Upgraded version of Volkswagen Golf – including the GTI and R sports sedans – will arrive in Australia in the second quarter of 2025, the company has confirmed.
The German carmaker has announced its 12-month product plan for Australia this afternoon, revealing the full Golf Mk8.5 range will launch sometime between April and June next year.
“In the second quarter, [Volkswagen Australia will launch] “The Golf and Golf GTI facelifts,” said Daniel DeGasperi, director of product and public relations communications for Volkswagen Group Australia.
“We can also announce that we will introduce the upgraded Golf R in the second quarter of next year.”
-
Golf R Black Edition
In addition to the standard Golf R, Mr DeGasperi confirmed a new Black Edition will also be sold in Australia.
The Golf Mk8.5 R The 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that’s been under the bonnet for nearly 15 years remains, but it now produces more power than ever – 245kW of power and 420Nm of torque. That’s an increase of 10kW and 20Nm over the outgoing model.
Volkswagen claims the Mk8.5 Golf R can accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds, cutting the previous generation’s acceleration time by two-tenths. Top speed is reportedly 168mph for cars fitted with the optional Performance Pack, which also adds ‘Drift’ and ‘Special’ driving modes.
There are no changes to the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or the all-wheel drive system.
-
Foreign models are displayed
There are few minor changes to the Golf R’s exterior, although the central grille logo is now illuminated.
The interior of the facelifted Golf R features a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.9-inch infotainment system running the brand’s latest software, with illuminated climate and volume sliders to address customer feedback on the original Mk8.
As you’d expect, the Golf R Black Edition is the black version of this formula, with darkened badging and headlights, black brake calipers, black 19-inch Estoril wheels and black exhaust tips, as well as the Performance package as standard.
“This will be a great option for our buyers,” Mr DeGasperi said. “Those who want silver wheels and matte silver detailing… but as announced overseas, the Black Edition offers an alternative design option that we will also offer to Australian buyers.”
-
Foreign models are displayed -
The Golf GTI Mk8.5 gets the same 2.0-litre engine tuned to produce 195kW, along with exterior styling changes, a redesigned steering wheel with physical controls and Volkswagen’s new ChatGPT-based voice assistant that will be rolled out across the range.
Mr DeGasperi is confident both performance models will be popular with Australian buyers.
“Buyers love these cars. Just last month, I was talking to our sales team and we sold 90 Golf GTIs in a month and 90 Golf Rs,” he said.
“When you look at Golf sales, and they’re somewhere in the 300s, that’s an incredibly high hot hatch share of Golf sales. We expect that to continue with [Mk8.5 range] in the second quarter.”
More details on the updated 2025 Volkswagen Golf range – including pricing and full specifications – will be announced closer to the facelift’s launch in the new year.
-
Foreign models are displayed
THAN: Everything about Volkswagen Golf
THAN: The 2025 Volkswagen Golf R hot hatch just got hotter
