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.

5,544 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2024 (24) - 2.0 TDI R-Line Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£23,700

£377/pm (PCP)

2L
20.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 99kW e-Golf 35kWh 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£7,995

£147/pm (HP)

34.0K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Hatchback

Green Motors Ltd

01924927693 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - R32 Left Hand 3dr Petrol

£12,995

3.2L
90.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Eco Cars Motor Company (London)

01144372786 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 1.6 TDI S Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£9,199

1.6L
74.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

HPL Motors Stockport

01615298284 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TSI R 5-Door

Reduced

£17,495

£339/pm (HP)

2L
63.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Crawford Automobiles

01355201054 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - GOLF 1.5 TSI EVO Match 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£15,959

1.5L
31.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Marshall Approved Used Peterborough

01733666822 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 1.6 TDI 110 GT Edition 5dr

£8,975

£167/pm (HP)

1.6L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Village Autosales NI

02890026938 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (71) - 2.0 TDI R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£17,799

£293/pm (PCP)

2L
78.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

AB Car Sales (South West) Ltd

01822661594 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,250

£290/pm (PCP)

1.5L
22.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

David Hayton Ltd (Autostore Penrith)

01768800651 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 2.0 TSI R DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£20,450

£337/pm (PCP)

2L
34.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

THE CAR SHOP BEDFORD

01234865500 *

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

Low Mileage

£9,990

£189/pm (HP)

1.4L
26.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

PH Cars Arundel

01903947593 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr DSG

£25,995

£418/pm (PCP)

2L
39.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

David Hayton Ltd (Mazda Carlisle)

01228273596 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - GOLF 1.5 TSI Match 5dr

£19,691

1.5L
18.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Barnstaple

01271443056 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG

£23,990

£358/pm (PCP)

1.4L
26.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Agnew Volkswagen Mallusk

02890026957 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 2.0 TSI 300 R 5dr 4MOTION DSG

£24,990

£464/pm (PCP)

2L
49.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

AUTOPRESTIGE

01274087615 *

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

Low Mileage

£27,995

£555/pm (HP)

2L
24.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Ravenswood Performance Ltd

01444222070 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TDI 184 GTD 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,350

£322/pm (HP)

2L
55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

NI Car Sales Ltd

02838447728 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 (24) - 2.0 TSI GTI Clubsport Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (300 ps)

Reduced

£36,786

£555/pm (PCP)

2L
8.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Kingsbridge Automotive Ltd

01904237124 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr DSG

£9,995

2L
87.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

HF Bows Motor Sales

01144788634 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (20) - 1.5 TSI Life Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,950

£312/pm (HP)

1.5L
17.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

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 2020)

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

* 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.