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.

5,444 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2013 (63) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech ACT GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,490

1.4L
68.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Tiley of Bristol

01174404957 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI Style Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

Reduced

£14,750

£273/pm (PCP)

1.5L
33.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MSR PRESTIGE LTD

01254919241 *

Volkswagen Golf2011 (61) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Cabriolet Euro 5 (s/s) 2dr

Low Mileage

£4,495

£73/pm (HP)

1.6L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Mount Vernon Motors

01416119897 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI Style Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£15,140

£271/pm (PCP)

1.5L
48.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stellantis &You Walton

01932559049 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid 19.7kWh Style DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£35,990

10.0
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
Hatchback

Oldham Volkswagen

01614139803 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (68) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps) F/S/H

Reduced

£9,195

1.5L
97.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

North West Trade Centre

01772285821 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line Edition 5dr

£14,999

1.5L
57.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Bridgend Motor Group - Kilmarnock Autoplex

01563594211 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.6 TDI SE 5dr

£10,500

£199/pm (HP)

1.6L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

John McHugh Car Sales

02881440370 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - GTI 2.0 TSI 230PS 6-speed DSG 3 Door Automatic

Low Mileage

£17,971

2L
52.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.5 TSI Life Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,400

£273/pm (PCP)

1.5L
16.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (69) - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£15,295

£300/pm (HP)

1.5L
49.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Smallbone & Son Cars

01212699582 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 Match 5dr

£21,998

1.5L
15.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Burton)

01283246286 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.6 TDI SE Nav Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£10,488

£199/pm (HP)

1.6L
59.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

The Car Traders

02037808158 *

3.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2012 - 1.6 Golf SE BlueMotion Technology TDI 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,750

£58/pm (HP)

1.6L
105.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

CarsUnder3000

01268219758 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI Style Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£10,890

£221/pm (HP)

1.5L
102.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Westbrook Car Sales

01733794312 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

£15,450

£256/pm (PCP)

2L
65.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Agnew Volkswagen Belfast

02890021959 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 2.0 TSI GTI Clubsport Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (300 ps)

£26,600

£414/pm (PCP)

2L
39.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Savannah Cars Ltd

01702418484 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 Tsi R Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 s/s 130 Ps

Low Mileage

£19,999

1.5L
22.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Tustain Motors Cramlington

01670335009 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,498

1.5L
38.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (Livingston)

01506539098 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech GTI Performance Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6

Low Mileage

£16,250

2L
49.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stoneacre Durham Toyota

01913387271 *

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 2020)

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 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.