Used Volkswagen Golf cars

The style of a Volkswagen Golf

The older Golf (on sale from 2013 to 2020) is available in three- or five-door hatchback form, or as an estate. The latest car is only available as a five-door hatchback, though an estate will be launched in 2021. Designed to appeal to a wide range of customers, every Golf has an upmarket look and is big on practicality. The latest car can be identified by its narrower headlights. High-performance GTi and R models have a sportier look.

How the Volkswagen Golf drives

The Golf is enjoyable to drive. It’s a compact size and gives a good view out, so town driving and manoeuvring are easy (and some models have parking sensors and cameras). It’s quiet and secure on motorways, and fun on a country road. The GTi and R models are fast and are among the best hot hatchbacks around. There’s a wide range of petrol and diesel engines available, with a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes. The least powerful models can feel sluggish at times, but the others all give good performance. Plug-in hybrid Golf GTE and electric e-Golf models are available as well.

The interior of the Volkswagen Golf

The Golf is the same size as the Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra. It has a surprisingly roomy interior for a compact family car. There’s ample room for children of all ages and even tall people won’t feel cramped in the back seats. The boot can hold four medium suitcases and the back seats fold down for more space. The latest car is slightly more spacious and features a brand-new dashboard with a large touchscreen display, through which you can control most of the car’s functions and features. The display isn’t as immediately user-friendly as on the older model, but you soon get used to it. And it’s a sign of the latest Golf’s even more generous equipment levels.

Running costs and reliability of a Volkswagen Golf

There’s a wide range of petrol and diesel engines available in the Golf, plus plug-in hybrid and electric versions. Petrol engines should give fuel economy of at least 40mpg, while diesels can give more than 50mpg. Road tax and insurance costs are low for most models however the sporty GTi and R will cost you more to insure. Safety organisation Euro NCAP awarded both versions of the Golf a full five-star safety rating.

How a Volkswagen Golf compares with similar cars

Among the Golf’s many rivals are the Ford Focus, Peugeot 308, Seat Leon and Vauxhall Astra. With such a huge model range to choose from, the Golf can offer something for everyone in a way its rivals can’t. Its high-quality interior and wealth of high-tech equipment set it apart from most rivals, too. Which is better, the Volkswagen Golf or Volkswagen Polo? Our used car comparison guide tells you everything you need to know.