, and Volkswagen have just released their facelifted VW Mk8.5 GTI - adding more power, new styling and addressing some useability issues with the interior brought by the Mk8 GTI.

But how does the package come together for the Mk8.5 Golf GTI? We hit the streets around Wolfsburg, Germany - Volkswagen’s HQ - to find that out.

How much does the Volkswagen Golf GTI cost?

Right now, Volkswagen Australia have not yet announced pricing of the upcoming Golf GTI.

However, they are offering a drive-away deal on fully-loaded Mk8 (pre-facelift) GTIs of $59,990.

We’ll update pricing once the Mk8.5 Golf GTI launches in Australia sometime in 2025.

‍Looking to buy a Golf GTI or any other new car? Our team of car buyers are ready to help! We get the best deals and charge you nothing! Find out more here.

What’s the interior like of the Volkswagen Golf GTI?

The interior of the Mk8.5 Golf GTI brings a refreshing update to the design introduced with the Mk8. Volkswagen has taken user feedback seriously, addressing some of the more frustrating aspects of the previous model’s cabin, making this version feel much more refined and functional.

First, let's talk about the tech. The biggest improvement is the updated 12.9-inch infotainment system. The central screen remains sharp and responsive, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as before. 

However, what really makes a difference now is the addition of backlighting to the volume and temperature sliders. In the Mk8, these controls were difficult to use at night due to the lack of illumination, leading to user complaints. Volkswagen has now fixed this, making them much easier to see and operate in all conditions.

The climate control interface has also been improved. While it remains a part of the touchscreen, the layout is now more intuitive, with key functions like seat heating always accessible. The overall user experience feels more streamlined and far less frustrating than in the outgoing model.

One of the more notable updates comes to the steering wheel.

Previously, the touch-capacitive buttons on the Mk8 GTI’s wheel were overly sensitive, leading to accidental presses and frustration. ‘

In the Mk8.5, these have been replaced with traditional clicky buttons, which feel better and are more reliable and easier to use on the move. The leather-wrapped wheel retains its iconic GTI golf ball design and feels fantastic to hold during both spirited and relaxed driving.

The Tartan seats, a signature GTI feature, carry over into the Mk8.5. While they remain largely unchanged, that’s no bad thing — they offer excellent comfort and lateral support, particularly when cornering hard. The material quality is high, and the seats are manually adjustable, which helps keep weight down while still being comfortable for long drives.

Volkswagen has also kept the minimalist shifter design from the Mk8, which might not be to everyone’s taste but does free up space in the center console. Surrounding the shifter, you’ll find storage areas, wireless charging, and 2x USB-C ports — everything you’d expect in a modern hot hatch.

Material quality in the cabin is mostly high. Soft-touch surfaces dominate the dashboard, and there’s some subtle faux carbon fiber trim adding a sporty flair. 

However, some harder plastics remain in less visible areas, but overall, it feels fitting for a hot hatch in this segment.

Overall, the interior updates of the Mk8.5 Golf GTI bring the usability and tech back to where they should be, making this a much more enjoyable place to spend time compared to the Mk8. 

It strikes a good balance between being functional, sporty, and comfortable for everyday use.

What about back seats?

The back seats of the Mk8.5 Golf GTI maintain the practicality and comfort that have long been a strong suit of the Golf lineup. 

Despite being a compact hot hatch, the rear offers a decent amount of space for passengers. At 5-foot 11-inches sitting behind the driver’s seat still leaves you with ample legroom and headroom, making it comfortable for both short and longer trips.

The materials used in the rear are in line with the front cabin, though some of the more premium touches like soft-touch plastics give way to harder materials. 

That said, the Tartan cloth seats extend to the rear and provide a nice continuity with the front. These seats are supportive, though naturally not as bolstered as the ones up front, but they offer plenty of comfort for passengers.

In terms of tech, the back passengers are catered to with rear air vents and their own third-zone climate control settings, which is a nice addition for a car in this class. The large rear door bins are also a practical feature, offering plenty of storage for personal items.

It's a rear seat setup that feels well-suited to the car’s dual nature as both a sporty hot hatch and a practical daily driver.

What’s boot space OR tub space like in the Volkswagen Golf GTI?

The boot space in the Mk8.5 Golf GTI remains practical for a hot hatch, offering 374 litres of cargo capacity. 

The wide opening makes it easy to load items, and the rear seats can be folded down to significantly expand the space when needed. 

While it may not be class-leading, the boot provides enough versatility for everyday items and weekend getaways.

What’s under the bonnet of the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI?

Under the bonnet of the Mk8.5 Golf GTI lies an updated version of Volkswagen’s well-known 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

This updated unit now delivers 195 kW of power and 370 Nm of torque, a slight but meaningful improvement over its predecessor of 15kW. 

Paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the engine has been re-tuned for sharper throttle response and more linear power delivery, making everyday driving feel more effortless.

Power is sent through to the front wheels only.

How does the Volkswagen Golf GTI Drive?

The 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8.5 builds on an already solid foundation, but the updated engine tune and revised engine management system have transformed how it drives.

Power has been increased to 195 kW, with 370 Nm of torque available from low in the rev range, giving the GTI a noticeably quicker and more responsive feel.

The 0-100 km/h sprint is now accomplished in around 6.3 seconds, making it competitive within the hot hatch segment. Throttle response is sharper, with more immediate acceleration off the line and in-gear.

The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission remains a key highlight, shifting seamlessly and quickly between gears. Volkswagen has also fine-tuned the gearbox mapping, so it’s better suited to both spirited driving and urban commuting.

When pushed hard, the limited-slip differential comes into play, ensuring power is effectively managed through tight corners, reducing understeer and keeping the car composed during spirited drives.

The steering feels direct and precise, aided by Volkswagen’s progressive steering system. This system adjusts the steering ratio based on input, providing a more engaging feel in tight corners, while still being light enough for city driving.

On the twisty roads of Germany, the GTI’s 15-stage adaptive dampers truly shine.

In sport mode, the dampers firm up, allowing the car to remain planted during aggressive cornering without losing grip.

In comfort mode, the ride softens up significantly, offering a level of compliance that makes the GTI a capable everyday driver, even on rougher roads. Volkswagen has worked hard to strike the right balance between comfort and sportiness, and it shows.

Body roll is minimal, and the car remains composed through sharper turns, giving the driver confidence. I’m not entirely sure if this is the case, but the exhaust note seems to have also been enhanced, delivering a more engaging sound under acceleration without being overly loud or intrusive.

While the Mk8.5 GTI doesn’t have the raw aggression of some of its rivals, like the Hyundai i30N, it feels more refined and mature in its driving dynamics.

It’s less about theatrics and more about precision, making it a car that can effortlessly switch between a fun weekend drive and a comfortable daily commute.

In terms of handling, the GTI remains playful yet predictable, with the limited slip differential helping distribute torque effectively during hard cornering.

The car feels well balanced, with the suspension and steering working in harmony to provide excellent feedback to the driver.

When in individual mode, you can tailor the car's setup to your preferences, adjusting everything from the dampers to the steering weight. You can even make the dampers more comfortable than comfortable (no, really - there are 3 softer damper settings than ‘Comfort’.)

Even in its sportiest settings, the Mk8.5 GTI feels more refined and less fidgety than some competitors, offering an enjoyable yet composed driving experience.

It’s the kind of car that feels comfortable on the autobahn at speed, but equally at home navigating tight, winding roads.

What do you get with the Volkswagen Golf GTI?

The Mk8.5 Golf GTI comes well equipped, including:

• 195 kW 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine
• 370 Nm of torque
• 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DSG)
• Limited-slip differential (LSD)
• 15-stage adaptive dampers
• Progressive steering system
• 0-100 km/h in around 6.3 seconds
• Tartan cloth sports seats
• Revised 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
• New 12.9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• New Backlit climate and volume controls
• Updated physical steering wheel controls
• New Harman Kardon premium sound system
• 360-degree camera
• Front and rear parking sensors
• New LED headlights with running light strip
• Dual exhaust system
• New 19-inch alloy wheels with red brake calipers
• Adaptive cruise control
• Travel Assist (semi-autonomous driving system)
• New 15W fast Wireless charging pad
• Customisable driving modes (Comfort, Sport, Individual and more)
• Keyless entry and push-button start
• 4 USB-C ports for charging
• Sunroof

Is the Volkswagen Golf GTI safe?

The updated Mk8.5 Golf GTI has not yet been tested by ANCAP, but its predecessor, the Mk8 Golf GTI, achieved a 5-star ANCAP safety rating under the 2022 assessment criteria.

This rating applies to all variants built from November 2022 onwards. The Mk8 GTI was equipped with a robust set of safety features that prioritise both occupant and pedestrian protection.

Standard safety systems include dual frontal, side chest, and side head-protecting airbags, as well as a centre airbag that helps prevent head injuries for front occupants in side collisions. 

Advanced driver assistance features like autonomous emergency braking (AEB) for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, as well as lane keep assist and blind-spot monitoring, are also standard.

Key safety features include:

• Dual frontal airbags
• Side chest and head airbags
• Centre airbag for front occupants
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Lane keep assist
• Blind-spot monitoring

How much does it cost to run the Volkswagen Golf GTI?

The 2025 Mk8.5 Golf GTI is covered by Volkswagen Australia’s 5-year, unlimited kilometer warranty.

Servicing costs are yet to be released by Volkswagen, and this review will be updated to reflect pricing when announced.

Final thoughts on the Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8.5 builds upon the strengths of its predecessors while addressing key concerns raised with the Mk8. The result is a hot hatch that feels more refined, powerful, and user-friendly than ever before.

With its updated 195kW engine and sharper throttle response, the Mk8.5 GTI delivers a dynamic driving experience that feels faster and more engaging. It strikes a balance between everyday usability and sporty performance, making it equally capable on city streets and twisty backroads.

The interior updates are significant, especially with the improved infotainment system, now featuring backlit sliders and better climate controls. The physical steering wheel buttons are a welcome return, improving ease of use during everyday driving.

While it doesn’t aim for the theatrical driving experience offered by some of its rivals, the Mk8.5 GTI maintains its place as a sophisticated and versatile hot hatch. Its blend of comfort, tech, and performance ensures it remains a top contender in the segment.

For those seeking a refined, quick, and daily-drivable hot hatch, the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8.5 is hard to overlook.