Volkswagen is shaking things up in Australia, with the German brand finally releasing details regarding the Golf lineup for 2025. The 2025 Volkswagen Golf introduces a new variant while also dialling up the power for its GTI and R hot hatches. The updated Mk8.5 Golf range is set to hit Australian showrooms from April, with a fresh mid-tier offering, the Golf Style, slotting between the base Life and the sportier R-Line. The update as an evolution of the previous Mk8 Golf.
Volkswagen hasn’t revealed pricing for the updated Golf range just yet, but the Golf Life kicks off with an impressive list of standard features. It rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and comes with front and rear parking sensors, Park Assist, a rear-view camera, and LED headlights with Light Assist. Convenience is also a priority, with keyless entry, an alarm system, surround lighting, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel all included.
Inside, there’s a 10.3-inch infotainment display which features DAB+ digital radio, a ventilated wireless smartphone charger, and wireless App-Connect for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
All Golfs doesn’t skimp on safety, either. Standard driver-assistance features include:
- Travel Assist (combining adaptive cruise control and Lane Assist)
- Front Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Side Assist with rear cross-traffic alert
The Golf Style: A Highline successor with more tech
Think of the new Golf Style as the spiritual successor to the Highline trim, last seen in 2020. It builds on the Life’s features by adding:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Chrome exterior accents
- LED headlights
- Interior ambient lighting
- Rear privacy glass
- Electrically adjustable driver’s seat
It also packs Volkswagen’s latest 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen—a step up from the Life’s 10.3-inch unit—and includes key features like front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry, single-zone climate control, and a wireless smartphone charger.
For those wanting extra luxury, options include a panoramic sunroof and the Sound & Vision package, which adds a Harman Kardon sound system, head-up display, and surround-view camera.
For drivers looking for a sharper edge, the Golf R-Line adds:
- A drive-mode selector
- Progressive steering
- R-style body kit
- Heated and ventilated front sports seats
- Memory function for the driver’s seat
Under the bonnet, the Life, Style, and R-Line variants share the same 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, producing 110kW and 250Nm, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels.
What about the 2025 Golf GTI and Golf R?
The GTI and R are also back—and they’ve been given more power.Sticking with the 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder, the new GTI now delivers 195kW—a 15kW increase over its predecessor—while torque remains at 370Nm. Other updates include:
- Retuned steering for sharper response
- Standard Adaptive Chassis Control
- Larger 19-inch alloy wheels (up from 18-inch)
- Tri-zone climate control
- Standard metallic paint
However, the Luxury Package has been scrapped for 2025, meaning buyers will have to option the panoramic sunroof and leather interior separately. The Sound & Vision package is still available.
Golf R gets a boost and a new Black Edition
Topping the range, the all-wheel-drive Golf R now puts out 245kW (a 10kW increase) and gets a torque-vectoring rear axle for improved handling. Standard kit includes:
- Matrix LED headlights
- Nappa leather interior
- Harman Kardon sound system
A Golf R Black Edition will also debut at launch, featuring “brooding dark accents throughout”, according to VW. Full details are still under wraps.
Pricing and availability
As expected with any update, prices are likely to rise, though Volkswagen Australia will confirm exact figures closer to launch. For reference, the current range starts at $39,190 (before on-road costs) for the Life, with the Golf R topping out at $70,590.
Stay tuned to DiscoverAuto for more details as the 2025 Golf nears its arrival in showrooms.
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