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+ |
| Gas Economic 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 degree evaluated, and should not replicate Shopper Information’s impressions of the complete mannequin lineup. | |
| Huge & Tall Consolation | |
| Huge Man | A |
| Tall Man | B+ |
| Huge & Tall consolation scores are for entrance seats solely. “Huge” 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 Sort | Turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | 7-Pace automated |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Class: Sporty/Efficiency Automotive
Nation of Manufacture: Germany
Coloration: Mythos Black
Seating Capability: 5
Miles pushed: 137
Actual-world gas financial system: 19.9 mpg
Driving combine: 60% metropolis, 40% freeway
EPA-estimated gas financial system: 22/31/25 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gas sort: Premium Fuel
Base value: $49,640 (not together with $1225 vacation spot cost)
Choices on take a look at automobile: Euro Model Bundle ($3795)
Value as examined: $53,495
Audio-System High quality
Poor Honest Good Very-Good Glorious
Professionals and Cons
The nice: Thrilling drive expertise, glorious driving place, customary AWD
The great: 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
Assessment
Although usually thought-about a tough patch for many automakers, the Eighties did give delivery to an thrilling new automobile phase: the new hatch. A few of the entries within the phase grew to become legendary—suppose Toyota Corolla FX16 GT-S—and a few had been simply unhappy—Ford Escort GT—however no matter their legacy, these tweaked commuter vehicles did show to clients that enjoyable and practicality needn’t be unique ideas.
1983 Rabbit GTI
And no dialog about sizzling hatches could 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 yr, and would perpetually change the way in which Individuals considered VW.
Actually only a Rabbit with tuned suspension and upgraded wheels and tires, the GTI proved to be a smash hit with fanatics in search of inexpensive 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 easy and rev-happy, nobody appeared to thoughts.
The Final Golfs
However, instances change, and together with them buyer sentiment. Not solely do American buyers no lengthy need hatchbacksthey now not need vehicles basically. Combating this development is Volkswagen, although in odd manner. The Golf (which was once referred to as Rabbit) is now not provided in something however hot-hatch trim. For 2025 (and persevering with into 2026) the Golf is barely provided in sporty GTI and very sporty R trim.
Engines
The differ primarily in dedication to efficiency and value. The GTI contains a 241-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a deftly tweaked suspension that brings nice to the suitable drivers, even throughout gradual 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 parts.
DSG Double-Clutch Transmission
And whereas each vehicles include 7-speed “DSG” double-clutch automated transmission, solely the GTI might be had with a guide. Moreover, the R comes customary with VW’s “4MOTION” AWD systemwhereas 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 additionally within the pricing. The sprightly GTI ranges in costs from $33,670 to $42,105. The Golf R represents a considerably better dedication.
For 2025, the R is obtainable in two trim ranges:
- Base: $48,325
- Black Version: $49,640
The Black Version predictably contains numerous black-themed accents, amongst them particular exterior trim, black-finish wheels, and distinctive headlight and grille remedies. Solely two colours are provided 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 provided with the $3795 Euro Model Bundle, which, counterintuitively deletes extra tools than it provides. Extra on the Euro Bundle in a bit of bit…
Shopper Information lately spent per week with a 2025 Golf R Black in Mythos Black geared up with the Euro Model Bundle. All informed, our take a look at automobile got here to $53,435 together with vacation spot cost.
Just like the Golf of yore, the Golf R is basically a hatchback, and a sensible one at that. There’s a superb quantity of passenger area, loads of cargo room, and glorious outward visibility. It’s only these promising primary VW constructed a critical efficiency automobile.
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 a lot area within the entrance row, even for bigger guys comparable to this editor, and an affordable quantity of rear-seat area, too. The open cabin feels shiny and ethereal, and as famous above, is straightforward to see out of in all instructions.
As in lots of Volkswagen of current classic, we discovered the infotainment system to be gradual and recalcitrant. Our gadget Bluetooth hyperlinks had been usually disconnected, and the native management system was inconsistently capable of handle our music libraries. Moreover, for no matter cause, the automobile wouldn’t play music from our telephones in random order, as a substitute taking part in choices from the identical album, so as. Irritating for a brand new automobile. Be aware that we lately 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 critical efficiency in a manner previous-generation sporty Golf/Rabbits derivatives by no means did. Whereas the GTI was at all times 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 word 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 manner, requiring a bit of heft to handle, and offering real looking suggestions. The brakes are sturdy and interact with authority, and appear unlikely to ever fade pushed off of a race monitor.
Trip high quality is one other matter. Severe drivers will settle for the R for what’s, however extra informal performance-car followers will need to this vitalized VW for an prolonged take a look at drive to make sure the automobile doesn’t pound the pavement a bit of too rigidly for day by day driving. We discovered the experience acceptable, you might not. If not, significantly think about the GTI.
We have to handle the Euro Model 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 ability seats and sunroof, and added are a light-weight titanium exhaust system and reduced-mass 19-inch alloy wheels. Per VW, the bundle 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 predict the bundle is for under essentially the most hard-core fanatic.
There’s little in the way in which 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 some other 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 pricey, however for individuals who respect its potential, there’s an excellent deal right here to like. Be aware that we barely desire 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 discount for these in search of critical efficiency. And, because it famous early, it’s moderately sensible, too. Click on right here for extra Shopper Information evaluations.
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2025 Volkswagen Golf R Black Version Footage
Click on beneath for enlarged photographs
