The 2025 VW Golf R 2.0T Went From Mild to Wild, With Subtle Looks and Noticable Power
As the old saying goes, "dynamite comes in small packages," and the 2025 VW Golf R 2.0T is all that and more.
The 2025 VW Golf is available in 2 trims: the Golf R and the Golf R Black Edition. I was able to test the VW Golf R 2.0T with the Euro Style Package. This package eliminates the power-tilting panoramic sunroof and ventilated seats, but it adds ArtVelours patterned seat covers and an upgraded exhaust system.
These changes, and some, deduct 80 pounds from the weight of the car and add $3,795 to the price tag. The thought is to make the car lighter so it can go faster. The Euro Style Package was made available in North America for 2025, which includes a deletion of the power seats, ventilation in the front seat, a sunroof, and an exhaust system (part of the formula that deletes the weight).
As a model pushing six-feet with tall friends, here’s how my week-long review of the VW Golf R 2.0 went. I bet you’ll be as surprised as I was with this one.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
As a Tall Woman, I Had Concerns Fitting in a Hot Hatch… But I Was Pleasantly Surprised
Being 5’11 and testing the Golf, I was a bit concerned. I knew it was a compact car, so I relied on hearsay that German cars are comfortable for tall folks. I wondered about legroom, if I would bump my head getting in and out, and how difficult the transition of “sitting up” in my SUV compared to “dropping down” into a car would be.
I was pleasantly surprised; I had no trouble. However, my tall friend was a bit cramped in the back seat, so this may not be for a family of 6-footers, but if you like these features and this aesthetic, there are other options within the VW family to accommodate the vertically gifted.
The Interior Featured Nearly Limitless Tech
Given the technology and the option to customize just about everything, it seems like Volkswagen recognizes that every customer has unique preferences, making this a driver-centric car. The 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system is conveniently angled towards the driver. The Head-Up Display (HUD) projects navigation, speed limit, and your MPH onto the windshield, floating in your line of sight to help you keep your eyes on the road.
The VW Digital Cock Pit pro turns your dashboard into your canvas. Personalization is limitless; you decide what’s shown on your 10.25-inch display: digital speed gauge, navigation, phone information, driver assistance features, “now playing”, even a compass. Wifi is available with a subscription, but it wasn’t active during my time with the vehicle.
The Golf is equipped with the usual CarPlay (Apple) and Android Auto, but I wanted to try out the built-in navigation. It worked well, and it seemed more responsive than Google Maps on Apple CarPlay. The best part about driving on Chicago’s (very dark) Lower Wacker Drive was to see the Golf’s interior ambient lighting illuminate the cabin.
With this feature, you select from 30 colors that beautifully light up the dash, footwells, door panels, and storage compartments. I rotated between pink and purple. To suit your mood, you can adjust the brightness for a more vibrant or subtle ambiance.
The Interior Design is Premium For the Price
The interior design choices beautifully complement the exterior color, Lapiz Blue Metallic. This blue is high energy, vibrant, and striking. The designers echoed the exterior color throughout the cabin for a cohesive look. The steering wheel is wrapped in black leather with blue accents and stitching.
The Signature “R” made its way to the interior, embossed in blue on the front seatbacks. The blue extends vertically down the seatbacks and seat cushions, intersecting with a diamond-patterned fabric providing a sporty aesthetic surrounded by ArtVelour fabric, a velour-like grey material. This interior is exclusive to the Euro Style Package.
My Favorite Underestimated Feature Was the Cupholder
One of the most thoughtful features (and my favorite) is the front console cupholder. The cupholder itself was large enough for just about any size beverage (and perfect for my iced oat milk latte).
There’s a button next to the cupholder. When you press it, an extension of the cupholder clamps and grips your drink to prevent it from shifting during your ride. It’s the little things, right?
Snow and Rain are Nothing For the VW Golf R 2.0T
In my car, the backup camera is just above my license plate, so when it snows or rains, I have to hop out just to wipe it off for a clear view before I back up; in the Golf, that’s not a concern. Volkswagen hid the camera behind the VW badge, protecting it from the elements. Once the car is in reverse, the badge flips up, uncovering the camera. I don’t know why VW decided to tuck away the rearview camera, but I do know that it’s an innovative solution to a little inconvenience that I’ve learned to live with.
I switched between sport and race mode; even with that, I found the MPG to be extremely efficient. During my week with the hot hatch, about 60% of my time with the car was in the city and the remainder on the highway. The city MPG is 22 mpg, while I saw highway is 35 MPG on the highway, even while using Premium fuel.
This car is not just for one demographic; I envision this car bringing joy to a wide variety of consumers. My tall friend was a bit cramped in the back seat, so this may not be for a family of 6-footers, but if you like these features and this aesthetic, there are other options within the VW family to accommodate the vertically gifted.
This car is absolutely for the adventurer, the free spirit, the vibrant soul with an active lifestyle. I think Volkswagen knows this, which is why they offer several accessories for the Golf, from bike racks to kayak holders, even snowboard and wakeboard attachments. A driving purist (maybe even someone with a need for speed) would love the Euro Style Package.
I Was Surprised By the Golf—And You Will Be, Too
If I had to pick one word to describe my time with the VW Golf R 2.0T, it would be “fun”. The compact size, the handling, the acceleration, the driver-centric experience, and the vibrant interior and exterior each contributed to a memorable and spirited driving experience.
The 2025 VW Golf R 2.0T with the Euro Style Package costs $50,895 plus a $1,225 destination charge, but for those who value joy in their daily drives, this might be worth looking into.
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