The beloved 6-speed manual is gone. Volkswagen forces you into a 7-speed dual-clutch (DSG) instead. Purists, take a moment to grieve.
Images By: Volkswagen
A small consolation: VW gave the Golf R 13 extra horses (328 hp) and 15 more lb-ft (310 lb-ft). Not bad, but is it enough to make up for the lost stick?
Hope you’ve saved up—the 2025 Golf R now starts at $48,325, which is $1,720 more than last year. Want the stealthy Black Edition? That’ll be $49,640.
The Golf R isn’t the only one losing a manual. The 2025 GTI also ditches the stick and starts at $33,670. The era of affordable manual hot hatches is fading fast.
Inside, you get a tech upgrade with a larger infotainment screen. But will fancy touch controls ever replace the joy of shifting your own gears?
The Black Edition brings dark VW badges, blacked-out trim, and carbon-fiber interior accents. For those who like a meaner, stealthier look.
VW is offering a new $3,795 Euro Style package, featuring unique wheels, a sportier front bumper, and sleek LED headlights. Fancy, but pricey.
If you want a powerful, all-wheel-drive hot hatch with modern tech, it’s still a beast. But if you love rowing your own gears, the Golf R just broke your heart.