KUALA LUMPUR: Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has officially unveiled the 2025 Golf GTI alongside a new Golf R-Line variant.
For a limited time, customers of the first 50 units of the new Golf GTI with registration by Dec 31 this year will get to enjoy an early bird exclusive price of the model at RM249,990 including Volkswagen Assurance Package (VAP).
Otherwise the hot hatch retails as standard from RM255,990 including VAP.
The Golf R-Line on the other hand is currently only available for preview with pricing only to be revealed on its official launch day.
Both variants are offered in Oryx White, Moonstone Grey, Grenadilla Black, Kings Red, and Anemone Blue colours.
Unofficially deemed as part of the Golf MK8.5 phase, both variants are locally assembled (CKD) at the Volkswagen plant in Pekan and feature refined underbody panels and aerodynamic enhancements that improve airflow, stability and fuel efficiency. It also has sharper lines and a new front bumper.
The Volkswagen logo on the front bumper is also illuminated for the first time on a Volkswagen model in Malaysia and feature newly designed LED headlights.
The top-of-the-range IQ.Light LED matrix headlights incorporate a new high-performance main beam, while the redesigned IQ.Light 3D LED taillight clusters are paired with dynamic turn signals and animated rear graphics.
In the cabin is a tablet-style 12.9-inch media infotainment display with Volkswagen’s new MIB4 system that is said to be faster, more responsive with its user interface, and with in-built navigation.
Its Digital Cockpit Pro that is featured on a 10-inch high-resolution TFT dashboard display has fully customisable menus and information. Drivers can choose from multiple colour themes and three distinct display views (Classic, Reduced, and Navigation).
Other notable highlights in the cabin includes the IDA voice assistant with voice enhancer for hands-free convenience, a multifunction sports steering wheel (leather, heated) with physical buttons and shift paddles, Air Care Climatronic 3-zone automatic climate control (with allergen filter, enhanced air filter and controls for rear passengers), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, wireless charging, and illuminated touch sliders for HVAC and volume control.
Safety and advance driver assist systems come in the form of Volkswagen's IQ.Drive technology which features Auto Emergency Braking Front Assist with pedestrian monitoring, Travel Assist with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Rear Traffic Alert and Exit Warning; Park Distance Control; Driver Attention Detection; and Emergency, Side, and Lane Assist.
Golf GTI
As the sportier variant between the two the Golf GTI which run on 18-inch alloy wheels feature the usual distinctive brand styling all across the model.
On the exterior are the GTI designed front bumper that features a radiator grill and honeycomb front air intake, unique rear bumper with chrome exhaust tailpipe for both left and right, and GTI side skirts.
The interior accents sees a GTI black headliner, brushed stainless steel pedals, GTI leather wrapped multi-function sports steering wheel with buttons for better tactile feedback, Black Metal Chrome trim in dash and front door panels, and GTI front sport seats with Vienna leather.
Its Harman Kardon sound system is supported by nine tuned speakers with a subwoofer powered by a 12-channel digital amplifier that produces 480 watts of total output.
There's a Head-Up Display and two USB-C ports in the front and rear to accommodate both drivers and passengers.
At its heart is a re-tuned 2.0 TSI turbocharged petrol motion engine that is paired with Volkswagen’s 7-speed DSG transmission to deliver 265PS which is an additional 20PS more from the previous GTI.
The new Golf GTI is supported with five years free maintenance, five years mileage warranty and five years complimentary roadside assistance under the VAP.
Golf R-Line
The variant that runs on 17-inch ‘Coventry’ alloy wheels may just be the more interesting choice of the two and no mere simple continuation of the R-Line branding.
As per-usual, the car has the R-Line distinct styling features from the design of the front bumper and radiator grille, rear bumper featuring chrome exhausts and R-Line side skirts.
Inside are the black headliner, brushed stainless steel pedals, R-Line leather wrapped multi-function sports steering wheel with physical buttons, Carbon Grey trim in dash and front door panels, and fabric R-line upholstery at the front and outer rear seat with ‘Artvelours’ inner side.
It has a seven-speaker sound system and also comes with two USB-C ports in the front and rear.
The real highlight is the mild-hybrid performance with its 1.5 eTSI (mHEV) turbo engine (150PS, 250Nm) and a shift-by-wire system for its 7-speed DSG transmission. The Golf R-Line can sprint from 0–100 kph in 8.6 seconds and has a 5.2 litre/100km rated fuel consumption.
