Our collective interest in the Volkswagen Golf’s impending refresh was piqued yet again with VW’s recent showcase at this year’s CES. Admittedly, things were looking a bit grim for the Golf when Volkswagen announced last year that the six-speed manual would be axed after the ‘24 model year. While we’re still recovering from that blow, details and images of the refreshed 2025 Golf have helped ease that pain ever so slightly.

It should be noted that everything you’re seeing here is, technically, Euro-spec’d; however, the overall vibes should be the same when it launches here in the United States. And for those currently unaware of this hatchback’s stateside status, the Golf GTI and Golf R are the only two variants up for offer here, as the regular Golf was cut from the lineup a few years back.

Here’s a Look at Volkswagen’s Golf Refresh; Arrives for ‘25 MY 5
Here’s a Look at Volkswagen’s Golf Refresh; Arrives for ‘25 MY 6
Here’s a Look at Volkswagen’s Golf Refresh; Arrives for ‘25 MY 3
Here’s a Look at Volkswagen’s Golf Refresh; Arrives for ‘25 MY 4
Here’s a Look at Volkswagen’s Golf Refresh; Arrives for ‘25 MY 5Here’s a Look at Volkswagen’s Golf Refresh; Arrives for ‘25 MY 6Here’s a Look at Volkswagen’s Golf Refresh; Arrives for ‘25 MY 3Here’s a Look at Volkswagen’s Golf Refresh; Arrives for ‘25 MY 4

This update brings a little more oomph under the hood. It’s still a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, but horsepower has been upped to 262. That’s 15 HP more than the previous generation; and while we can’t be certain this boost in power will make its way into US models, we can only assume VW will deliver some kind of engine enhancement as penance for cutting the manual transmission. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is sticking around as the sole transmission.

As is the case with most vehicle refreshes, primary changes start with new LED lighting elements upfront and in back. A new front fascia accompanies the new headlights, though it’s very reminiscent of the outgoing model. Buyers will be able to select between five new wheel options, up to 19-inches; as well as four new exterior colors, including Crystal Ice Blue Metallic, Anemone Blue Metallic, Oyster SIlver Metallic and Grenadilla Black Metallic. The GTI can also be topped off by a black-painted roof. And aside from a few other small changes, like the available light-up VW badge, that’s mostly it.

Here’s a Look at Volkswagen’s Golf Refresh; Arrives for ‘25 MY 1
Here’s a Look at Volkswagen’s Golf Refresh; Arrives for ‘25 MY 2
Here’s a Look at Volkswagen’s Golf Refresh; Arrives for ‘25 MY 1Here’s a Look at Volkswagen’s Golf Refresh; Arrives for ‘25 MY 2

The interior might be where the most important changes are found, the best of which are the improved steering wheel controls. All pictures point towards the discarding of those touch sensitive controls, now replaced by physical buttons. There are still touch sliders for the temperature and volume controls, but they’re now illuminated for easier use. They’re situated below a new 12.9-inch infotainment screen, paired up with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster.

Pricing and availability are yet to be detailed, but we should be finding out more soon as Volkswagen prepares this refreshed hatchback for its North American debut.