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.

5,110 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr

£13,499

Finance available £271 pm

1.5L
59.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 1.6 TDI SE Nav Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,895

Finance available £221 pm

1.6L
54.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Leigh Cars Ltd

01702837558 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2010 - TSI COMFORTLINE 5-Door

£6,495

1.4L
39.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cars Of Cowbridge

01446508084 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech ACT GT Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (

Low Mileage

£10,990

1.4L
57.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Shirlton Car Sales

01543227747 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 2.0 TSI 320 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

£28,991

2L
39.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Portsmouth

02392004522 *

Volkswagen Golf5-Door

£10,995

61.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Not Supplied

Autopoint

02893447250 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (64) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£6,949

1.6L
87.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Big Bob Car Sales

01482739309 *

Volkswagen Golf2005 - 2.0 GT TDI 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,995

2L
153.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ej's Cars Limited

01782432157 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£16,000

1.5L
33.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Thurlow Nunn Kings Lynn

01553604436 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£24,450

1.5L
13.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
86.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

J and I Car Sales

01752987212 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 1.4 Tsi Bluemotion Tech Match Edition Hatchback 5-Door

Reduced

£9,475

Finance available £189 pm

1.4L
44.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

GMC MOTORS B'HAM LIMITED

01217285878 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

Reduced

£13,695

Finance available £284 pm

1.5L
38.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Leigh Cars Ltd

01702837558 *

4.9/5 Stars

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 Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI Life Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£14,295

Finance available £239 pm

1.5L
42.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Wrights Motors

01366310748 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.0 TSI 115 Match 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£15,198

1L
44.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Wishaw)

01698537718 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (184 p

Low Mileage

£9,795

2L
84.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Elmbank Motor Company

01292430978 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.0 TSI Active 5dr Manual

£16,425

Finance available £324 pm

1L
36.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

D M Keith Kia Leeds

01133220245 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 1.4 TSI 150 GT Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,695

Finance available £249 pm

1.4L
54.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2005 (05) - 2.0 TFSI GTI DSG 5dr

Reduced

£3,789

2L
175.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carworld Sheffield

01143086605 *

4.6/5 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 (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

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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