2025 Volkswagen Golf R teased, reveal date locked in

The updated 2025 Volkswagen Golf R will be unveiled on June 26, and the German giant has previewed its revised look with a teaser image that gives very little away.

Details about the flagship hot hatch have been drip fed since the start of the year, but the latest updates out of VW confirm that the Mk8.5 Golf R will pack more power, in addition to exterior and interior upgrades.

Now producing 245kW of power from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the updated Golf R shades the current model by 10kW.

Only the limited-run Golf R 20 Years and 333 Limited Edition models have matched that power figure, both also boasting 420Nm of torque – identical to the Australian Golf R wagon, but up 20Nm on the hatch which does without a petrol particulate filter (PPF).

This power bump will also bring the Golf R back into line with its Audi S3 twin under the skin, which was recently updated and given its own boost to now produce 245kW and 420Nm.

The wider Golf range will also be treated to a facelift for 2025, with model-wide changes also expected to apply to the flagship R variant.

That means the updated Golf R will move back to physical buttons for its multifunction steering wheel, replacing the touch-sensing ‘haptic’ controls which were criticised in the Mk8 model.

A larger infotainment touchscreen is also among the headline interior updates.

Exterior changes include a new front bumper design, simplified radiator cover, outer air intakes, radar sensor and updated headlights, connected by a light bar which is on display in the teaser image posted by Volkswagen R on social media.

The rear of the Mk8.5 Golf R features fresh tail lights, and buyers will have the option to equip an Akrapovic titanium exhaust system.

New model-specific wheel designs complete the look.

All Australian examples of the Volkswagen Golf R have been equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission since 2018, after the six-speed manual was dropped from the model lineup.

The wagon body shape will live on overseas, although its unlikely to be offered Down Under after the carmaker axed the long-roof performance model from the range in July 2023.

Pricing for the Golf R facelift will be detailed following its reveal.

Time is running out to get behind the wheel of a petrol-powered Golf, as the next-generation Mk9 will go electric-only.

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