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.

5,666 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.6 TDI SE [Nav] 5dr

Reduced

£11,498

1.6L
53.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (West Calder)

01506533740 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TDI 184 GTD 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,350

£322/pm (HP)

2L
55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

NI Car Sales Ltd

02838447728 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s)

Low Mileage

£19,190

2L
35.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Audi Five Oaks

01403331814 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TSI 310 R 3dr 4MOTION DSG

Low Mileage

£22,995

£578/pm (PCP)

2L
38.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Precision Motor Group

02039537318 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line DSG 5-Door

Low Mileage

£20,997

£352/pm (PCP)

1.5L
18.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Barnsley

01226448498 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.6 TDI S 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,995

£252/pm (HP)

1.6L
31.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

North Wales Cars Ltd

01492550763 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 1.4 Tsi Bluemotion Tech Match Edition Hatchback 5-Door

Low Mileage

£7,975

£146/pm (HP)

1.4L
44.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

GMC MOTORS B'HAM LIMITED

01215165519 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech GTI Performance Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,495

£241/pm (HP)

2L
73.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

GSG Cars

01902916093 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 2.0 GT TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 2DR Manual

Reduced

£6,850

2L
68.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Warrington Jaguar Centre

01942597422 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 GT 5dr DSG

£12,998

1.5L
75.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Peterhead MG

01779400507 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 2.0 TDI GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG auto 200 bhp

Reduced

£25,995

£393/pm (PCP)

2L
20.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carjoy UK Limited

01224019779 *

Volkswagen Golf2008 (58) - 1.9 TDI Match DSG 5dr

Reduced

£2,799

1.9L
113.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Safe Cars

01234861497 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 eTSI 150 Style 5dr DSG

£17,749

£314/pm (PCP)

1.5L
41.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Peterborough

01733797063 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - Life 1.0 eTSI 110PS 7-speed DSG 5 Door Automatic

£15,163

1L
37.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

Volkswagen Golf1988 (17) - 1.8 GTi 16V 3dr

£24,995

1.8L
0.0
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

CLYDEBANK CAR SALES LTD

01412601334 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TSI 320 R 4Motion 5dr DSG HARMON KARDON, WINTER PACK

Low Mileage

£30,790

2L
18.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Oldham Volkswagen

01614139803 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2001 (Y) - 1.6 16V SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,795

1.6L
148.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Bourne Valley Autos

01264311668 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 (15) - GTI TSI DSG 5-Door

Low Mileage

£9,999

2L
71.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

SK Car Traders Limited

01274015074 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£25,155

£386/pm (PCP)

1.5L
6.7K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Shelbourne Autoselect

02838299034 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Edition 5dr

£13,298

1.5L
61.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Liverpool Motorstore / MG

01513179472 *

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 (2009 to 2016)

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 - 2
MPG:: 33 - 74
Acceleration:: 5.5 - 13.9 seconds
Boot space:: 250 - 505 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 5 / 5 stars

Greenest
1.2 TSI S 2dr
Cheapest
1.4 S 3dr
Fastest
2.0 TSI R 4MOTION 3dr 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.