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.

5,593 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TDI 184 GTD BlueLine 5dr

£11,950

£230/pm (HP)

2L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MCautosales

02879440626 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - GOLF 2.0 TSI 300 GTI Clubsport 5dr DSG

£35,752

2L
9.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Loughton

02038924870 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 eTSI MHEV R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£17,000

£314/pm (PCP)

1.5L
54.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (

£9,995

2L
87.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

GMC 2000

01134680586 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI GTE Advance 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£15,495

£304/pm (HP)

1.4L
47.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Bedford Specialist Cars

01234987610 *

Volkswagen Golf1986 (X) - GTI Mk1 1.6 5spd 3-Door

Low Mileage

£31,995

1.6L
92.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

4 Star Classics

01420551490 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr

£15,500

£324/pm (HP)

2L
62.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Sean Kearney Cars

02890026883 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI GT Edition 5dr DSG AUTOMATIC £35 TAX, ULEZ

Low Mileage

£11,250

£215/pm (HP)

2L
71.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Ashby Square Autos

01509272327 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr

£19,998

1.5L
31.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Swansea

01414839956 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI Match 5dr

£6,595

£117/pm (HP)

2L
112.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Harvey One Motors

01793268069 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.0 TSI Match Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£12,379

£282/pm (PCP)

1L
52.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 (63) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,295

£90/pm (HP)

1.4L
96.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MK Autos

01612416609 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr

£13,998

1.5L
62.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Wirral Renault / Dacia

01515417812 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 Black Edition 5dr Manual

£25,250

1.5L
13.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Capitol Volkswagen Merthyr Tydfil

01685701249 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,899

£304/pm (HP)

1.5L
35.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Widnes

01518322225 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,400

£389/pm (HP)

1.4L
25.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TDI SE [Nav] 5dr

£10,250

£194/pm (HP)

2L
85.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Brian McManus Car Sales Ltd

02890021675 *

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

Low Mileage

£28,995

£449/pm (PCP)

2L
29.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

C & D Vans Limited

01704331135 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£5,845

£108/pm (HP)

1.6L
109.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Pavilion Motor Company

01614139866 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - Golf Hatch Match 1.5 eTSI 150ps 7-Speed DSG 5 Door

£27,356

1.5L
0.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Oxford Kidlington

01865956226 *

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

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

* Telephone numbers starting with 084X or 087X will cost you up to 13p per minute plus your telephone company's access charge. Calls to other telephone numbers will only cost your phone company's access charge.