The new Golf R 2025 header image

Adrenaline, amplified: the new Volkswagen Golf R arrives in New Zealand 

14 February 2025

Volkswagen New Zealand is excited to announce the arrival of the highly anticipated model that redefines performance and innovation in the compact car segment. With its cutting-edge technology and dynamic road capabilities, the new Golf R is set to captivate enthusiasts and everyday drivers.

"We're proud to see the new Golf R carry forward a legacy of success, having sold more than 250,000 units worldwide," says Chanelle McDonald, General Manager of Volkswagen New Zealand Passenger Vehicles. "With over 20 years of R heritage under its belt, this model is crafted to deliver an exhilarating driving experience, making it the perfect choice for those who crave both style and performance."

The new Golf R is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged petrol engine, delivering an impressive 245kW power and 420Nm of torque. This powerful engine accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds, making it the most powerful Golf R ever produced. The advanced 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission and 4MOTION all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring guarantee seamless power delivery and exceptional handling, built for your ultimate driving pleasure.

Peace of mind while driving is standard with Volkswagen's comprehensive 5-year warranty coverage. Safety is paramount, with a suite of advanced features including Pedestrian and Cyclist Monitoring, Driver Alert System, Adaptive Cruise Control, multiple airbags, and a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, ensuring maximum protection for all occupants.  

Its new dynamic design showcases a sleek and sporty exterior, featuring a redesigned grille, IQ.LIGHT Matrix LED headlights, and exclusive 'R' body kits for a distinctive appearance. The luxurious interior is equipped with Nappa leather sports seats with heating, ventilation, and driver memory functions, Climatronic 3-zone automatic air conditioning, a leather-wrapped sports steering wheel, and a 12.9" colour touchscreen, ensuring your drive is always comfortable. This iconic performance hatch provides seamless connectivity with both wired and wireless support for App-Connect, compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink. Additionally, it features Bluetooth phone connectivity and audio streaming, allowing you to stay connected to what matters most, whether it's keeping in touch with loved ones or enjoying your favourite music on long journeys.

For those seeking an even more exclusive touch, the new Golf R offers a Black Edition that features additional enhancements. This special edition raises the speed limit to 270 km/h, delivering a pure driving thrill. Its unique design includes striking black 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels, black brake callipers with dark 'R' logos, and dark 'R' logos on the grille, sides, and rear. The exterior also features black side mirrors and a prominent rear spoiler, creating a bold and aggressive look. 

As the iconic Golf celebrates its 50th anniversary, the arrival of the new Golf R completes the 2025 Golf lineup in New Zealand, offering a model for every driver, from the versatile Golf Life, refined R-Line, and sporty Golf GTI to the high-performance Golf R.

To experience the thrill of the Golf R for yourself and discover the latest in Volkswagen technology, please contact India Swney (see contact info below).

ENDS

For any press enquiries:

India Swney

Spokesperson – Marketing

E-mail: iswney@volkswagen.co.nzOpens a mail link

Golf R from above
Golf R 2025 driving on motorway
Golf R rim close up
Golf R front badge lit up
Golf R interior driver
Golf R 2025 driving on motorway
© Volkswagen New Zealand 2025

Disclaimer by Volkswagen

1.    The information provided on the Volkswagen New Zealand website is for information purposes only.   2.    Volkswagen New Zealand reserves the right to extend, withdraw or change all offers *Prices are shown in New Zealand dollars, include GST and exclude on road costs. 3.    The official fuel consumption, emissions, and EV range figures determined by the WLTP test should be used as a guide only, or for vehicle to vehicle comparison. Actual results may vary due to factors such as driving or environmental conditions.   4.    International models might be shown for illustrative purposes only, and New Zealand specifications may vary. 5.    Some colours in these images are not available in New Zealand, the product guide contains the correct colours available to the New Zealand market.   6.    Additional and optional accessories may have an effect on fuel efficiency. Optional accessories and add-on packages are available at an additional cost.   7.   App-Connect is compatible for selected apps with the latest smartphone versions of iOS and Android, active data service, and connection cable (sold separately).   8.   Safety technologies are designed to assist the driver, but should not be used as a substitute for safe driving practices.  9.  Leather appointed seats have a combination of genuine and artificial leather, but are not wholly leather.  10.  Vehicle availability will vary across the Volkswagen range, please stay in the know with delivery timelines. Learn more
The Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) is designed to provide a standardised measurement and enables the consumer to make reliable comparisons between vehicles in terms of energy (fuel and/or electricity) consumption, emissions, and electric vehicle range. However, it should be noted that the results of this test may not accurately reflect the actual fuel consumption, emissions, or range that a driver might experience in the real world. Actual results may vary depending on various factors such as driving style, road conditions, temperature, weather, vehicle load, and maintenance. Therefore, the WLTP results should be considered as an indicator of the vehicle's performance and not as a guarantee of the actual energy consumption, emissions, or range that a driver will experience in real-world driving conditions, or for making a vehicle-to-vehicle comparison. All WLTP test values are provided in accordance with New Zealand Land transport Rule: Vehicle Efficiency and Emissions Data 2022.