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 Golf2015 - 2.0 Golf GT BlueMotion Technology TDI Semi-Auto 5dr

£8,300

£160/pm (HP)

2L
95.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Ponko

01223857211 *

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 Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr (Front/Rear Parking Sensors)(Nav

Reduced

£16,000

1.5L
23.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Invicta Omoda Jaecoo & Motorparks Preston

01772347475 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI GTD BlueLine Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,500

2L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Bob Davies Car Sales

01495362191 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£20,199

£335/pm (PCP)

2L
39.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Trafford

01616969155 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 (25) - 2.0 TSI 265 GTI 5dr DSG

£34,062

£492/pm (PCP)

2L
12.7K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Murray Volkswagen - Plymouth

01752741274 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£21,698

1.5L
26.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Exeter

01414839930 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr

£14,990

1.5L
40.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Riverside SEAT/CUPRA Hull

01482249189 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - GOLF 1.5 eTSI 150 Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£19,174

1.5L
22.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Barnstaple

01271443056 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech Match Edition DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,995

£210/pm (HP)

1.4L
46.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Rodden Road Cars

01373481367 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

£18,990

£306/pm (PCP)

1.5L
50.6K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Johnsons Volkswagen Sutton Coldfield

01527911917 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 1.5 TSI EVO GPF R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£13,990

£273/pm (HP)

1.5L
75.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

XENON AUTOMOTIVE LTD

01707932603 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TSI GTI 3dr DSG - SAT NAV - F+R SENSORS - FSH

£11,890

£229/pm (HP)

2L
93.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Kudos Car Sales

01923920969 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (64) - 1.6 TDI 105 S 5dr

£4,495

1.6L
127.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Locks Street Motors

01236802986 *

Volkswagen Golf(18) - 2.0 TDI GTD BlueLine DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,989

29.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

Motorhub

01535281058 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TSI R 3dr DSG

Low Mileage

£17,990

£349/pm (HP)

2L
61.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Wilson Motors

02890026929 *

Volkswagen Golf2011 (60) - 1.4 TSI Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,395

£50/pm (HP)

1.4L
101.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Veracity Autohaus Ltd

01753379120 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.5 eTSI 150 Style 5dr DSG

£17,348

£290/pm (PCP)

1.5L
51.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

Johnsons Volkswagen Redditch

01527911908 *

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 Golf2025 - Golf Hatch Match 1.5 TSI 150ps 6-Speed Manual 5 Door

£25,793

1.5L
0.0
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Oxford Kidlington

01865956226 *

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 (2016 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 / 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

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.