It's finally released in Korea..Will the new Golf GTI remain attractive
Jun 10, 2025
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When the world says something, it's wise to listen.Volkswagen not only listened to the world's criticism that the eighth-generation golf's user interface is not good, but it also improved based on that feedback.The eighth-generation Golf GTI was launched in the North American market in the 2022 model year, but it appeared in the German showroom three years earlier.
The 2025 model is an upgraded version of the unofficial name "Mk 8.5" that Volkswagen has been disclosing for some time.The main specifications are the same.Volkswagen's 2.0-liter EA888 Evo4 four-cylinder engine delivers 241 horsepower and 37.7 kgf.m of torque to the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG.
That's enough torque for a hatchback model that weighs about 1300kg.Almost immediately all torque is activated at 1600 rpm.It's an amazing engine and it's still one of the biggest advantages of this car. Most of the changes to be introduced in 2025 apply to the GTI interior.The infotainment display has grown larger and expanded to 12.9 inches, with a redesigned user interface making content and controls much easier to access than ever before.
Fortunately, the physical button was revived on the steering wheel.The intermediate SE package also includes several lower trims, including ArtVelours sheets from European club sports models and new 19-inch wheels with Autobahn specifications inspired by the fifth-generation GTI symbol "Detroit" rim.
The change is so minimal that only the most ardent GTI fans can notice the changes in the appearance of the new model.The front bumper has been slightly changed, and the bottom grill top line leads to a straight line.GTI's signature point, the red grill stripe, is back.
Furthermore, it continues longer than before through headlight clusters.The Volkswagen emblem lights up, a feature that feels increasingly strange in non-electric vehicles.Additionally, GTI medium was attached to the front edge of the door.
In the case of the new GTI, which starts at $33,670 (about 45.9 million won), there are no complaints about the finish or design at all. There are people scratching plastic and complaining, but after all, it's an economical popular brand car.You have to pay a lot more to have a soft touch dashboard.
That doesn't mean I don't like the more sophisticated dashboard.Honda Civic and Kia K4 are good examples of how they should be completed at a cost to interior design.GTI's relatively monotonous interior space is also attractive enough. The new steering wheel has a physical button, which works better.
Also, I was angry at the volume control device and air conditioning system control slider that did not have a backlight in the existing golf. Now that the lights are on, there is plenty of applause.It's still hard to believe that these cars once came from the production line without such a thoughtful design, but at least this is how the criticism was taken.
The good news is that everything that everyone liked about the current GTI, except for one, applies as it is.The chassis is great, the ride is stable, and the genuine adaptive suspension is surprisingly comfortable. Instead, the nose is really sharp when cornering.The steering may be a little dull, but it is within the margin of error compared to the electric power steering of many car manufacturers these days.You can get used to it quickly.
In sports mode, audio produces maximum effect. This car is not suitable for normal road driving like a rough rally car.Its soft and sophisticated design makes driving and pleasure comfortable. No matter how competent Volkswagen's dual clutch transmission is, it is not easy to accept the reality that the six-speed manual transmission has disappeared. The pleasure of manual is bound to be diluted.
The 2025 Golf GTI starts at $33,670 (about 45.9 million won) based on the basic S trim.It comes with 18-inch wheels, a new 12.9-inch touchscreen, a 15-watt ventilation wireless charger, and adaptive headlights as standard. If you upgrade to $38,645 (about 52.6 million won) SE, various wheels, sunroofs, and the aforementioned club sports seats are your favorite styles in terms of design and touch. It also comes with Harman Kardon Premium Audio, which provides great sound in the same class.
The Autobahn trim is among the top brands with a premium brand price of $42,105 (about 57.3 million won).This trim comes with a variety of options.It has high-performance summer tires (Korean Tire Ventus S1 Evo3), DCC adaptive dampers, 19-inch wheels with a nice design, power ventilation leather seats, and even a three-zone thermostat.
In terms of equipment, the GTI autobahn is basically the same as the Golf R, but the mechanical part is different. Unfortunately, there are fewer options to buy GTI than ever and most of them are sedans.Except for Volkswagen's $34,395 Zeta GLI, there are Honda Civic Si, Hyundai Avante N and Subaru WRX.
There is also a Toyota GR Corolla, which is similar to Golf R in terms of performance.It's worth mentioning as you can buy a vehicle with basic specifications at a lower price than the GTI autobahn.We think GTI is suitable for customers who want driving fun and mature practicality equally.
The new domestic golf GTI was released on June 9. The price is 51.75 million won. It has a similar composition to the North American-specific autobahn trim. It is expected to be the last internal combustion engine GTI as 9th generation golf foreshadows the transition to electric vehicles.
Editor Song Moon-cheol mc.song@carguy.kr
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
