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.

5,352 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

£15,249

Finance available £312 pm

1.5L
39.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Widnes

01518322225 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.6 TDI Match Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,000

Finance available £273 pm

1.6L
33.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Camberley

01276983839 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.5 TSI EVO GT 5dr

£10,949

Finance available £216 pm

1.5L
64.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch

02039092092 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.4 TSI SE [Nav] 5dr

£11,499

Finance available £227 pm

1.4L
56.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch

01224453394 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,695

Finance available £105 pm

2L
115.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Renown Motors

01613887637 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 (24) - 2.0 TSI R Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (320 ps)

Low Mileage

£35,600

Finance available £624 pm

2L
4.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 1.5 TSI R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£30,211

Finance available £574 pm

1.5L
25.0
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Wrexham Volkswagen

01978800738 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (67) - 2.0 TSI R DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,900

Finance available £368 pm

2L
65.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Seraph Cars

01923587567 *

Volkswagen Golf2011 (11) - 1.6 TDi 105 BlueMotion Tech Match 5dr

£2,675

1.6L
135.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Barnyard Trade Cars Limited

01788227357 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 2.0 TSI GPF GTI Performance Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (245 ps)

Low Mileage

£20,890

2L
36.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Car Supermarket

01616945306 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match Edition DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,000

2L
41.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Vine Autos

01297300240 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.0 TSI 110 SE 5dr

Reduced

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

1L
76.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

AUTOMANIA MOTORS GROUP LTD

01182058871 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 1.6 GT TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 5d 114 BHP 5-Door

Low Mileage

£10,990

1.6L
63.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Formula One Car Centre

01324374133 *

3.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.5 eTSI MHEV Style Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£19,045

1.5L
25.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Bury

01612416386 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 2.0 TDi 140 GT 5dr [Leather]

£2,295

2L
140.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Khunais Cars

01216615633 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 1.5 eTSI MHEV Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£17,300

Finance available £307 pm

1.5L
37.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG Petrol Hatchback

£19,476

1.5L
30.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu Ford Worcester

01905678572 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech Match Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s

Low Mileage

£10,000

Finance available £201 pm

1.4L
59.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mylson Ltd

01616698222 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TDI GTD Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Reduced

£17,799

Finance available £368 pm

2L
49.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TDI R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£17,998

2L
34.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Fiat (Kirkcaldy)

01592808074 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

View profile

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 (2016 to 2020)

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
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

Buying a used car checklist: what to look for

Buying a used car can be a daunting task, but with our checklist, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

View guides

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