Can a conventional hatchback with a conventional driveline cope in the sales race against the onslaught of SUVs and hybrids?

The 2025 Volkswagen Golf range, which wears the ‘Mk8.5’ designation, does as the name suggests and brings a range of subtle ...

It makes things more responsive and enjoyable but without getting into the rarefied air of superhatches such as the all-wheel-drive Golf R. And VW’s DSG ’box is still brilliantly smooth, at least. The ...

The GTD also gets the darkened taillight clusters like the GTI and Golf R, and the same lower front ... As for safety, all Volkswagen Golfs are rated five stars by ANCAP. The GTD, and all variants ...

HIGHS Free-revving turbo four, nice ride and handling balance, practical hatchback body style. LOWS Some plasticky interior parts, quirky infotainment system, no manual transmission option ...

cool wagon version not sold in U.S. VERDICT A high-performance unicorn crafted from VW's mass-market mule, the Golf R delivers the goods—for a price.