Volkswagen GTI 2025: the tragedy is confirmed!
There Volkswagen Golf/GTI of 8e generation has reached the middle of its life cycle. As is always the case, we discover our next version during the European unveiling. On the old continent, it’s a 2024, but here, we’ll have to wait a little longer since it’s a 2025 model.
Small evolution
It’s rare for Volkswagen to make major cosmetic changes when it comes to a mid-life version, and the 2025 GTI is no exception. We can see that the front light clusters are slightly thinner, and that the contrasting black applique now circles the entire upper part of the bumper. However, we maintain the small projectors which characterize this generation launched in 2021.
From the side, obviously, we get new rims and we lose the applique on the wing with the GTI inscription. However, we find the same letters on the door. At the rear, the internal structure of the lights has been revised, that’s all.
Artificial intelligence is coming
In the cabin, Volkswagen corrects the most important criticism affecting its multimedia system by reintroducing physical buttons for managing the air conditioning and heated seats. A new 10.2-inch screen is placed on the dashboard and allows the integration of Volkswagen’s IDA AI program with the help of ChatGPT artificial intelligence. For the moment, the possibilities are quite limited since we concentrate on air conditioning and navigation. In this same vein of a return to simplicity, the touch buttons are removed from the steering wheel for physical buttons that are easier to operate.
The tragedy
Like a bad dream, Volkswagen announced that this evolution of the GTI would lose its manual gearbox. The manufacturer even made a special edition 380 on the 2024 GTI to highlight this transition. Unfortunately, it has now been confirmed beyond doubt that for the first time in its history, the GTI is no longer available with a manual gearbox. We are left with the only possibility of a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
Perhaps to compensate for this loss, the manufacturer is increasing the power from 241 to 261 horsepower for 2025. This data applies to Europe, but we assume that North America will also be entitled to it. As for our market, we still have to see what Volkswagen will do with the R.
