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 Financial 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 stage evaluated, and should not replicate Shopper Information’s impressions of all the mannequin lineup. | |
| Large & Tall Consolation | |
| Large Man | A |
| Tall Man | B+ |
| Large & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Large” ranking based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking 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 gasoline economic system: 19.9 mpg
Driving combine: 60% metropolis, 40% freeway
EPA-estimated gasoline economic system: 22/31/25 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gas sort: Premium Fuel
Base worth: $49,640 (not together with $1225 vacation spot cost)
Choices on take a look at automobile: Euro Model Package deal ($3795)
Worth as examined: $53,495
Audio-System High quality
Poor Honest Good Very-Good Wonderful
Professionals and Cons
The good: Thrilling drive expertise, wonderful driving place, commonplace AWD
The nice: Cabin match and end, loads of cabin space for storing
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 start to an thrilling new automotive section: the new hatch. Among the entries within the section turned legendary—assume Toyota Corolla FX16 GT-S—and a few had been simply unhappy—Ford Escort GT—however no matter their legacy, these tweaked commuter automobiles did show to prospects that enjoyable and practicality needn’t be unique ideas.
1983 Rabbit GTI
And no dialog about scorching hatches can be full with out acknowledgment of Volkswagen’s pioneering effort, the GTI. Based mostly on the maker’s humble—however pleasant—Rabbit, the GTI debuted within the U.S. for the 1983 mannequin 12 months, and would ceaselessly change the best way People 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 clean and rev-happy, nobody appeared to thoughts.
The Final Golfs
However, occasions change, and together with them buyer sentiment. Not solely do American customers no lengthy need hatchbacks, they not need automobiles basically. Combating this development is Volkswagen, although in odd method. The Golf (which was once known as Rabbit) is not provided in something however hot-hatch trim. For 2025 (and persevering with into 2026) the Golf is just provided in sporty GTI and intensely sporty R trim.
Engines
The differ primarily in dedication to efficiency and worth. The GTI incorporates a 241-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a deftly tweaked suspension that brings nice to the fitting 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 automobiles include 7-speed “DSG” double-clutch automated transmission, solely the GTI will be had with a guide. Moreover, the R comes commonplace with VW’s “4MOTION” AWD system, whereas the GTI can solely be had with front-wheel drive.
Costs and Trim Ranges
Dedication to driving engagement will be measured right here not solely by the extent of content material discovered on the GTI and R, but in addition within the pricing. The sprightly GTI ranges in costs from $33,670 to $42,105. The Golf R represents a considerably larger dedication.
For 2025, the R is obtainable in two trim ranges:
- Base: $48,325
- Black Version: $49,640
The Black Version predictably consists of quite a few black-themed accents, amongst them particular exterior trim, black-finish wheels, and distinctive headlight and grille therapies. Solely two colours are provided for the Golf R for 2025, Lapiz Blue and Mythos Black. And sure, the Black Version will be ordered in blue.
Each Golf R trim ranges are provided with the $3795 Euro Model Package deal, which, counterintuitively deletes extra tools than it provides. Extra on the Euro Package deal in slightly bit…
Shopper Information not too long ago spent every week with a 2025 Golf R Black in Mythos Black geared up with the Euro Model Package deal. All instructed, our take a look at automotive got here to $53,435 together with vacation spot cost.
Just like the Golf of yore, the Golf R is essentially a hatchback, and a sensible one at that. There’s a superb quantity of passenger area, loads of cargo room, and wonderful outward visibility. It is just these promising primary VW constructed a severe efficiency automotive.
The Golf R cabin is a clear and tidy area, with good wanting trim, apparently wonderful construct high quality, and good, if not nice, wanting supplies. The ambiance is businesslike, however not offputtingly so. Simply classically German stoic.
There’s lots area within the entrance row, even for bigger guys similar to this editor, and an inexpensive quantity of rear-seat area, too. The open cabin feels brilliant 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 system Bluetooth hyperlinks had been usually disconnected, and the native management system was inconsistently in a position to handle our music libraries. Moreover, for no matter cause, the automotive wouldn’t play music from our telephones in random order, as a substitute taking part in alternatives from the identical album, so as. Irritating for a brand new automotive. Word that we not too long ago spent every 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 severe efficiency in a method 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 shortly 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 could not enchantment to most drivers.
The steering is agency in the absolute best method, requiring slightly heft to handle, and offering life like suggestions. The brakes are robust and interact with authority, and appear unlikely to ever fade pushed off of a race observe.
Journey high quality is one other matter. Severe drivers will settle for the R for what’s, however extra informal performance-car followers will wish to this vitalized VW for an prolonged take a look at drive to make certain the automotive doesn’t pound the pavement slightly too rigidly for each day driving. We discovered the trip acceptable, chances are you’ll not. If not, severely think about the GTI.
We have to tackle the Euro Model Package deal, 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 package deal reduces the Golf’s curb weight by 80 kilos, all the way down to about 3225. Value it? That’s so that you can resolve, however we predict the package deal is for less than probably the most hard-core fanatic.
There’s little in the best way of direct competitors to the Golf R. The hyper-caffeinated Toyota GR Corolla actually deserves consideration, because it serves up a visceral commute in contrast to another sporty automotive, nonetheless, like my mom at an André Rieu live performance, the GR’s boundless nervous vitality exacts a toll over time, and will be fatiguing on longer journeys.
At $53,435, the Golf R comes expensive, however for many who respect its potential, there’s an awesome deal right here to like. Word that we barely favor the less-powerful, less-expensive GTI, largely for its less-intense extra carefree demeanor. However even at over $50,000, the Golf R is one thing of a cut price for these in search of severe efficiency. And, because it famous early, it’s slightly sensible, too. Click on right here for extra Shopper Information evaluations.
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2025 Volkswagen Golf R Black Version Footage
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