2025 Volkswagen Golf R Mk8.5: Faster Than Claimed! 0-62mph BEATEN - Full Road Test Review

Join Vicki Butler-Henderson as she gets behind the wheel of the updated VW Golf R MK 8.5 Black Edition, Volkswagen’s stealthiest and most powerful hot hatch yet.

With 333hp, all-wheel drive, launch control, and a Drift Mode for sideways fun, this revised Golf R blends serious performance with everyday comfort. The Black Edition takes the subtle approach even further, swapping out chrome for darkened details and adding exclusive features like gloss black alloys and a titanium Akrapovič exhaust.

Inside, it’s fitted with updated tech, a smarter infotainment system, and a digital dash that keeps things sharp and focused. But with prices climbing over £56,000 with options, does this facelifted Golf R still deliver enough thrill for the money?

Vicki puts it to the test on road and track — and finds out just how close she can get to VW’s official 0–62mph time.

Specifications

• Price: Approx. £45,500 plus £1,000 for the Black Edition
• Power: 333 bhp
• Engine: 2.0 litre turbocharged inline-four engine
• Acceleration: 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds
• Boot Space: 341 litres 

Exterior Design: Black Edition

Even if you only glance at this car for a second, you will know that it is a Golf. It's safe to say that Volkswagen has remained true to the Golf's identity, even though this is just a mid-life refresh. The differences between the MK7 and MK8 models are subtle enough to maintain the resemblance. In the world of hot hatches, the Golf R is certainly on the stealthy side in comparison with a Honda Civic Type R, and even more so with this Black Edition. Put simply, the Black Edition replaces any usual chrome or shiny parts with black ones. However, the Lapis Blue paintwork is far from stealthy, as it really shines in the sun. You might like that, though, and if you do, you'll need to be prepared to pay £1,500 for the privilege.

Boot Capacity & Dog Pack

If you are unfamiliar with how to open the boot using the manufacturer's badge, you could spend a few minutes trying to work it out. The badge itself could also easily be missed, as it is black in keeping with the Black Edition styling.

However, once you open the boot, you'll find 341 litres of storage space for all your belongings. This is by no means class-leading, though, as it is 70 litres less than in the Honda Civic Type R, which may be a deciding factor if you are comparing the two. As with most five-seater cars, though, you can fold the rear seats to access more space if needed.

Do you need to transport a dog? Volkswagen has you covered with the optional 'Dog Pack'. This pack includes a mat that rolls over the rear bumper to prevent scratches to the paintwork caused by dog paws. While not part of the 'Dog Pack', a 12-volt socket in the boot could be useful for powering a mini fridge to keep your dog's food cold on longer journeys.

Wheels & Tyre Talk

The Golf R comes with 19-inch alloy wheels as standard. The wheels you see on the Golf in our review video are an optional extra. They are lighter than the standard alloys and have anti-theft bolts. They will cost just over £1,000.

The tyres are Bridgestone Potenza S005, developed in close collaboration with Volkswagen, as indicated by the small plus symbol on the sidewall. This simply indicates that the tyre is a Volkswagen original equipment. In terms of real-world feedback, the Potenza S005 has achieved an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on DriverReviews.

Engine, Performance & 0-62 Tests

Vicki reminds us that the R series was launched in 2002 with the R32 model. Since then, over 250,000 Rs have been sold worldwide — it's a popular hot hatch, wouldn't you say? However, this version is the most powerful yet, with 333 bhp coming from a 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine and 420 Nm of torque.

No review of a hot hatch would be complete without testing its official 0–62 mph time. We have a timing device attached to the windscreen, an open runway, and 333 bhp at our disposal for straight-line testing. While we won't reveal the best time Vicki achieved in the Golf R, we'll spoil the surprise by revealing that she actually beat Volkswagen's official time. Watch the video review here to find out what her best time was!

On Road: Comfort, Braking & Steering

An immediate that Vicki notes about the comfort of the Golf R (given its sporty pedigree) is that it is surprisingly comfy away from the track. It's worth noting though that it will never iron out potholes. That's one to consider if you know that the immediate roads around where you live are in poor condition. When it comes to the brakes, Vicki feels that they can be a little "grabby".

The R does redeem itself in Vicki's eyes, however, when it comes to the steering. She describes it as well-weighted and accurate and says that it provides a lot of feedback about what is going on at the front of the car, which is unusual for a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Interior Design & Features

The infotainment system is the latest version available, and Vicki says it's relatively easy to navigate without having to go through lots of submenus to find things — which is handy for those of us who are slightly impatient! Like Marmite, you'll either love it or hate it, but it's worth noting that the Chat GPT integration is still in its infancy, so you might have to bear with it.

There are plenty of driver aids available, some of which you will use regularly. From lane assist to a drowsiness monitor, you can rest assured that the Volkswagen Golf R will get you from A to B safely.

The list of driver assistance features is just as long as the list of driving modes, of which there are no fewer than seven, including the extremely niche "Nürburgring" mode. This is a specially configured setting designed for the undulating terrain of the nearly 13-mile-long historic track, which many manufacturers use to test cars' handling.

There's a Harman Kardon sound system with nine speakers, which is more than most people have in their homes. In addition, there's ample storage space and a dedicated area for charging your phone. A word of warning about the phone charging space, though: it's so well hidden that you could easily leave your phone in there and forget about it when you get out of the car! Behind the steering wheel, there is a digital dashboard that can display the usual metrics, as well as torque distribution and a lap timer.

There is space at the back for three children or two adults. If there are just two people at the back, they can share the folding armrest stowed away in the middle seat. There are cup holders, too, in case you're giving people in the office a lift to work for morning coffee. There is also a ski hatch accessible when the armrest is down, and we'd love to know how you use yours, regardless of the car. Let us know in the comments section of our video!

Passenger comfort is enhanced by the air vents and temperature control, and a couple of USB charging points keep devices powered up on longer journeys. Do you remember the subtle theme mentioned at the start of the review? This continues into the interior, where nothing really shouts about how special the R is.

Vicki’s Verdict

In terms of value for money, this car offers similar performance to a Toyota GR Yaris, but will save you around £6,000 compared to a Honda Civic Type R. However, the Honda, with its manual gearbox, remains the standout choice when it comes to driver involvement. If you pressed Vicki for an answer, it's probably the car she'd choose.

Don't miss out on future reviews and automotive insights – subscribe to DriverReviews on YouTube for the latest updates and in-depth analysis from our brand ambassadors!