I’ve owned several Volkswagen Golf models over the years. Everything from the humble Rabbit (as these are called in N.A.) diesel, through Wolfsburg editions, an early GTI, to the fantastic pickup version (well named the “caddy” in the UK). I can honestly say that I’ve enjoyed them all. Mostly because they’ve all delivered exactly what was described to me on the label.
It was with those thoughts rummaging through my head that I climbed aboard the new 2025 Volkswagen Golf R and, although times have changed dramatically, my thoughts on the Golf products haven’t altered one iota.
With its turbocharged, direct-injected, DOHC 16-valve I-4 engine pushing 328 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque (increases of 13 hp and 15 lb-ft), in a vehicle weighing just shy of 1600kgs (around 3500lbs), the new Golf R is nothing short of a pocket rocket. That is probably what the “R” stands for, if truth be told.
Power is sent via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, through the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system and, aided by a rather clever torque-vectoring rear differential. It simply gets up and goes, and go it certainly does. Its 0 to 100 km/h times are estimated somewhere around the 4.6 second mark. Now that is quick by anyone’s standards today.
This is all wrapped nicely in a smartly dressed, 5-pass, 4-door practical hatchback. What’s not to like about that?
My test vehicle was the halo “Black Edition”, which came with the optional Akrapovic dual-stage titanium exhaust (a $3,000 add-on, but I’m going to say, worth every penny). The Black Edition also adds the cool blacked-out exterior details, plus the carbon-fibre interior trim. It also featured the optional ArtVelours front seats in lieu of the standard leather (a no-cost option choice). In truth, I typically prefer leather. However, on well bolstered sport seats, I tend to find that leather wears rather quickly simply by rubbing the outer bolsters upon entry and exit. This optional material appeared pretty robust looking to me and may well outlast the leather in this instance. Time will tell, I guess.
For 2025, the Golf R receives a restyled bumper and headlights, with a cool backlit VW badge front and centre. Along with updated decor and details, the interior also gains a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen.
The drive
The Golf R sounds wonderful on start-up and everything simply gets better from there on in.
The acceleration is truly outstanding and you quickly realise the benefits of those wide body-hugging sports seats, as they grab you like a comforting baseball glove when you’re pinned rearwards. Power comes on smoothly and you can certainly feel the torque in this vehicle.
The R corners with the confidence typically only found in much higher priced products, and the braking system fully supports its agility. All in all, any enthusiastic driver will find the prowess and capabilities of this vehicle impressive.
However, the R is somewhat a wolf in sheep’s clothing, as you don’t have to run it at full tilt to fully enjoy this vehicle. This car is equally at home being utilised as a day-to-day work commuter, or even your local grocery getter.
Which brings me perfectly to one of its best attributes, that of being somewhat a “sleeper”. Now most of you out there will instantly know what I’m speaking of, but for those who don’t, let me explain. The Golf R appears at first glance to be rather similar to any other VW Golf product. That is, until you get up close and spot the small tell-tale differences. This is not an in-your-face performance product, like many others with this, or even lower performance levels. It doesn’t shout aloud its glory, but rather understates it while confidently knowing of its capabilities. Because of this, it doesn’t immediately draw the attention of the radar operator. That’s probably a good thing. However, at other times, people will come up and inquire, “Is that an R?” When you reply in the affirmative, you get that simple appreciative nod and a smile starts to spread across their face. Yes, the Golf R carries a certain respect amongst car enthusiasts.
Crash’s conclusion
The 2025 Volkswagen Golf R in Canada starts at $50,995 for the base model and jumps to $53,595 for the Black Edition trim. My totally loaded test vehicle topped up around $60k, which may sound a tad pricey for a Volkswagen Golf. However, consider this. The base GTI starts at $36,495 and with a few options can easily exceed $40k, and for that you have to forgo the AWD of the R, which is one of the true benefits of this vehicle.
Also, just take a look at any dealership today. Sure you’ll see the tempting “the *** starts at $37k”, but you’ll be lucky to find one of those base models anywhere on the lot. No, you’ll end up paying somewhere around the $50k. That’s just how life is today, because that’s the optimum selling price for manufacturers.
However, this is where I’ll justify the price point of the Golf R. Where are you going to find a true performance vehicle, which boasts the practicality of a hatchback, and with sure-footed AWD winter driving capabilities? It is when you think, the almost perfect all-round, all-year, automotive product on the road today.
It is, as I said from the start, precisely as described on the label.
After many years spent working within the auto industry, everything from car sales, managing public auto auctions, to operating his own Jaguar/Land Rover independent workshop, Kevin Corrigan switched to journalism more than 20 years ago. A past Vice President of AJAC (the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada), Kevin is also a member of the IMPA (the International Motor Press Association) and is also the past Chair of the Canadian Green Car of the Year Awards program. He has appeared on several TV shows, including Motoring TV (TSN) and Classic Car Rescue (Discovery Channel).
Corrigan hails from England, however has lived in Caledon for 25 years and now Mono for the past five.
Summer Cruise Nights
The sun is finally out, and I say that whilst tapping my knuckles on my wooden desk. Yes, it hasn’t been a great start to the summer, so let’s now make the most of it.
Whether you’ve been itching to pull your pride and joy out of the garage or, you’re simply looking for a fun evening out, your local weekly cruise nights have you covered.
These popular events take place in car parks (Canadian Tire and such like) all over Ontario each and every week throughout the summer. It’s such a great place to meet up with fellow enthusiasts. It’s also a fun night out to enjoy with the family, even if you don’t have a vehicle to bring. The kids will love eyeing up all the cool vehicles, and there’s quite often retro music playing, raffles and door prizes.
So yes, these events are fun. In fact, I attend local events most weeks; Alliston (Tuesday), Orangeville (Wednesday), Bolton (Thursday).
You can simply use Google to find your local event. What I personally enjoy about these shows is the wide array of vehicles which turn up. Expect everything from Hot Rods to classic muscle cars, from vintage to modern supercars. Your vehicle doesn’t even have to be perfect as working projects are often proudly on display. Basically, if you are enthusiastic about automobiles, of any type, you will be made welcome.
Many of these events are sponsored by local businesses and even some new car dealers get involved. The Bracket Auto Group sponsors the Orangeville show, and Fines Ford and Bolton GM support the Bolton event. After all, most dealers started out due to their love of automobiles, so it’s their way of giving back.
These events are mostly organised by volunteers from local car clubs, such as the Caledon Cruisers, for which we are all extremely grateful. These people put a lot of time and effort into these and, all they ask in return, is that attendees follow a few simple guidelines. So don’t show off spinning tires when coming and going. You’re not going to impress anyone, you’re simply going to annoy us all. Be respectful to others and their property. It may not be the prettiest in the car park, nor the most expensive but, to the owner, it’s their pride and joy. So if you bring a push chair or kids with bikes, please be careful that they don’t scratch the vehicles.
Start-up conversations. I don’t know an owner out there who doesn’t like talking about their ride. You will hear some amazing stories, everything from grandchildren restoring grandpa’s old Buick, to one couple I met who were still driving the car they had their very first date in, 40 years ago. It’s one of the main reasons why I love these events, that you meet some truly wonderful people.
I’ve gathered up a few cars over the years but my favourite is my Dad’s old 91 “VeeDub” campervan. He owned it from new and when he passed away several years ago, I shipped it over from the UK. I’ve travelled all-over North America in it. It’s nice, but not perfect, but it was my Dad’s, so it’s special to me.
If you spy me parked up at an event, please come say hello. I love to chat to readers, and I’ll happily answer any questions you have on vehicles.
See you there.