--- title: "2025 VW GTI Brings Buttons, Gains 20 HP, Ditches the Manual" description: "A friendlier interior, tasteful new wheels, and extra power make this a roundly positive update—so long as you don't miss that third pedal." date: "2024-01-23" modified: "2024-01-23" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/2025-vw-gti-brings-buttons-gains-20-hp-ditches-the-manual" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Volkswagen News" tags: - "Golf GTi" - "Hatchback" - "sports car" - "Volkswagen" --- # 2025 VW GTI Brings Buttons, Gains 20 HP, Ditches the Manual ![]() *\Volkswagen\* Like a German train schedule, [Volkswagen]() is right on time with its mid-cycle facelift for its [Mk8 Golf and GTI](). With that facelift comes predictably tweaked looks, some improved interior ergonomics, and new technology across the board. Typical of Volkswagen, though, the United States isn't getting the whole range, as only the GTI version will be making it to U.S. shores for now. The Golf R is due in the States eventually, and VW says we can expect more details on its arrival later this year. Updates to the new GTI include slightly refreshed LED headlights and taillights, as well as a new horizontal LED light strip in the grille. European models will be getting Volkswagen's new IQ.Matrix front beams, but it's unclear if U.S.-market cars will get them as well since [adaptive headlights have been only recently permitted]() by lawmakers. Europeans also get an illuminated "VW" badge on their hot hatches. ![]() ![]() ![]() *Volkswagen* The most welcome changes come inside, though. When Volkswagen switched from the near-perfect Mk7 GTI to the Mk8, the newer interior design and ergonomics were almost universally panned. The biggest complaints were levied at the unintuitive infotainment system, lack of illuminated dashboard buttons, and obnoxious steering wheel touch buttons. Now, VW has remedied some of these issues by giving the steering wheel physical buttons once again, drastically updating the infotainment system with a bigger screen and a simpler user interface, and backlighting the temperature sliders, so they're findable in the dark. It still looks similar but these small updates should make daily driving a little more pleasant than before. For the GTI, the powertrain remains familiar: a 2.0-liter turbo-four. In Europe, it makes 262 horsepower. At the moment, there's no telling whether U.S. cars will get the same boost to output, considering the current car makes 241 horses. However, [the GTI is losing its manual transmission]() in all markets, leaving the seven-speed "DSG" dual-clutch transmission as its only option. ![]() ![]() ![]() Unfortunately, once again Americans will miss out on the GTE hybrid hot-hatch. With its 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and hybrid assistance, the GTE makes 268 horsepower, sent through the GTI's DSG to the front wheels. Accessible hybrid sports cars still aren't as common as they arguably should be, and Volkswagen is passing on an opportunity here to prove their worth to a wider public. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() For now, we'll just have to make do with a refreshed GTI that fixes many of the old car's interior issues but also ditches the beloved manual transmission. It'll be the same way for the next Golf R, too. Would you rather have a third pedal or a less frustrating commute? Unfortunately in this case, "all of the above" isn't an option. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()