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.

5,896 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 1.5 Tsi 204 Match Ehybrid 5Dr Dsg

£30,581

1.5L
3.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Volkswagen Carlisle

01228273205 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 1.5 TSI 150 Style Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£20,292

£311/pm (PCP)

1.5L
16.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

JCT600 Volkswagen York

01904917733 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TSI 310 R 5dr 4MOTION

Low Mileage

£17,998

2L
53.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Nottingham Motorstore / Vanstore

01158964024 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TSI 333 R 20 Years 4Motion 5dr DSG

£32,999

2L
30.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Volkswagen Northallerton

01609710554 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 2.0 TDI Life Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£16,999

2L
26.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

Volkswagen Golf1990 (H) - 1.3 5dr

£9,000

1.3L
43.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Sandygate Cars Ltd

01282509458 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TSI 300 R 5dr 4MOTION DSG

£19,795

£350/pm (PCP)

2L
69.5K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Shelbourne AutoSelect Newry

02830441493 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Edition 5dr

£15,298

1.5L
45.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Preston Motorstore / BYD

01772957336 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 1.0 TSI 115 Match Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,000

1L
45.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stoneacre Newcastle Silverlink Mazda

01916070535 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (14) - 1.2 TSi BLUEMOTION 5-Door

Low Mileage

£8,495

£157/pm (HP)

1.2L
64.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Cardiff Motors

02921921384 *

Volkswagen Golf2006 (06) - 3.2 V6 R32 4MOTION 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,995

3.2L
95.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Mania

01614700093 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI 5dr

£9,995

2L
104.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

AM Cars Ltd

01460201696 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (14) - 1.2 TSI BlueMotion Tech S Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (85 ps)

£5,490

£94/pm (HP)

1.2L
99.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Monarch Car Sales

01905673241 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 5 (s/s) (105 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,988

£168/pm (HP)

1.6L
35.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

The Car Traders

02037808158 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,995

£147/pm (HP)

2L
113.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Harris Motor Group

01924942328 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr

Reduced

£19,793

1.5L
24.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Worcester

01902240177 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,975

£209/pm (HP)

2L
114.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

A1 Auto Sales Ltd

01616698320 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (66) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech Match Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s

Low Mileage

£11,000

£210/pm (HP)

1.4L
39.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

AUTOTRADE BIRMINGHAM LTD

01217525773 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - GOLF 2.0 TSI 310 R 5dr 4MOTION DSG

Low Mileage

£25,156

2L
22.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Loughton

02038924870 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 (25) - 1.5 TSI Match 5dr

£23,995

£365/pm (PCP)

1.5L
6.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Murray Volkswagen - Newton Abbot

01626241964 *

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 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.