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.

5,873 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2025 - GOLF 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£26,791

1.5L
4.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen South Oxford

01235429705 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - 1.5 TSI R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£17,490

£286/pm (PCP)

1.5L
46.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

GKL DIRECT

01296327927 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 1.2 TSI BlueMotion Hatchback 5dr Petrol

Low Mileage

£8,995

£168/pm (HP)

1.2L
43.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

IMPORT AUTOS LIMITED

01628565038 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.0 TSI SE Nav Hatchback 3dr | FINANCE FROM £251 PM WITH £0 DEPOSIT ( STS

Low Mileage

£10,495

£199/pm (HP)

1L
21.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Parkland Motors

01509276004 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 Golf GTD TDI 5dr

£11,171

2L
109.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Car Motion

01709223117 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 1.4 TSI SE 5dr

£5,250

£89/pm (HP)

1.4L
108.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

KC KARS UK

01332418996 *

Volkswagen Golf2010 (60) - 1.6 TDi 105 Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,895

1.6L
104.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Air Force Auto Sales

01638590826 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - Golf Hatch GTE 1.5 TSI 272ps 6-Speed DSG 5 Door

£31,750

1.5L
5.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen South Oxford

01235429705 *

Volkswagen Golf(10) - 1.2 TSI S Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 5 (105 ps)

£5,495

22.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Irf Motors Limited

01614139725 *

Volkswagen Golf2011 (11) - 1.4 TSI MATCH DSG EURO 5 5dr PETROL AUTOMATIC

£11,000

£210/pm (HP)

1.4L
10.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

KLAW MOTORS

02039537452 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 - 2.0 TDI GTD 5dr DSG

£9,295

£174/pm (HP)

2L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

AutoTyne

01916076035 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.0 TSI 115 Match Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,998

1L
38.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Dundee Vauxhall / Fiat / Abarth

01382768498 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TSI R Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (310 ps)

Low Mileage

£19,000

£410/pm (HP)

2L
34.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 (74) - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£27,995

£421/pm (PCP)

1.5L
3.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

L A MOTORS

07393778079 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (14) - 1.6 TDI 105 S 5dr

£3,795

£62/pm (HP)

1.6L
120.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

All Automotive Glasgow

01414069556 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (67) - 1.4 GTE DSG 5d 150 BHP 5-Door

Low Mileage

£15,990

1.4L
41.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Formula 1 Car Supermarket

01324464853 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,990

1.6L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Zone Peterborough ltd

01733666995 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr DSG

£10,990

£210/pm (HP)

2L
95.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Kelso Car Sales

02886273269 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TDI 150 Style 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£18,920

£301/pm (PCP)

2L
36.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Regent Garage

01766800157 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 2.0 TSI GTI Edition 35 DSG Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,495

£241/pm (HP)

2L
75.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Bedford Cars

01234237531 *

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 2016)

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.