Launched: 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk 8.5 – CKD, From RM255,990

The facelifted Volkswagen Golf Mk 8.5 debuts with the locally-assembled GTI variant, priced at RM255,990.

More than a year after its global debut, the facelifted Volkswagen Golf Mk 8.5 has finally arrived in Malaysia with the new 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI. Still locally-assembled (CKD) at Volkswagen Group Malaysia’s Pekan plant, the new GTI Mk 8.5 is now available for purchase at RM255,990 inclusive of the Volkswagen Assurance Package (VAP).

Included with the VAP are a 5-year unlimited mileage vehicle warranty, a 5-year free maintenance package, and a 5-year complimentary roadside assistance package. That said, the first 50 customers who book the car before Dec 31, 2025, will be entitled to a special early bird discount that brings the price down to RM249,990, including VAP.

And just like the global version, the local-spec Golf GTI Mk 8.5 gets the same facelift treatment, featuring some minor exterior design changes. Key highlights include new IQ.Light LED matrix headlights, a new front bumper design with hexagonal fog lamps, plus redesigned IQ.Light 3D LED taillight clusters with animated graphics and dynamic turn signals.

Other recurring design bits from the pre-facelift model include the 18-inch ‘Richmond’ five-spoke wheels, dual tailpipes, a special GTI body kit, and a slew of red-hued GTI badges and lettering scattered around the exterior. Not to forget, five exterior colourways are available, namely Oryx White, Moonstone Grey, Grenadilla Black, Kings Red, and Anemone Blue.

The GTI treatment continues as we get inside the new Golf GTI Mk 8.5, where it gets a new GTI leather-wrapped steering wheel with physical buttons, a GTI black headliner, GTI brushed stainless steel foot pedals, GTI black metal chrome trims around the dash and front door panels, as well as GTI front sport seats wrapped in Vienna leather upholstery.

Some other key tech amenities primed here include a 12.9-inch central infotainment screen powered by VW’s latest MIB4 system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a Digital Cockpit Pro package featuring a 10-inch TFT metre cluster with multiple colour themes, a head-up display (HUD), an Air Care Climatronic 3-zone auto A/C system, illuminated touch sliders for both the A/C and volume controls, a wireless charger, a 9-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and many more.

Power is drawn from an upgraded 2.0-litre 4-cyl TSI turbocharged petrol engine that now makes 20 PS more than the pre-facelift version at 265 PS and 370 Nm. Said engine is mated to VW’s signature 7-speed DSG transmission that drives the front wheels (FWD) to a quick century sprint time of 5.9 seconds.

On the safety front, the facelifted Golf GTI Mk 8.5 is enhanced with the latest IQ.Drive ADAS suite, which includes functions like Auto Emergency Braking (AEB) Front Assist with Pedestrian Monitoring, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Travel Assist, Rear Traffic Alert and Exit Warning, Park Distance Control, Driver Attention Detection, and Emergency, Side, and Lane Assist.

Alongside the new Golf GTI Mk 8.5, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) also previewed the new Volkswagen Golf eTSI R Line Mk 8.5, which marks the return of the non-GTI base-spec variant for the hatchback. You can learn more about the new eTSI Golf in our next report…