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A driver's car and a manual transmission. The two go hand in hand. But what if you couldn't have both? That exact problem arises with the refreshed 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI, in which the iconic hot hatch ditches its stick shift but tacks on more power to make up for the loss. VW is hoping that the extra power and an improved infotainment system will help buyers forget about the newly mandatory seven-speed DSG automatic.
To be exact, the facelifted GTI raises power to 261 hp, up from 241 hp last year. However, this only applies to European models for now, as Volkswagen hasn't disclosed whether the new U.S.-spec GTI will get the same power bump.
The refreshed hatchback also gets a minor cleanup for its exterior, gaining lightly-updated headlights and taillights, a revised lower front fascia, and a newly-available illuminated front badge. VW has also removed the small insignia in front of the doors, replacing it with simpler GTI lettering just below each side mirror.
Arguably the biggest changes occur inside, where the GTI follows the rest of the updated Golf lineup in adding a larger, standalone 10.2-inch infotainment system. The new display houses a much-improved infotainment system that adds a new ChatGPT-powered AI assistant called IDA, allowing drivers to make requests using more natural commands. The new system also has access to air conditioning and seat heating. Another improvement that we applaud VW for is the removal of the Mk8 Golf's dreaded touch-sensitive steering wheel controls, as they've been replaced with more traditional buttons.
The updated GTI continues to come equipped with its iconic plaid pattern on the premium sports seats, but plain leather seats are available as well. The rest of the cabin features red contrast stitching, a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, 30-color ambient lighting, and tri-zone climate control. Buyers can also opt to replace the GTI's standard trim material with real carbon fiber.
The new GTI is expected to hit U.S. dealers in early 2025, which means more details on the U.S.-spec model should emerge later this year.
Image Credits: Volkswagen
Revealed
Feb 4, 2024
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2025 VW Golf GTI Arrives With More Power And Tech, But The Manual Is Gone
The GTI now makes 261 hp, and there's an improved infotainment system featuring AI.
A driver's car and a manual transmission. The two go hand in hand. But what if you couldn't have both? That exact problem arises with the refreshed 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI, in which the iconic hot hatch ditches its stick shift but tacks on more power to make up for the loss. VW is hoping that the extra power and an improved infotainment system will help buyers forget about the newly mandatory seven-speed DSG automatic.
To be exact, the facelifted GTI raises power to 261 hp, up from 241 hp last year. However, this only applies to European models for now, as Volkswagen hasn't disclosed whether the new U.S.-spec GTI will get the same power bump.
The refreshed hatchback also gets a minor cleanup for its exterior, gaining lightly-updated headlights and taillights, a revised lower front fascia, and a newly-available illuminated front badge. VW has also removed the small insignia in front of the doors, replacing it with simpler GTI lettering just below each side mirror.
Arguably the biggest changes occur inside, where the GTI follows the rest of the updated Golf lineup in adding a larger, standalone 10.2-inch infotainment system. The new display houses a much-improved infotainment system that adds a new ChatGPT-powered AI assistant called IDA, allowing drivers to make requests using more natural commands. The new system also has access to air conditioning and seat heating. Another improvement that we applaud VW for is the removal of the Mk8 Golf's dreaded touch-sensitive steering wheel controls, as they've been replaced with more traditional buttons.
The updated GTI continues to come equipped with its iconic plaid pattern on the premium sports seats, but plain leather seats are available as well. The rest of the cabin features red contrast stitching, a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, 30-color ambient lighting, and tri-zone climate control. Buyers can also opt to replace the GTI's standard trim material with real carbon fiber.
The new GTI is expected to hit U.S. dealers in early 2025, which means more details on the U.S.-spec model should emerge later this year.
Image Credits: Volkswagen
