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.

5,283 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 2.0 TSI 265 GTI 5dr DSG

£33,950

Finance available £677 pm

2L
14.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Grange Road Motors

02886273066 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TSI 320 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£36,298

2L
12.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Hillington Renault / Dacia / Alpine / Vanstore

01414068774 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - STYLE TSI 5-Door

£13,990

1.5L
54.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MINSTERMOTORGROUP.COM LTD

01482426481 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TDI Match Edition 5dr

£9,499

Finance available £184 pm

2L
79.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 2.0 Golf SE BlueMotion Technology TDI 5dr

£5,470

Finance available £100 pm

2L
103.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - 1.4 TSI eHybrid Style 5dr DSG

£19,891

1.4L
26.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Chichester

01242507316 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£23,980

Finance available £452 pm

1.5L
1.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr

£21,995

Finance available £431 pm

1.5L
20.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stephen Mawhinney

02893440736 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr**Digital Cockpit Pro with a 10.25'' high-resolution TF

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

1.5L
61.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hailsham Motoring Centre

01323914685 *

Volkswagen Golf2011 (11) - AUTOMATIC GOLF 1.4 L petrol 5-Door

Low Mileage

£6,250

Finance available £117 pm

28.5K
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
Hatchback

A7 Cars Ltd

01164787049 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI 150 Style 5dr Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£16,492

1.5L
28.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Honda Truro

01872301804 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 (24) - 1.5 TSI 150 Match 5dr Petrol Hatchback

£21,395

1.5L
16.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Volkswagen Mansfield

01312025167 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 2.0 TSI 310 R 5dr 4MOTION DSG

Low Mileage

£15,000

Finance available £313 pm

2L
13.2K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

Glasgow Vehicle Sales Ltd

01412866661 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (64) - 1.2 TSI BlueMotion Tech S DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,995

1.2L
75.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

The Motor Yard Ltd

02038933668 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£12,778

Finance available £263 pm

2L
54.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

MF Motors LTD

01733666879 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps) - BLUETOOT

Low Mileage

£18,912

Finance available £376 pm

1.5L
19.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carsa Halesowen

01217525895 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2011 (11) - 1.6 TDI Match Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,295

1.6L
63.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Melton Car Sales

01664492035 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (72) - GTD TDI DSG 5-Door

£22,995

Finance available £452 pm

2L
57.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

HARLOW VAN SALES LIMITED

01279219597 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£26,748

Finance available £529 pm

2L
30.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

David Hayton Ltd (Autostore Carlisle)

01228522423 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.6 TDI Match 5dr DSG

£10,395

Finance available £210 pm

1.6L
84.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Worksop

01455241730 *

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 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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