Refreshed 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI receives a slick makeover, maintaining its status as an iconic hot hatchback
New Mk8.5 Volkswagen Golf GTI Offers Enhanced Features and Sharper Design
The much-anticipated Mk8.5 Volkswagen Golf GTI has been unveiled, boasting a host of improvements and updates that make it an even more appealing choice for performance enthusiasts.
One of the most noticeable changes is the steering wheel, which now features physical buttons instead of touch capacitive ones. This modification has been implemented to improve tactile feedback and usability while driving. The trademark GTI tartan trim remains a prominent feature, adding a touch of classic charm to the vehicle's interior.
Under the hood, the Mk8.5 Golf GTI is powered by the VW Group's 'EA888' 2.0-litre turbo-four engine, delivering 195kW of power and 370Nm of torque. This powerhouse propels the car from 0-100km/h in an impressive 5.9 seconds, with a top speed of 250km/h.
The Mk8.5 Golf GTI comes equipped with a number of standard features, including adaptive dampers, a 12.9-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone mirroring, satellite navigation, a 10.2-inch digital driver's display, 30-colour cabin ambient lighting, a chunky leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, and safety features such as nine airbags, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, lane guidance, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive high beam.
The new touchscreen in the Mk8.5 Golf GTI has been redesigned for quicker reaction times and a more intuitive menu layout. The interior of the car also feels more expensive compared to the Mk8 model, with a configurable central cup holder section and large flock-lined door bins adding to the overall premium feel.
The Mk8.5 Golf GTI's rear seat offers amenities such as a separate climate zone, sectioned map pockets, and charging ports. The boot is slightly smaller than a Hyundai i30 N but almost double the size of a Toyota GR Corolla. Buyers can opt for leather trim, heated and ventilated front seats, and an electric driver's seat with memory for an additional $3900.
Other options for the Mk8.5 Golf GTI include a $300 'Kings Red' metallic paint, a $1900 sunroof, and a $2000 Sound and Vision Package, which includes a 360-degree camera, head-up display, and 480W Harman Kardon audio.
The Mk8.5 Golf GTI's servicing cost for the first five years or 75,000km is $4170 (PAYG), or it can be reduced to $3570 with a pre-paid service pack. The vehicle also comes with a five-year/unlimited km warranty, with 12 months of roadside assistance extended with each dealer service.
As the Golf GTI celebrates its 50th anniversary, the Mk8.5 model is set to continue the legacy of this iconic hot hatch, offering a blend of performance, style, and practicality that is sure to appeal to a wide range of drivers. With its sharper styling, physical steering wheel buttons, and larger touchscreen, the Mk8.5 Volkswagen Golf GTI is poised to make a strong impact in the competitive hot hatch market.
The Mk8.5 Volkswagen Golf GTI is priced from $58,990 plus on-road costs, $2900 more than the Mk8. With its extensive list of standard features, impressive performance, and premium feel, the Mk8.5 Golf GTI is certainly worth considering for anyone in the market for a high-performance hatchback.
