The facelifted Volkswagen Golf R and Golf R Variant must be feeling frisky as they’ve stripped down to go testing virtually undisguised.
That being said, we can see a misleading front bumper with ‘fake’ angular accents that are partially wrapped in white tape. This is meant to fool casual observers into thinking this is the current Golf R, but the upcoming production model will have a revised intake with two horizontal bars spanning the width of the vehicle. While there will be angular accents, they’ll be less pronounced and mounted on either side of a central sensor.
Elsewhere, the cars have been equipped with evolutionary headlights that are a smidge smaller. They’re connected by an illuminated band, which is slimmer than before as part of the “R” badge hangs off.
More: 2025 VW Golf GTI Facelift Spotted Testing Its Minor Tweaks
The rest of the design largely carries over, but the models appear to have a new diffuser and updated taillight graphics. There could also be a handful of other small changes, but this will be a relatively minor update.
That being said, the cabin is getting a technological makeover as previous prototypes have been spotted with a larger and more modern infotainment system. It appears to be shared with the ID.7 and Passat Variant, which suggests the Golf could be offered with up to a 15-inch display.
The current Golf R has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces up to 315 hp (235 kW / 319 PS) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. While customers can choose between a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DSG transmission, all-wheel drive comes standard.
It remains to be seen if the facelifted model will receive a performance boost, but it seems possible as the Golf R Performance packs 329 hp (245 kW / 333 PS) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque. This enables the hatchback to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.6 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 168 mph (270 km/h).
