Volkswagen Golf R 2025 review – Mk8.5 not the return to form we'd hoped for

The Volkswagen Golf R has become the everyday hot hatch icon of our times. In a new car market where lease and PCP dominate, its mix of value for monthly expenditure and extreme real-world performance have made it an unstoppable force.

It’s fair to say that the pressure was on then to reinvent the Golf R in line with the Mk8 Golf, without messing too much with the proven recipe. The endeavor was it seems a little way short of a success, the Mk8 Golf R underwhelming on almost all fronts by comparison to the evergreen Mk7. Now, VW has updated it, attempting to inject more life into it while rationalising what was a perilously frustrating user interface. 

To keep itself clear of its Golf GTI Clubsport stablemate, the Golf R remains the only model to utilise all-wheel drive. On top of this, the Mk8 also brought with it a torque-vectoring rear differential with which it has had varying degrees of success. With the Mk8.5, the anti-lag turbo tech of the 20 Years is now standard, along with the anniversary special’s power bump to 328bhp.

There are now two forms of Golf R available: base and Black Edition. Their technical make-up is identical, with the changes to the Black Edition fundamentally visual. The black trim and wheels wouldn’t be our first choice.

Volkswagen Golf R: in detail 

• Engine, gearbox and technical highlights > EA888 engine and DSG are a potent combo, making for an effective, if clinical powertrain
• Performance and 0-62mph time > Golf Rs in 8.5 form now get output, tech and specs from the 20 Years cars, with the 328bhp engine replacing the last 316bhp car
• Ride and Handling > Not as sophisticated, capable or engaging as it once was
• MPG and running costs > MPG ratings in the high 30s are quoted, low 30s are realistic
• Interior and tech > Clean design, horrendous HMI marginally improved
• Design > Base cars have been uplifted for the 8.5 but are still understated

Prices, specs and rivals:

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There are now two forms of Golf R available: base and Black Edition. Their technical make-up is identical, with the changes to the Black Edition fundamentally visual. The black trim and wheels wouldn’t be our first choice. Base starts from £44,535, while the Black Edition rises to £45,785

Where once the Golf R was pricier than its closest rivals, the Audi S3 and BMW M135, it now splits them. The Audi starts from a sturdy £47,550 while the newly-refreshed BMW comes in under the VW, available now from £43,740 . The recently updated Mercedes-AMG A35 has gone up in price, now starting at £45,930.

Despite its flagship status within the Golf range and a base price north of £44k, the latest R is rather underspecified when it comes to standard kit. The ‘Warmenau’ wheels are a £1550 option you might want to avoid for the sake of ride comfort. You’ll want to add the DCC adjustable adaptive dampers, for £735. 

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A bit more aggression from the Golf R’s vocals can come courtesy of the Akrapovič R Performance exhaust with a titanium muffler, but that’s a £3,395 option. Want a decent stereo? That’s an extra £665. The £2510 for leather upholstery is a lot for what essentially comes as standard on almost all rivals. The crux of the long options list is that to reach the point where a Golf R feels well-specced you’ll be looking at over £50k…

The R’s strongest competitor in its little grouping is the recently updated Mercedes-AMG A35, a car closely modelled on the VW. Both offer digital cockpits, over 300bhp and four-wheel drive, and while the A35 is fractionally more expensive at £46,300, it drives with more polish and composure.

The herd has thinned in the wider hot hatch world in recent years, with the departure of the Ford Fiesta ST, Hyundai i30N and Renault Sport Megane but there are still a few great choices. Whether it’s the dynamism of the freshly updated Toyota GR Yaris or the engagement and sheer might of the Honda Civic Type R.