1 week Ago By Matthew Guy
Article content The pert Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R have always been a gateway to relatively affordable fun on four wheels, with their hatchback silhouette and roarty powertrains. For 2025, the manual transmission has departed this mortal Earth, leaving the seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic as the sole transmission option. VW confirmed today the GTI will make 241 horsepower in our market, down from the 262 ponies that European customers enjoy, since their GTIs get a different tune.
Also, because suck it, colonists, I guess. Meanwhile, the R will be good for 328 horsepower on both sides of the Atlantic, just over a dozen more than last year, which makes this thing the most powerful Golf model ever to roll out of a factory in mass production. Losing the manual transmission from these cars is a blow to enthusiasts, especially in the R.
It has long been this author’s opinion that vehicle is ridiculously capable, but totally dead-serious and soulless, as if it is constantly admonishing you for having fun. It’s like dating somebody who’s really hot but you know isn’t into you. At least a clutch pedal brightened the entertainment value; now, all hands are stuck with a DSG gearbox.
Materials provided by the company outline a trio of trims for the American market (S, SE, and Autobahn) which are likely to translate into the three offered here in Canada last model year — base, Performance, and Autobahn. A so-called “free-standing” infotainment touchscreen measures 12.9 inches, a display which does pack the latest operating system shared with the ID.
Buzz all-electric van . Additionally, hard buttons replace the haptic switchgear on the steering wheel for improved functionality, so that’s good news. There will be a Euro Style Package offered in the States, bringing a few styling tweaks and a titanium exhaust for extra exhaust racket.
It remains to be seen if that will make its way here to Canada. Pricing is still up in the air. The 2024 Golf GTI starts at an MSRP of $34,795 plus fees and delivery in Canada, walking up to $40,995 for a top-rung Performance trim.
Yes, what was once a trim (GTI) is now itself available in three different flavours. Subaru has done the same with its WRX, by the way. Sign up for our newsletter Blind-Spot Monitor and follow our social channels on Instagram , Facebook and X to stay up to date on the latest automotive news, reviews, car culture, and vehicle shopping advice.
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