The new 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI is projected to be released some time later this year. Meanwhile, Volkswagen is celebrating 50 years of the VW Golf and recognizing it as the most successful Volkswagen of all time. The VW Golf was first introduced in 1974 and every generation has helped make the automotive world more accessible. Let’s take a look at the 2025 VW Golf GTI that will be coming to Principle Volkswagen Grapevine in Grapevine, TX and then we’ll review some of the Golf’s 50-year history.
A sneak preview of the new 2025 VW Golf GTI
The editors at Car and Driver have given us a glimpse of the European version of the new Golf GTI. It will deliver a little more power from the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine along with refinements both inside and out. Buyers from Fort Worth and Dallas should be aware that specifications for the American model aren't available yet and will be released later this year. This facelifted hatchback will include a refreshed exterior and a number of technology upgrades to make the infotainment system easier to use.
New exterior features for 2025
The new 2025 Golf GTI will have subtle differences in the front bumper as well as the LED headlights and taillights, giving the new GTI a more contemporary look than before. It will also feature a new wheel designs, a black-painted roof and four exterior paint colors including two blues, a silver and a black.
New interior features for 2025
The steering wheel will now have real buttons instead of touch-sensitive versions and the touch sliders on the central screen that adjust temperature and volume will now be illuminated. The touch screen is now 12.9 inches in size and it's based on Volkswagen's latest MIB4 software with a new menu structure. The new Golf GTI will also have a new voice assistant that will be capable of recognizing more commands.
The early history of the Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen started work on a successor to the Beatle in Wolfsburg in the late 1960s. The company created several concept vehicles including the EA 276 from 1969 that included many features of the later successful model like a front engine, a hatchback with a large boot lid and a torsion beam axle. Under the hood this VW still included the Beetle’s boxer engine with air cooling. Later, another concept vehicle was developed for production and was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro.
The new VW Golf was introduced in 1974
The new Volkswagen Golf was no longer cooled by air when it was unveiled in 1974 and it no longer had a boxer engine. The new Golf offered maximum usable space and safety along with a high level of practicality. Just two years later, the first million units of the VW Golf had been sold and as of today, Volkswagen has delivered more than 37 million Golf models all over the world.
The Golf is the heart of the Volkswagen brand
When the Volkswagen Golf was first produced in Wolfsburg 50 years ago, no one knew that it would be a far greater success than the VW Beetle. But before long, the new Golf became a global best-seller. Over the years, the Golf included advanced technology like the catalytic converter, efficient drive systems and safety features like anti-lock brakes, airbags and the first all-wheel drive system in the VW lineup.
A dual exhibition at the Bremen Classic Motorshow
In honor of the 50th anniversary year, Volkswagen presented the Golf 1 at the Bremen Classic Motorshow early in 2024, displaying the EA 276 concept vehicle as well as a bright yellow early production model of the Golf. If you're interested in the new 2024 Volkswagen Golf, we invite you to submit our totally secure financing application so you can be pre-approved in advance. We also encourage you to fill out our trade-in form to see how much your current vehicle is worth. Meanwhile, feel free to ask us for updates on the 2025 VW Golf, coming soon to Principle Volkswagen Grapevine in Grapevine, TX.