Textual content by Tom Appel
2025 Volkswagen Golf R Black Version
Specs
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | B |
| Energy and Efficiency | A |
| Match and End | B+ |
| Gasoline Financial system | B |
| Worth | B- |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different autos in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and will not mirror Shopper Information’s impressions of the whole mannequin lineup. | |
| Massive & Tall Consolation | |
| Massive Man | A |
| Tall Man | B+ |
| Massive & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Massive” score based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” score based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 315-horsepower, 2.0-liter |
| Engine Kind | Turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | 7-Pace automated |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Class: Sporty/Efficiency Automobile
Nation of Manufacture: Germany
Colour: Mythos Black
Seating Capability: 5
Miles pushed: 137
Actual-world gas economic system: 19.9 mpg
Driving combine: 60% metropolis, 40% freeway
EPA-estimated gas economic system: 22/31/25 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gasoline kind: Premium Fuel
Base value: $49,640 (not together with $1225 vacation spot cost)
Choices on check car: Euro Fashion Bundle ($3795)
Worth as examined: $53,495
Audio-System High quality
Poor Honest Good Very-Good Glorious
Professionals and Cons
The good: Thrilling drive expertise, glorious driving place, commonplace AWD
The nice: Cabin match and end, loads of cabin cupboard space
The not so good: Difficult digital interface, costly for a Golf, requires dear premium-grade gasoline
Overview
Although typically thought-about a tough patch for many automakers, the Eighties did give delivery to an thrilling new automobile section: the new hatch. Among the entries within the section grew to become legendary—assume Toyota Corolla FX16 GT-S—and a few had been simply unhappy—Ford Escort GT—however no matter their legacy, these tweaked commuter automobiles did show to clients that enjoyable and practicality needn’t be unique ideas.
1983 Rabbit GTI
And no dialog about scorching hatches can be full with out acknowledgment of Volkswagen’s pioneering effort, the GTI. Primarily based on the maker’s humble—however pleasant—Rabbit, the GTI debuted within the U.S. for the 1983 mannequin 12 months, and would without end change the best way People considered VW.
Actually only a Rabbit with tuned a suspension and upgraded wheels and tires, the GTI proved to be a smash hit with lovers in search of reasonably priced enjoyable. The primary GTI didn’t even boast an influence bump over the usual Rabbit, however as the usual 8-valve 1.8-liter was clean and rev-happy, nobody appeared to thoughts.
The Final Golfs
However, occasions change, and together with them buyer sentiment. Not solely do American consumers no lengthy need hatchbacks, they not need automobiles generally. Preventing this development is Volkswagen, although in odd method. The Golf (which was once known as Rabbit) is not supplied in something however hot-hatch trim. For 2025 (and persevering with into 2026) the Golf is barely supplied in sporty GTI and very sporty R trim.
Engines
They differ primarily in dedication to efficiency and value. The GTI incorporates a 241-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a deftly tweaked suspension that brings nice pleasure to the appropriate drivers, even throughout sluggish commutes.
The R enjoys the service of a 315-horsepower model of the GTI’s turbocharged engine, plus a considerably upgraded suspension, bigger wheels and tires, plus some particular physique and cabin trim components.
DSG Double-Clutch Transmission
And whereas each automobiles include 7-speed “DSG” double-clutch automated transmission, solely the GTI might be had with a guide. Moreover, the R comes commonplace with VW’s “4MOTION” AWD system, whereas the GTI can solely be had with front-wheel drive.
Costs and Trim Ranges
Dedication to driving engagement might be measured right here not solely by the extent of content material discovered on the GTI and R, but in addition within the pricing. The sprightly GTI ranges in costs from $33,670 to $42,105. The Golf R represents a considerably larger financial dedication.
For 2025, the R is obtainable in two trim ranges:
- Base: $48,325
- Black Version: $49,640
The Black Version predictably consists of a lot of black-themed accents, amongst them particular exterior trim, black-finish wheels, and distinctive headlight and grille therapies. Solely two colours are supplied for the Golf R for 2025, Lapiz Blue and Mythos Black. And sure, the Black Version might be ordered in blue.
Each Golf R trim ranges are supplied with the $3795 Euro Fashion Bundle, which, counterintuitively deletes extra gear than it provides. Extra on the Euro Bundle in somewhat bit…
Shopper Information not too long ago spent per week with a 2025 Golf R Black in Mythos Black geared up with the Euro Fashion Bundle. All instructed, our check automobile got here to $53,435 together with vacation spot cost.
Just like the Golf of yore, the Golf R is essentially a hatchback, and a sensible one at that. There’s an excellent quantity of passenger area, loads of cargo room, and glorious outward visibility.
The Golf R cabin is a clear and tidy area, with good trying trim, apparently glorious construct high quality, and good, if not nice, trying supplies. The ambiance is businesslike, however not offputtingly so. Simply classically German stoic.
There’s loads area within the entrance row, even for bigger guys similar to this editor, and an affordable quantity of rear-seat area, too. The open cabin feels vibrant and ethereal, and, as famous above, is simple to see out of in all instructions.
As in lots of Volkswagen of current classic, we discovered the infotainment system to be sluggish and recalcitrant. Our machine Bluetooth hyperlinks had been usually disconnected, and the native management system was inconsistently in a position to handle our music libraries. Moreover, for no matter motive, the automobile wouldn’t play music from our telephones in random order, as an alternative taking part in choices from the identical album, so as. Irritating for a brand new automobile. Word that we not too long ago spent per week behind the wheels of the redesigned VW Taos small crossover, and located most of those points addressed satisfactorily.
Connectivity points apart, we discovered the Golf R to be a driver’s dream, mixing consolation with severe efficiency in a method previous-generation sporty Golf/Rabbits derivatives by no means did. Whereas the GTI was all the time frisky enjoyable, the Golf R is extra of a Mustang GT hunter, with the additional benefit of AWD.
Energy from the boosted 4-cylinder engines comes on rapidly with little perceptible lag, and the accompanying engine roar and exhaust be aware are a deal with to the engaged driver’s ear. The DCT transmission shifts easily however very aggressively, and its decisive actions might not enchantment to most drivers.
The steering is agency in the absolute best method, requiring somewhat heft to handle, and offering lifelike suggestions. The brakes are robust and interact with authority, and appear unlikely to ever fade pushed off of a race monitor.
Journey high quality is one other matter. Critical drivers will settle for the R for what’s, however extra informal performance-car followers will wish to check drive this vitalized VW for an prolonged check drive to make sure the automobile doesn’t pound the pavement somewhat too rigidly for every day driving. We discovered the experience acceptable, it’s possible you’ll not. If not, severely think about the more-casually tuned GTI.
We have to deal with the Euro Fashion Bundle, and it’s considerably deceptive title. The $3795 choices is fairly hardcore, because it removes extra content material than it provides, all within the title of weight discount. Gone are the facility seats and sunroof, and added are a light-weight titanium exhaust system and reduced-mass 19-inch alloy wheels. Per VW, the package deal reduces the Golf’s curb weight by 80 kilos, right down to about 3225. Value it? That’s so that you can resolve, however we expect the package deal is for less than probably the most hard-core fanatic.
There’s little in the best way of direct competitors to the Golf R. The hyper-caffeinated Toyota GR Corolla actually deserves consideration, because it serves up a visceral commute not like another sporty automobile. Nonetheless, like my mom at an André Rieu live performance, the GR’s boundless nervous vitality exacts a toll over time, and might be fatiguing on longer journeys.
At $53,435, the Golf R comes expensive, however for individuals who admire its potential, there’s a fantastic deal right here to like. Word that we barely want the less-powerful, less-expensive GTI, principally for its less-intense extra carefree demeanor. However even at over $50,000, the Golf R is one thing of a cut price for these in search of severe efficiency. And, because it famous early, it’s reasonably sensible, too. Click on right here for extra Shopper Information evaluations.
Hearken to the Automobile Stuff Podcast
2025 Volkswagen Golf R Black Version Photos
Click on under for enlarged photographs
