The Volkswagen Golf GTI has always been the hot hatch from Germany that can compete with the best Japanese that automakers have to offer. While the North American Golf GTI stands near the top of its class, the European model gets a bump in performance that gives it an edge. Worse yet, the United States won’t even see some of the Golf’s more track-focused models on our roadways, at least not in 2025.
European 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI
The European Volkswagen Golf GTI offers more power than the US version
The European version of the Volkswagen Golf GTI is powered by the EA888 engine that puts out an extra 20 horsepower that the North American Golf GTI lacks which, according to VW, is due to different emissions regulations.
Even though the European Golf GTI offers more power, it isn’t like North America is getting a slow hatchback by any means. The Euro version of the Golf GTI boasts 261 horsepower, while the US version offers 241 horsepower. On the bright side, torque remains consistent across all markets, coming in at 273 lb-ft.
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Unfortunately, the 2025 model year brings some bad news for both the European and North American markets as Volkswagen has discontinued the six-speed manual transmission. The German automaker cited a lack of global demand and can no longer justify the complexity of manufacturing it. Instead, all Golf models, including the high-performance Golf R, will come equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Europe also gets the VW Golf GTI Clubsport
A slightly toned-down version of the Golf GTI isn’t the end of North America’s bad news. The United States will also miss out on the Golf GTI Clubsport and all of its 296 horsepower. As a track-focused variant, the Clubsport also adds 22 lb-ft of torque to the equation, bringing the total output to 295 lb-ft.
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport
Volkswagen
The Golf GTI Clubsport also features better handling thanks to a lower, stiffer suspension and more responsive steering. It also rides on athletic 18-inch wheels and features the same seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Earlier this year, Volkswagen confirmed a Golf R Clubsport is in the works, but it’s not likely we’ll see that model in the United States either.
The VW Golf R is the top dog in the United States
Thankfully, Volkswagen’s Golf GTI trend doesn’t apply to the Golf R. For the 2025 model year, the North American-spec Golf R comes with 328 horsepower, putting it on par with the European model. The hot hatch will also see a handful of updates, including new headlights and taillights, a 12.9-inch touchscreen, and larger shifter paddles.
European 2025 Volkswagen Golf R Black Edition
The 2025 VW Golf R boasts a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 328 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It comes mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drivetrain. A handful of driving modes, including Sport, Race, Special, and Drift, further emphasize the track-ready design of the VW Golf R.
Final thoughts
The Volkswagen Golf GTI and R have been favorites of mine for a while now, but a Clubsport is more up my alley. Maybe we’ll see one in the United States eventually, but for now, that model remains stuck overseas. Seeing the Golf GTI gaining an edge in Europe is a little disheartening as well, but at least the Golf R’s performance is identical. All in all, the Golf lineup is a solid offering by Volkswagen, even as the company cons struggle financially.
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