Volkswagen's Compact Hatchbacks Continue to Dominate Podcast Discussion on WardsAuto
In a recent professional interaction, Senior Editor David Kiley discussed the updated 2025 versions of the Volkswagen GTI and Golf R with product planning specialist Eric Park. Both Kiley and Park had the opportunity to test drive these key models, which highlight Volkswagen's commitment to performance and practicality.
The 2025 Volkswagen Golf R undergoes significant changes, with increased horsepower and a new weight-saving package known as the Euro Styling package. This package features lighter 19-inch alloy wheels, manually adjustable seats, the deletion of the sunroof, and a titanium Akrapovic exhaust, collectively shedding about 80 pounds. These alterations improve the car’s overall agility and performance potential. Regrettably, the manual transmission option has been discontinued, leaving only a dual-clutch automatic. Despite this, the Golf R maintains a high-performance all-wheel-drive setup and delivers a more exciting driving experience through greater power and reduced weight.
On the other hand, the 2025 Volkswagen GTI receives a mid-cycle refresh that addresses some previous technology issues but retains the same 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque from its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The GTI also gets a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with a sharper S mode that improves shift smoothness compared to rivals. The manual transmission has been fully removed for the GTI lineup, marking a shift towards appealing to a broader audience with the automatic. Performance-wise, the GTI remains quick and engaging, hitting 60 mph in 5.6 seconds in testing, competitive within its segment. The refresh emphasizes maintaining the GTI’s hot hatch spirit while modernizing its usability and tech features.
David Kiley and Eric Park highlight that these updates contribute to better performance through more horsepower and weight reduction on the Golf R, while the GTI gains refined transmission tech and smoothness without sacrificing power, keeping the driving excitement alive despite the loss of manuals. The combination of powertrain improvements, weight saving, and refined driving dynamics underscores Volkswagen’s focus on sporty driving pleasure combined with modern convenience and efficiency.
The GTI and Golf R models play a crucial role in shaping Volkswagen’s identity and appeal, resonating with both aficionados and casual drivers. These iconic hot hatch models have contributed significantly to Volkswagen’s reputation in the automotive industry, showcasing the company’s engineering prowess. However, the removal of manual transmissions is a shared disappointment for enthusiasts.
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