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.

5,245 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2011 - 1.2 TSI S Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (105 ps)

Low Mileage

£4,250

1.2L
61.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

The Small Car Company

02380017591 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£12,690

1.5L
65.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Car Supermarket

01616945306 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TDI GTD 5dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

2L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Bells Crossgar

02844330480 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.6 TDI Match 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

1.6L
48.7K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,994

Finance available £156 pm

1.6L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 1.5 TSI EVO GT Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,290

Finance available £275 pm

1.5L
38.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

AutoVenue LTD

01633747902 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 35.8kWh e-Golf Hatchback 5dr Electric Auto (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

41.9K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Hatchback

Gatwick Motor World

01444222210 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 (20) - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£16,542

1.5L
12.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Ford Kings Norton

01217288857 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2012 - 1.6 TDi 105 Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,250

1.6L
91.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

McNulty Motors Ltd

02887441320 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (69) - 1.6 TDI Match Edition Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

Reduced

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
92.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Advantage Vehicles Limited

01270297248 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI Style Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£15,999

1.5L
39.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (14) - 2.0 SE TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 5d 148 BHP 5-Door

£5,995

2L
111.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cars4You Edinburgh West

01313226854 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£13,890

Finance available £217 pm

1.5L
49.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Doncaster Prestige Motor limited

01302246751 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - R 2.0 TSI 4MOTION 320PS 7-speed DSG 5 Door Automatic

Low Mileage

£31,442

2L
12.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - Sold GTI Clubsport TSI BlueMotion Tech 40 Hatchback 2.0 5dr Petrol DSG Euro

£17,495

Finance available £339 pm

2L
74.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Anchor Cars Tadley

01182078518 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

£18,290

Finance available £355 pm

1.5L
47.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Farnham Volkswagen

01252916356 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£20,711

1.5L
18.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Harlow

01279598864 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 2.0 TSI GTI Clubsport Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (300 ps)

£26,499

Finance available £524 pm

2L
47.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Empressive Motor Company

01865591236 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf(15) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,995

52.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Not Supplied

Precision Motor Group

02039537318 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 1.4 TSI 150 GT Edition 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£14,199

Finance available £295 pm

1.4L
21.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 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 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.

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