2025 Volkswagen Golf R – Age doesn’t hold this hot hatch back

The Golf R successfully combines sporting sophistication with sleek aerodynamics that screams performance without ever shouting. At first glance, Volkswagen appears to have kept much of the design from the previous model. However, the most obvious upgrades are a redesigned bumper, updated IQ.LIGHT Matrix LED headlights, and a light-up VW badge on the front straight from the ID range.

It’s much the same the story under the bonnet. It keeps the brilliant 2.0L turbocharged engine but reprogrammed to produce 245kW of power and 420Nm of torque. On paper that’s only an additional 10kW more than the previous model, but it’s enough to launch the hatchback to 100km/h from standstill in just 4.6 seconds.

Furthermore, with a stated 8.4L/100km fuel efficiency, it remains economical for everyday use. We just managed to keep it in the single digit range over our weekend test drive, however, the engine gets thirsty when you drive it the way it wants to be driven – which is quickly.

The car really starts to show off in the corners thanks to Volkswagen's brilliant 4MOTION all-wheel drive system holding you onto the road and giving you the confidence to fling it into the bends.

The steering is responsive and sharp, light around town, but also offers the perfect weighted feeling that connects you with the road. With a five-star ANCAP safety rating, you can push it to the limit knowing you’re wrapped in the latest safety technology.

Inside, the Nappa leather sports seats are surprisingly easy to slide into for a car with these sporting credentials. The updated 12.9” touchscreen (also featured in the new Tiguan) offers quick connectivity for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth so you can hit the road without hassle.

From the touchscreen, you can select a range of drive modes, including comfort, sport, individual, and race mode. You can also cycle through them by pressing the little blue “R” button on the steering wheel.

The Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) in individual mode allows you to dial the suspension up or down depending on your preference. Don’t expect it to smooth out bumps though; the ride feels firm even at its softest setting. But let’s face it, that’s the trade-off for a car with low-profile tyres that performs this well in corners.

It was hard to find any negatives with the Golf R. Yet, one glaring feature that appears as soon as you step into the car is that Volkswagen chose to retain the *groan* haptic steering wheel controls despite the new GTI already switching back to physical buttons.

The new Golf R punches well above its weight by being fast, agile, and practical. It blends exhilarating performance with tonnes of technology and design features that make it feel truly special.

At $82,990, it is the priciest Golf available, but you get what you pay for – which is a performance machine disguised as a compact hatch that’ll take you from the work commute to a weekend track day without missing a beat.