We recently got our hands on the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI – which sold out immediately upon its launch in May at Rs 50.91 lakh, ex-showroom – long enough to put it through our comprehensive performance tests. Essentially, we’re trying to verify VW’s claims of a 0-100kph time of 5.9 seconds for the 265hp hot hatch. Read on for the results of our VW Golf GTI acceleration and braking performance tests.
2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI specifications
1.45-tonne hatchback gets 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine making 265hp and 370Nm
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4 cyls, turbo-petrol |
| Displacement | 1984cc |
| Power | 265hp |
| Torque | 370Nm |
| Gearbox | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Drive layout | Front engine, front-wheel drive |
| Brakes | Discs |
| Tyres | 225/40 R18 |
| Kerb weight | 1454kg |
| Power-to-weight | 182.26hp/tonne |
| Torque-to-weight | 254.47Nm/tonne |
The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that powers the Golf GT also does duty in several VW Group models from the Skoda Octavia RS to the Audi Q5. In the Golf GTI, it is tuned to produce 265hp and 370Nm of peak torque, with the engine sending power to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. At 1,454kg, the hot hatch is on the portly side, but it still boasts excellent power- and torque-to-weight ratios.
2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI 0-100kph test results
Golf GTI’s tested 0-100kph time is 0.17 seconds quicker than the claimed figure
| 0-100kph test times (seconds) | |
|---|---|
| 0-20kph | 1.00 |
| 0-40kph | 1.98 |
| 0-60kph | 3.01 |
| 0-80kph | 4.16 |
| 0-100kph | 5.73 |
| 0-120kph | 7.58 |
VW’s hot hatch lives up to the moniker, blitzing past the 60kph mark in just over 3 seconds and hitting 100kph on our GPS-based testing equipment just 2.72 seconds later. The Golf GTI’s tested 0-100kph time of 5.73 seconds is 0.17 seconds quicker than Volkswagen’s claimed figure. The performance hatchback also completes the quarter mile (400m) sprint in just 13.78 seconds.
2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI rolling acceleration test results
Golf GTI’s roll-on acceleration is strong
| Rolling acceleration times (seconds) | |
|---|---|
| 20-80kph (in kickdown) | 3.30 |
| 40-100kph (in kickdown) | 3.78 |
In our rolling acceleration tests, the Golf GTI made the 20-80kph sprint in a quick 3.3 seconds, while the 40-100kph was demolished in 3.78 seconds. Our Golf GTI track review found that the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox also doesn’t waste any power between gears, and there’s little of that jerkiness or interruption that some dual-clutch gearboxes suffer from.
2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI braking test results
Comes to a standstill from 80kph in 2.52 seconds
| Braking tests | |
|---|---|
| 80-0kph distance | 26.37m |
| 80-0kph time | 2.52s |
The Golf GTI’s all-wheel disc brake setup helps slow the 1.45-tonne hatchback sufficiently, providing a strong bite and good feedback. The hot hatch managed to come to a halt from 80kph in 26.37 metres, taking 2.52 seconds.
Autocar India’s testing standards
Before conducting our performance tests, we check and maintain tyre pressure based on the manufacturer’s recommendation and ensure the car has a full tank of fuel. The car is then tested in a controlled environment with two people on board, and the data is collected via highly accurate GPS-based timing equipment.
