The TDI badge stands for Turbocharged Direct Injection, and is the badge fitted to turbodiesel versions of the golf. These engines are well known for their dependability as well as producing a great balance between performance and fuel efficiency.

What is the most popular Golf?

The Golf Match is the most popular version of the Golf. It's a mid-to-high specification version of the Mk7 golf and came equipped with adaptive cruise control, touchscreen sat nav and air con as standard. Of the Mk8, the Life is the most readily available on the used market. Though it's the entry-level model, it still comes with alloy wheels, front/rear parking sensors, sat nav and climate control.

Is the Volkswagen Golf good for long-distance driving?

Yes, the Golf is a very comfortable motorway cruiser. The interior is also spacious enough to accommodate passengers on a longer trip.

Is the Golf a good family car?

Yes. Volkswagen has always designed the Golf to be a family car. For a long time now, the Golf has only been available in a five-door layout, and it's very straightforward to fit an ISOFIX child seat in the back. Even performance versions such as the GTI and R retain excellent practicality but add a serious dose of performance.

Does the Volkswagen Golf come as a hybrid or electric version?

Yes, you can buy the Golf as an e-Golf, which is a fully electric car. This has lots of advantages, such as much lower running costs. There is also a plug-in hybrid version that allows for up to 42 miles of electric driving before switching to petrol/electric hybrid power to allow you to continue your journey.

Is there a four-wheel drive version of the Golf?

Yes, the very popular Golf R hot hatchback (and estate) comes with four-wheel drive as standard. The other option is the relatively rare Alltrack, which is an estate model.

5,717 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI Life Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£15,840

£269/pm (PCP)

2L
37.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech GTI DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,495

£304/pm (HP)

2L
76.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Signature Autos

01313226275 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.5 TSI Active Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) Touchscree

Reduced

£14,750

1.5L
64.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cartime Nelson

01282501882 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (63) - 1.6 TDI SE 5dr

£3,990

£63/pm (HP)

1.6L
115.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Clifton Cars

01733306962 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.6 TDI GT Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

Reduced

£14,423

£282/pm (HP)

1.6L
36.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Liverpool Car Centre

01515417928 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - Golf Hatch R Black Edition 2.0 TSI 4MOTION 333 PS 7-Speed DSG 5 Door

Low Mileage

£46,481

2L
185.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Harlow

01279598864 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (64) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,989

£231/pm (HP)

2L
71.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorhub

01535281058 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 1.5 TSI 272 GTE eHybrid 5dr DSG PAN ROOF + HEADS UP DISPLAY

£28,490

1.5L
5.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Oldham Volkswagen

01614139803 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 1.2 TSI BlueMotion Tech S Estate 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,995

£147/pm (HP)

42.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

MERIDIAN MOTOR VEHICLES LIMITED

01507308080 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 1.4 TSI GTE Nav Hatchback 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (204 p

Low Mileage

£12,650

£245/pm (HP)

1.4L
60.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Woodson Cars Ltd

01616965101 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI GTD 5dr [Nav]

£11,450

2L
74.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hilton Garage Ltd

01332414842 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (63) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£10,984

£210/pm (HP)

2L
33.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

TVS Cars Ltd

01746330685 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TSI GPF GTI Performance Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (245 ps)

£18,689

£395/pm (CS)

2L
62.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stellantis &You Maidstone

01622427500 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 (73) - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£24,485

1.5L
11.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Loughborough

01509274556 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TSI R DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£16,995

£336/pm (HP)

2L
85.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

H and M Cars Ltd

07921081064 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 - 2.0 TDI GT (Leather) Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,299

£90/pm (HP)

2L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

WHEELS 4 LESS NORFOLK LTD

01603937331 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,295

1.5L
8.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TSI R 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£15,995

£315/pm (HP)

2L
61.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

RZ Cars

01773303699 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (20) - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Edition 5dr - RECENT SERVICE + 2 KEYS

£7,190

1.5L
131.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MAK Automobiles Limited

01613887756 *

Volkswagen Golf(68) - 1.6 TDI SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,000

27.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

Big Motoring World Norwich

01603567768 *

Why buy a used Volkswagen Golf?

If you're in the market for a practical, comfortable and dependable car with the added benefit of timeless style and design, then a used Volkswagen Golf is a great choice. The Golf is also available with petrol, diesel, hybrid and even full electric engines.

Used Volkswagen Golf snapshot review

Author: Jack Evans

Pros

Efficient engines
Impressively refined
High-quality interior

Cons

Rivals are more involving to drive
Digitalised interior is a bit fiddly
Plain styling

Read our Volkswagen Golf review

Volkswagen Golf video review

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Different generations of used Volkswagen Golf

The Volkswagen Golf has been on the roads since 1974, with the UK being one of its best markets. Over the course of eight generations, Volkswagen has kept the Golf stylish and relevant. The newest models remain highly efficient and thoroughly enjoyable to drive.

Eighth Generation (2020 to Present)

The most recent generation has been completely redesigned inside and out. The style is more striking, with interior features similar to those of the all-electric ID.4. Enhanced safety systems have also been added for a more protected drive.

VW released all-electric models and a plug-in hybrid for increased efficiency, further adding to the overall appeal of the latest generation Golf.

Fuel type:: Diesel / Hybrid - Petrol/Electric / Petrol
Engine Size:: 1 - 2
MPG:: 34 - 941
Acceleration:: 4.6 - 10.7 seconds
Boot space:: 273 - 611 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 5 / 5 stars

Greenest
1.5 TSI 204 Style eHybrid 5dr DSG
Cheapest
1.0 TSI Life 5dr
Fastest
2.0 TSI 333 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

Seventh Generation (2013 to 2020)

The MQB platform created a Golf that was 100 kg lighter than earlier models, meaning better performance, handling and fuel efficiency. Safety features such as Automatic Emergency Braking was added. As with previous generations, VW continued working on ways to make the Golf more efficient, with improvements year over year.

In 2013, the Golf R hit the scene and brought class-leading hot hatch performance. Such was the popularity of the Mk7 Golf, over six million were built and sold worldwide.

Fuel type:: Diesel / Full Electric / Hybrid - Petrol/Electric / Petrol
Engine Size:: 2
MPG:: 34 - 166
Acceleration:: 4.6 - 12.9 seconds
Boot space:: 272 - 605 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 5 / 5 stars

Greenest
99kW e-Golf 35kWh 5dr Auto
Cheapest
1.2 TSI S 3dr
Fastest
2.0 TSI 310 R 3dr 4MOTION DSG

Sixth Generation (2016 to 2020)

It didn't take long before drivers realised how amazing this generation was, with the 2009 model winning the World Car of the Year award. Despite its sharp style, this generation didn't go on many years before another design took over, making them even more desirable on the used market.

Most notably, this generation receives a lot of praise for its safety and the high-tech features included.

Fuel type:: Diesel / Petrol
Engine Size:: 1 - 2
MPG:: 44 - 57
Acceleration:: 6.3 - 10.8 seconds
Boot space:: 380 - 605 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 5 / 5 stars

Greenest
1.4 TSI Moda 5dr DSG
Cheapest
1.4 TSI Moda 5dr DSG
Fastest
2.0 TSI GTI Moda 5dr DSG

* Telephone numbers starting with 084X or 087X will cost you up to 13p per minute plus your telephone company's access charge. Calls to other telephone numbers will only cost your phone company's access charge.