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.

5,105 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.6 TDI GT 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,249

Finance available £265 pm

1.6L
49.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

cinch

02037808144 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 1.4 TSI 8.7kWh GTE Advance Hatchback 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (

Reduced

£16,750

Finance available £300 pm

1.4L
45.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Stringers of Petersfield

01730779314 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (67) - 1.4 TSI SE [Nav] 3dr

£6,795

1.4L
133.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

RTM MOTORS CARDIFF

02920025017 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TDI 200 GTD 5dr DSG

Reduced

£22,995

Finance available £452 pm

2L
39.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TDI GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£25,975

Finance available £513 pm

2L
46.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

JMV

01634564263 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - GTi 2.0TSi [NAV] DSG 5Dr

£17,995

Finance available £349 pm

2L
72.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Southbridge Garage

01334230043 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 8 GTI 2.0 TSI 245PS 7-speed DSG 5 Door Automatic

£30,720

2L
19.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Weston-super-Mare

01934319038 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2008 (05) - 2.0T GTI 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£2,995

2L
138.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) - CLIMATE

Low Mileage

£17,369

Finance available £351 pm

1.5L
16.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Mountsorrel

01162165589 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (53) - 2016 - 16 2.0 TSI R 5dr DSG

£15,995

Finance available £335 pm

2L
74.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Run About Autos LTD

01756636620 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 1.5 Etsi 150 R-Line 5Dr Dsg

£29,486

1.5L
3.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Walton-on-Thames Volkswagen

01932507100 *

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

Low Mileage

£22,493

Finance available £461 pm

1.5L
12.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Shrewsbury

01743292169 *

Volkswagen Golf2007 (07) - 1.4 S 80 5dr [AC]

Low Mileage

£1,499

1.4L
127.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

New Street Autos

01212722016 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - TDI R-Line 5-Door

£15,995

2L
50.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Spencers Car Sales

01603931848 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO Match DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£7,330

1.5L
124.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Westbrook Car Sales

01733794312 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - Match 1.5 TSI 150ps 6-Speed Manual 5 Door Manual

£21,228

1.5L
17.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£27,790

1.5L
2.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Oldham Volkswagen

01614139803 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TDI GTD 5dr DSG [Nav]

Low Mileage

£15,295

Finance available £319 pm

2L
65.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

iGEN Autos

02890023662 *

Volkswagen Golf2002 (52) - 1.6 SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,800

1.6L
96.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Trent Autos Ltd

01156976375 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 Golf SE Nav TSi Evo 5dr

£9,475

Finance available £154 pm

1.5L
82.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

NATIONAL CAR HUB

01922665543 *

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 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

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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