Fresh looks and improved tech for legendary small car: 2025 Volkswagen Golf Mk8.5 release timing confirmed to challenge Toyota Corolla, Mazda3 and Honda Civic

The new Volkswagen Golf is about to arrive in Australia. 

This latest ‘Mk8.5’ mid-life update ushers in some small visual updates outside and gets a technology overhaul within, including larger touchscreens and the removal of the frustrating haptic touch steering wheel controls. 

Pricing is yet to be locked in for Australia, but the revised range now includes five trims from base, now the Life, up to the all-paw R performance grade. The Golf 8.5 will be released here in April 2025. 

Such a broad offering gives the Golf all the firepower it needs to challenge other small cars such as the Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, new Kia K4, Hyundai i30 and Honda Civic. 

Under the bonnet, the Golf 8.5 range starts with a familiar 1.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder producing 110kW and 250Nm. As before, it is paired with an eight-speed torque converter automatic. Australia looks to miss out on the plug-in hybrid versions sold in Europe. 

This ‘110TSI’ engine powers the entry-level Life, equipped with LED head and tail lights, keyless entry, 17-inch alloy wheels, leather-appointed steering wheel, climate control, 10.3-inch touchscreen (up from 8.2 inches) with DAB radio and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. 

Driver assistance features include adaptive cruise control with stop and go function along with front and rear parking sensors and a new self-parking feature. 

The new Style trim can be identified by privacy glass, high-grade headlights, chrome exterior trim and 18-inch alloy wheels. 

Inside, a much bigger 12.9-inch multimedia touchscreen runs improved software with navigation and voice assistant. There’s also 30-colour ambient lighting, ‘ArtVelour’ microfleece upholstery and a 14-way power adjustable driver’s seat with memory. 

Ritzy Golf R-Lines get unique 18-inch alloy wheels matched with ‘Vienna’ leather upholstery and heated and ventilated seats. Variable ratio ‘Progressive’ steering and drive mode selection give it a sportier edge. 

However, the GTI is where driving enthusiasts will want to start with an extra 15kW over the outgoing version boosting power to 195kW. It gets 19-inch alloy wheels and adaptive dampers as standard along with a seven speed ‘wet’ dual-clutch automatic transmission driving the front wheels. 

Tartan upholstery, tri-zone climate control, fog lights and metallic paint are also standard. A leather pack brings heated and ventilated front seats wrapped in Vienna leather upholstery.

From Style to GTI, buyers can option a Sound & Vision pack comprising a Harman/Kardon sound system, head-up display and 360-degree surround camera. A sunroof is also available. 

The flagship Golf R takes another step up with Matrix LED headlights, upmarket taillights, Nappa leather upholstery and unique 19-inch alloy wheels. Contents of the Sound & Vision package are standard. 

Getting the tune from the Mk8 Golf R 20 years boosts power to 245kW for the 8.5 R. It sends power to all-four wheels via a seven-speed DSG with a trick torque-splitting rear axle and special ‘Nurburgring’ and ‘Drift’ drive modes. 

Pricing will be confirmed closer to the Mk8.5 range’s Australian release in April 2025. Expect a price increase from the current Golf range, which runs $39,190 (Life) to $70,590 (R), before on-road costs.