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.

5,308 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr PAN ROOF, WINTER PACK

Low Mileage

£28,490

1.5L
2.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Oldham Volkswagen

01614139803 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£18,200

2L
23.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

drivedirect Leicester

01164646061 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI R-Line 5dr

£5,750

2L
257.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

4motion Cars

01733977717 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 2.0 TDI R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£32,980

Finance available £628 pm

2L
50.0
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TDI GT Edition 3dr

£7,500

Finance available £145 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Turbo Cars

02830447309 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

£18,995

Finance available £370 pm

1.5L
64.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 2.0L GOLF 7 GTI PETROL

Reduced

£9,990

Finance available £201 pm

2L
49.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Jan London Trade Ltd

01217288705 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,495

Finance available £212 pm

1.5L
99.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vollgas Automotive Ltd

01282509482 *

5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£23,990

1.5L
7.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Worcester

01902240177 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 35.8kWh e-Golf Auto 5dr

Reduced

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

14.6K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Hatchback

Top Gear Harrow Ltd

02038895522 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr

£27,412

1.5L
5.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Oxford Kidlington

01865956226 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.6 TDI GT 5dr

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

APEX Auto Sales

02890022233 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (70) - 2.0 TDI Life Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

Reduced

£16,145

2L
33.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Bury

01612416386 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 1.6 TDI S Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

Reduced

£9,999

1.6L
69.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Pinetree Car Superstore Tonypandy

01443806091 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,690

2L
129.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

R&J Trade Car Outlet Limited

01484503203 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£26,399

Finance available £556 pm

1.5L
5.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Birmingham

01217525223 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 (25) - 1.5 eTSI 150 Match 5dr DSG

Reduced

£26,990

1.5L
1.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 Match 5dr

£21,998

1.5L
15.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414839934 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 Match 5dr

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

1.5L
47.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MKS Car Sales Sinclair Street

01382213497 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2009 (09) - 2.0 TDi 170 GTD 3dr DSG

Low Mileage

£3,495

2L
118.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Car Sales B33

01217288818 *

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 (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

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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