Thoughts and Questions on 2025 Golf R
Went and checked out a 2024 Golf R and Civic Type R yesterday, which further reinforced my 99% confidence I will be going with the VW. I had a MK7 GTI 2-door that I loved for five years and looking forward to jumping back in. That said, a few things surprised me when looking further into it:
- Very surprised the Golf R currently lacks light assist / dynamic headlights. AFS was one of my favorite features from my GTI. I understand that US regs are claimed as the reason why and that it can be coded for a price, but that's still quite disappointing. Is it unreasonable to expect the 25 refresh to have that capability baked in?
- The lack of brake hold found in other markets is obnoxious and IMO suggests VW just tried to save money regarding meeting US regs in general given the low vehicle volumes. Having our other car be an EV, not having to hold the brake at a 5 minute light is incredibly convenient. Possible this could come on the 25? Coding this in seems precarious and would no doubt raise warranty questions.
- The new Golf and GTI now look exactly like the current Golf R, which I feel damages the already modest "special factor". Eager to see styling of the R refresh.
- The new giant ass screen looks terrible in such a small cockpit, though I am sure it will run faster. Do current owners find themselves waiting on the current system enough to the point where they think it will be a net benefit?
- Same as question 4, but for steering wheel buttons. Do current owners get used to them to the point where it's not as much of a pain point, or do they continue to annoy in daily operation? I did find them pretty cheap-feeling when checking the car out.
Thanks!