Canadians to Be Denied Extra Power With 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Bad news for fans of the Volkswagen Golf GTI and those who planned to get their hands on the updated 2025 model: North American-bound units won’t get a power boost after all.
The 262 horsepower announced earlier this year for the Golf GTI in Europe will stay over there, as it turns out. Ours will continue to generate 241 horsepower, maintaining a gap with the Subaru WRX and Hyundai Elantra N. Peak torque is also unchanged at 273 lb-ft.
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This decision, which VW claims has to do with emission regulations, certainly won’t help swallowing the fact that the six-speed manual gearbox is gone, leaving only the seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. The latter is a fine operator, to be clear, but sporty driving enthusiasts like yours truly will definitely be grieving for a while.
So, what’s new exactly on the 2025 Golf GTI? Well, designers have made subtle revisions to the headlights and taillights, added an illuminated logo and come up with a new 19-inch wheel design. Two body colours that were previously unavailable are showing up on the menu including Alpine Silver Metallic and Slate Blue Metallic.
Inside, the centre touchscreen is now detached from the instrument cluster and grows to 12.9 inches. It is powered by the latest version of Volkswagen’s MIB4 infotainment system, which is faster and more customizable, as seen in the 2024 ID.4 and 2025 ID. Buzz.
The HVAC controls just below the screen are illuminated at last, which will prove more user-friendly while driving. Additionally, hard buttons replace the haptic switchgear on the steering wheel for improved functionality. Meanwhile, content is enhanced on the various trim levels.
Golf R Does Get More Power
While the 2025 Golf GTI heading for Canada opts for the status quo under the hood, the 2025 Golf R is different. Its turbocharged engine gets a bump from 315 to 328 horsepower, as previously reported. Peak torque is up from 295 to 310 lb-ft, too. However, just like the Golf GTI, the manual transmission goes away and the DSG will be your only option.
Beyond that, the changes are pretty much the same as highlighted above.
The 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R are expected to go on sale in early 2025. Full details including pricing will be announced closer to launch.
