By: Uday Mohan
May 25, 2025
The year is 1976 and you find yourself at the Frankfurt Motor Show looking at all that is on display, and for the most part, they all seem to be the same as previous years—except for this small two-door hatchback from VW with its (to become iconic interior) tartan sport seats and red grille trim, as well as sporting a fuel-injected (something not very common in the era) 1.6-litre engine producing an impressive 108 horsepower. VW’s original plan was to produce a meager 5,000 units; however, little did they know that the new GTI was going to become a global sensation and garner production numbers of nearly half a million units for the Mark 1 model, solidifying the title of King of the Hot Hatches in the process.
The GTI is still around after 50 years and is still considered by many, including myself, as the undisputed king of the hot hatches. The Volkswagen Golf GTI has long been the benchmark for hot hatches, blending performance, practicality, and a dash of rebellious fun. With the 2025 GTI, Volkswagen continues to refine the formula, ensuring that this legendary hatchback remains as thrilling as ever. This is to say we are not just sticking with the original formula and giving it a new coat of paint and hoping for the best. It is because the VW GTI continues to refine its core mission statement, which is to give the driver absolute thrill and enjoyment behind the wheel first and foremost. Its focus is to be the most usable, livable, versatile, and fun car one can have without any compromises, and to do so year after year, 365 days of the year. The GTI’s focus on driving is so intense that every aspect of driving seems to have been priority one for VW. The steering inputs are precise and razor-sharp, with a good weighted feel giving you complete control over where and how the front of the car goes. The same is true for the go pedal; the throttle input is laser sharp, with engine responses throughout any range of pedal push, and the turbo is so well balanced that the power comes on almost instantly to match the inputs from your foot.
One of the standout features that shows VW’s focus on ensuring the GTI keeps evolving is the Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC). This system can adjust individual wheel damping rates 200 times per second for improved lateral agility and stability, allowing drivers to fine-tune the car’s suspension, steering, and engine response beyond the standard driving modes. Whether you want a cushioned ride for long highway stretches or a taut, responsive setup for spirited driving, DCC lets you dial in the perfect balance. It’s a feature that elevates the GTI’s driving dynamics, making it feel like multiple cars in one. Couple this with the 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)—the only option on the new GTI—and throw in a sport-tuned exhaust, not only do you get complete satisfaction from the way it drives, but also get to enjoy the cacophony that comes along with all that fun. Some might say that having no manual option is detracting from the GTI’s heritage, and while I may agree in principle, the practical use of the DCT gearbox is undeniable. It is quicker, sharper, and far more fun than a traditional manual transmission. However, I will say that the paddles on the steering wheel are a bit too small, in that I was finding it difficult to confidently catch a gear mid-turn. Having slightly larger paddles would go a long way in addressing this small issue.
Some other noticeable changes for the 2025 VW GTI are visible in the front. You are greeted with a more pronounced front fender along with new headlights, which are both dynamic and have cornering lights built in. Additionally, the light-up bar across and illuminated VW grille logo really make the car stand out at night. In the interior, there are some refinements as well. Gone is the single large panoramic infotainment; we now get the same 10.25” gauge cluster as previous models, but the main infotainment system is now 12.9 inches, which is clear to read as well as highly customizable to provide the driver with what information they find relevant. Gone are the all-haptic touch controls from previous years—we are now offered a combination of both, with all steering wheel controls returning to physical buttons, while climate control and drive select modes still retain the touch control. Our tester did not come spec’d with the optional leather seating package, and initially I was a bit disappointed. However, having spent a week in the car, I am actually happier not having the leather and power options, as it felt more true to the spirit of what the GTI is supposed to be. The seats themselves, which are wrapped in what VW has named ArtVelour, are more than comfortable—they are the perfect throne on which you command the GTI to go and do what you ask of it.
Without going into the laundry list of features, some of the other notable aspects that you find on the inside of the new GTI are the smart climate controls, which have presets to quickly address some key requirements such as cooling the car down, warming your feet/hands, or even purifying the cabin. You get 30 options when customizing the interior lighting to set the mood for whatever you have in mind, or let the drive-mode-linked setting change the lighting as you move through the various drive modes. The car comes equipped with a rear camera, which is tucked under the VW badge in the rear (which pops up to activate), keeping the lens from getting dirty when operating. However, I will say that the clarity of the backup camera leaves a lot to be desired. I found the lens distortion to be considerable, which had me backing the car up more traditionally than being reliant on the camera system.
Volkswagen knows that a great drive isn’t just about handling—it’s also about the soundtrack. The 8-speaker and subwoofer Harman Kardon speaker system in the GTI ensures that your favorite tunes sound crisp and immersive. Whether you’re blasting classic rock or vibing to lo-fi beats, the system offers some thoughtfully designed equalizer presets as well as offering a fully customizable experience should you want to fine-tune your sound to match your drive style.
The 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI continues to uphold its legacy as the ultimate hot hatch. With Dynamic Chassis Control, a stellar sound system, and precise driving dynamics, it remains a joy to drive. While there are minor areas for improvement, the GTI’s blend of fun and functionality makes it a standout choice for enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. If you’re looking for a car that delivers exhilaration without sacrificing practicality and is at a price point that won’t break the bank, the GTI is still the king of hot hatches.
Vehicle Specs
Segment: Hatchback
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder TSI
Horsepower: 241 horsepower
Torque: 273 pound-feet
Fuel Efficiency (City/Highway/Combined): 9.9 / 7.4 / 8.8 L/100 km
Observed Fuel Economy: 9.0 L/100 km (mixed driving)
Base Price: $40,495
As-Tested Price: $40,995