What we know!
Although far from drastic, there are changes in the GTI for 2025, beginning with some exterior styling tweaks and upgrades in the cabin. Headlights remain the same basic shape but with more angular contours along their lower edges. In addition, a new light bar connects them, with an optional illuminated logo front and center. The taillight design is also tweaked, and there are new wheels and new exterior colors, namely a denim-like Slate Blue. There is also a new front bumper, cover and new grille. All of these minor tweaks result in the vehicle having a more aggressive look than the outgoing model.
Changes within also include a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen which is now standard across all trims. In addition, the base model will be realizing a few upgrades from last year’s SE, including the benefit of new seats with ArtVelours coverings from the Euro-market GTI Clubsport. These seats are presented with a pop of flair, and do an OK job when it comes to track handling.
Power will remain the same in the GTC, with the 2.0-liter EA888 Evo 4 engine pumping out 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque and coming exclusively with a seven-speed automatic transmission. An Evo 5, however, is expected to show up in the next iteration. The GTI’s power really didn’t need much change, and offers the sort of flexibility and responsiveness that has resulted in it being a true driver’s car throughout the decades. It is also considered a very fuel-efficient engine that will do a combined 27 mph easily.
When it comes to handling, there’s no beating this offering, with the mid-level SE truly an all-out joy to drive! Thanks to the suspension setup, an ideal balance is struck between sporting intentions and the comfort of daily driving. The GTI is presented with a good, consistent weight to the steering, while switching drive modes amping up the throttle response and shift logic. By pushing the drive mode selector and switching everything to Sport Mode, drivers will get an overall great experience, especially those hot hatch enthusiasts!
In testing this model, VW brought it to Summit Point Motorsports Park in West Virginia, where it showed its stuff on the challenging Jefferson Circuit. Perfect for a hot hatch, the track was met with an impressive GTI. The track packed nine corners into just 1.1 miles, including numerous
blind ones, with the GTI easing off the throttle, nose tucked in nicely and really packed on the speed, feeling right at home. It remained composed, yet comfortable, with the new seats feeling wonderfully grippy, leaving all need or thought of leather seating behind.
Back to the big screen, which is familiar from the ID vehicles and features illuminated sliders along its lower half, it finds its perfect fit in an all-over handsome cabin, designed with a pared-back dashboard and generous storage cubbies in the door panels. A new steering wheel features old-fashioned physical controls to the forefront, replacing the old touch-sensitive pads from before. The new wheel has the looks and feels as if it was pulled off of a previous-generation GTI, which makes its handling truly foolproof with the wheel indeed multifunctional.
It is important to note that the ever-popular Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard on all trims, as is an updated and ventilated 15W wireless charger and navigation, which works well.
There is also more safety tech as standard, including road sign recognition, auto high beams and Park Assist Plus.
An affordable price tag, at around $33,670 for the GTI S, including destination, only adds to its appeal. Heading further up the trim levels, the SE comes in at $38,645 while the Autobahn tops the lineup at $42,105.
Hitting all the sweet spots when it comes to price, performance and maturity, as well as being all-out capable on the track, the GTI and its tried-and-true hot hatch formula has it all. No mind there is no manual – this vehicle is sure to please. Take a test drive, and reserve yours today!