Volkswagen is preparing to reveal an updated Golf GTI, and our best look yet comes in the form of camouflaged prototypes shown off for CES 2024. Changes include new lights, an upgraded interior that reverts to physical controls, and a larger standalone touchscreen. Unfortunately, the GTI's six-speed manual option will not be returning for the 2025 model year, but there's a special-edition Golf GTI 380 to bid farewell to the hatchback's stick shift.

Under the hood, the 2025 GTI will stick with a turbocharged 2.0 inline-four, paired only with the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Output could be increased slightly to make up for the manual's loss, but we won't know until the hatchback's official reveal.

The prototype's bright camouflage wrap is successful in hiding most of the updated styling, but it's clear that the GTI will gain sleeker lighting elements, along with a more aggressive front fascia. Inside, the changes are more significant, with a huge 15.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system replacing the old 10-inch display. Luckily, the steering wheel regains its physical controls, after the touch-capacitive sliders on the pre-facelift model drew wide complaints.

Expect the new GTI to debut rather soon, with an updated version of the more powerful Golf R following later in the year. Over in Europe, there will also be updates in store for the regular Golf hatchback, which was discontinued in the U.S. with the arrival of the Mk8.

Image Credits: Volkswagen