2025 VW Golf R first drive: The R stands for “really good fun”

Oh my, this is a lot of fun

My first introduction to the 2025 R was on track at Summit Point's Jefferson Circuit, where the difference between it and the lesser GTI was stark. The steering isn't really any more lively than the GTI, but that doesn't stop it from being an engaging drive on track. I wonder if that's thanks, in large part, to the rear differential.

You can feel the torque being apportioned to the rear wheel and how it is vectored in the turns to make you go faster. Set to Nurburgring mode, the dampers were more than adequately calibrated for the bumps and rough patches of Summit Point, and what little body roll you encounter is compensated for by the seat's bolstering.

The brakes were also commendable and more than enough to slow the R from just over 100 mph for the circuit's final, tight hairpin.

What was not so commendable on track was the capacitive multifunction steering wheel. On at least one occasion, my hand hit the R button on the left spoke while in a corner, changing the drive mode, and another time, I managed to turn on the heated steering wheel, a control that lives on the right spoke.

On the road, the R rides well on its adaptive dampers, smoothing out road imperfections despite the thin bands of summer tire rubber wrapped around its 19-inch wheels. The way it gathers speed is deceptive, particularly in Comfort mode, where the engine noise is kept to a minimum. It's not quite as bad as some recent EVs we've tested, but you do need to keep an eye on your velocity—the standard heads-up display helps with that.

All told, my seat time behind the wheel was probably less than four hours, but that was more than enough to remind me that I need to stop underrating the Golf R.