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.

5,151 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2014 (64) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

1.4L
90.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Harpers of Essex Ltd

01279598863 *

3.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 - 1.6 TDI 110 SE 5DR LEFT HAND DRIVE LHD PORTUGUESE REGISTERED

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

1.6L
96.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

The Left Hand Drive Car Showroom Ltd

01895548158 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr

£17,498

1.5L
42.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Stirling)

01786232264 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 1.4 TSI 13kWh Style DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£25,990

25.0
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
Hatchback

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

Reduced

£14,999

Finance available £306 pm

1.5L
37.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Portsmouth

02382146197 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.5 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps) - CLIMATE CO

£15,986

Finance available £315 pm

1.5L
32.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carsa Mountsorrel

01162165589 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2006 (06) - 2.0 FSI GT 5dr

£1,099

2L
169.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Z a motors

01785336152 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 (25) - 2.0 TDI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG Diesel Hatchback

Low Mileage

£29,584

2L
2.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu Volkswagen Mansfield

01312025167 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 (25) - 1.5 eTSI 150 Black Edition 5dr DSG

£31,990

1.5L
1.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Evesham

01386571259 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 - GTI LAUNCH PERFORMANCE DSG AUTO ULEZ RECENT CAMBELT CHANGE 5-Door

£8,695

2L
111.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

A37 Vans

01174407183 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

1.4L
71.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

GMC 2000

01134680586 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.0 TSI Active 5dr

£17,498

1L
33.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Bristol

01416118398 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2002 (02) - 1.8T GTI Anniversary Ltd Edn 3dr

Low Mileage

£6,995

1.8L
170.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MH Car Sales Oxford Ltd

01993463440 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.0 TSI Life 5-Door

£15,697

Finance available £315 pm

1L
22.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carsupermarket.com Newcastle

01916070812 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2014 (14) - TSI Bluemotion 5-Door

Low Mileage

£6,850

1.2L
59.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

NS Auto Trading Ltd

02039577375 *

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

Low Mileage

£18,073

Finance available £389 pm

1.5L
27.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TSI R Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (310 ps)

£18,349

Finance available £364 pm

2L
60.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hilton Car Supermarket Milton Keynes

01908049370 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.6 TDI SE [Nav] 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,298

44.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Ayr Kia

01292434388 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 (74) - R 2.0 TSI 4MOTION DSG 5-Door

Reduced

£43,995

Finance available £883 pm

2L
245.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Bespoke Motor Works Ltd

01642937532 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr Manual

£17,500

1.5L
61.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Gloucester

01452227271 *

4.7/5 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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