Volkswagen Golf 2025: new Style grade, more power for GTI and R, but still no hybrids

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The 2025 Volkswagen Golf will add a new Style trim grade to the line-up, bring more powerful versions of the GTI and R hot-hatches, but the regular five-door models continue to miss out on hybrid tech.

Volkswagen Australia this week confirmed initial specifications for the facelifted eighth-generation Golf – otherwise known as the Golf 8.5 – which arrives in April.

Significant to the updated Golf is a new infotainment system that aims to address criticisms of the Golf 8.0, with improvements including a larger (12.9-inch) display for all but the base model (which instead has a 10.3-inch display) and a far more intuitive interface. Physical buttons also make a comeback on steering wheels.

The new Golf Style – borrowing a grade name from the T-Roc small SUV and Amarok ute – sits above the relatively basically equipped Life, replacing the base model’s 17-inch alloy wheels with 18s, adding the larger infotainment screen, and bringing notable extras such as rear privacy glass, ambient cabin lighting, LED Plus headlights, microfleece upholstery, and an electric driver’s seat.

Options for the Style include a panoramic sunroof and a Sound & Vision package comprising Harman Kardon audio, head-up display, and a Golf-debuting surround-view camera.

Highlights for the continuing R-Line Golf include driving profiles with Sport mode, sharper steering set-up, leather-appointed seats, and heated/ventilated front seats.

All three regular Golfs continue with just a single drivetrain option: a 110kW/250Nm 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine that’s mated to an eight-speed auto.

Hybrid, mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid options available in the UK and Europe remain off the menu for Australia.

The hot Golfs bring both improved features and power.

Golf GTI 8.5 now comes standard with metallic paint and 19-inch wheels (previously 18s), while a panoramic sunroof will be available as a separate option where currently offered as part of an optional Luxury Package.

Surround-view tech is added to the Sound & Vision package that retains a head-up display and Harman Kardon audio.

Power from the 2.0-litre turbo engine increases from 180 to 195kW, with torque unchanged at 370Nm.

The flagship, all-wheel-drive Golf R steps up 10kW to 245kW from its turbo petrol engine, with torque up 20Nm to 420Nm. A torque vectoring rear axle also joins the dynamics party.

It will also be available as a Black Edition, which apart from being painted obviously in black, serves up multiple darkened items including black alloys, black calipers and black badges.

Pricing for the 2025 VW Golf range will be announced closer to its launch, though expect prices to increase in line with market trends.