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 Golf2012 (12) - AUTOMATIC 5-Door

Low Mileage

£6,250

1.2L
44.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Kobe Trading UK Limited

01162165671 *

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 Golf2019 (69) - 1.6 TDI Match Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£9,990

1.6L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Car Shop 365 LTD

01274028208 *

3.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 Match Edition 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£17,998

1.5L
27.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Stoke on Trent)

01782432704 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£6,300

1.4L
130.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Finance Carshop Limited

01165093339 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (62) - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr DSG [Leather]

£5,995

2L
107.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Westgate Motor Centre

01274089104 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (184 p

Reduced

£14,850

Finance available £309 pm

2L
40.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Zeus Cars Limited

01234237525 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Edition 5-Door

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
97.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Atlantic Motors

01736806430 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 (11) - Golf Gti 5-Door

£7,550

Finance available £146 pm

2L
46.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Car Trades

02039375129 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr

£25,698

1.5L
7.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414736428 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 (74) - 2.0 TSI 265 GTI 5dr DSG

Reduced

£34,995

Finance available £698 pm

2L
1.5K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Basingstoke Volkswagen

01256634772 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (105

Low Mileage

£8,995

1.6L
46.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cars4You Edinburgh West

01313226854 *

Volkswagen Golf2011 (11) - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr

£2,995

1.6L
122.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Boyslade Garage Ltd

01455241641 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 1.4 TSI 125 Match Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,346

1.4L
38.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Honda Hull

01482947496 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,750

Finance available £263 pm

1.5L
49.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stonebridge Motor Company

01932687848 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 Match 5dr

£21,998

1.5L
15.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414839934 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.6 TDi 105 S 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,695

1.6L
91.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Signature Motors

01506531809 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 2.0 TDI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

£26,490

Finance available £524 pm

2L
11.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Moyway Motors

02887441322 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - GTD 2.0 TDI 200PS 7-speed DSG 5 Door Automatic

Low Mileage

£24,007

2L
28.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,228

Finance available £278 pm

2L
57.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Southampton

01489663574 *

4.4/5 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 Present)

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 (2016 to 2020)

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
MPG:: 44 - 57
Acceleration:: 6.3 - 10.8 seconds
Boot space:: 380 - 605 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 5 / 5 stars

Greenest
1.4 TSI Moda 5dr DSG
Cheapest
1.4 TSI Moda 5dr DSG
Fastest
2.0 TSI GTI Moda 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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