We’d recommend adding the £485 winter pack if you can, because having a heated steering wheel and front seats are nice features to have on a cold winter morning. The £335 surround view camera pack isn’t a bad choice if you want to get a top-down view of the car in order to help spot and hopefully avoid any kerbs.
Volkswagen Golf alternatives
As mentioned above, the VW Golf faces competition not only from rival manufacturers, but also from the SEAT Leon and Skoda Octavia within its own stable. Other challengers include the Kia Ceed, Hyundai i30, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Peugeot 308, and Vauxhall Astra, while for those looking towards the premium end of the market, there’s the Audi A3 Sportback (another car based upon the Golf platform), Mercedes A-Class and BMW 1 Series.
Anyone interested in a hybrid car but doesn’t fancy plugging in should consider either the excellent Honda Civic, or the frugal Toyota Corolla.
What do owners think?
Here’s what owners in the 2024 Driver Power survey thought of the VW Golf. These impressions are of the Mk8 car rather than the revised Mk8.5 version covered in this review.
| What they like | What they don’t like |
| “I can drive 680 miles in one day on a round trip to Devon, and I am not stiff or sore when I get back.” | “Disappointing quality. I expected better of VW and would not buy another Golf based on this one.” |
| “I love how comfortable and smooth a drive it is. It looks beautiful and the petrol costs are sensible.” | “The touchscreen is almost impossible to use safely while the car is in motion. It needs more switches.” |
| “A reasonably serene ride when I’m just going from A to B. It goes like the clappers when I’m in the mood.” | “I tend to use my phone because the Golf’s built-in navigation seems to take longer routes.” |
| “I find the much-maligned infotainment works really well if you set it up properly with shortcuts in the menu.” | “Luggage space is all right, but it can be a bit of a squeeze in the back seats if passengers have long legs.” |
| “The boot is very accommodating. There’s enough space is for a family to go on holiday. Even better, we can bring our dog along, too. | “I had two Golfs before my Mk8; each provided years of trouble-free motoring. This one is a joke in comparison.” |
| “My Golf offers a good balance between pin-sharp handling and limousine-like comfort. VW has struck just the right balance for me; it’s good to drive and comfortable.” | |
| “There’s a good amount of height and lumbar adjustment, and the bolsters give lots of support. The controls and switches are very user-friendly as they respond easily.” | |
| “The quality is good. I’ve driven many other cars, so I can appreciate the Golf’s fit and finish.” | |
| “It’s a great car in terms of style, performance, space and practicality, and the residuals will be strong.” |
Used and nearly new Volkswagen Golfs
The iconic Golf hatchback has offered a near-perfect blend of style, driving fun and practicality for over 50 years. You’ll struggle to find a classier used buy, with the Golf Mk5 providing a much-needed return to form as a great driver’s car in GTI trim, and later Golf Mk7 models offering improved on-board tech and a range of efficient engines. There is plenty of choice when it comes to power options, with an array of petrol, diesel and hybrid units available, although be sure to check the usual service history details, particularly on older-gen cars, as time is catching up and you may find bills more expensive.
Volkswagen Golf Mk7: 2013-2019
The Mk7 Volkswagen Golf brought together all of the German manufacturer’s technical know-how in what is, arguably, the best overall package in the iconic hatch’s history. Already undeniably classy and good to drive, the model received a Mk7.5 facelift in 2017, introducing styling tweaks and useful new onboard technology. Read our full Mk7 Volkswagen Golf buyer’s guide here…
Volkswagen Golf Mk6: 2009-2013
The Mk6 Golf is based on the same platform as its predecessor, although Volkswagen raised the interior quality over the Mk5 car. The cabin included plenty of soft-touch materials and comfortable seats, while it had a quiet, executive air out on the road. Prices remain strong, even after a number of years post-production, so you’ll need to spend some time finding the best bang for your buck. Read our full Mk6 Volkswagen Golf buyer’s guide here…
Volkswagen Golf Mk5: 2003-2009
Keen drivers often speak about the Mk5 Golf GTI as being one of the best hot hatches Volkswagen produced. More mainstream models were also highly praised for their solid build quality, while strong engines and the extra practicality of the high-roofed Volkswagen Golf Plus and roomier estate models meant the Golf’s appeal reached out to a variety of buyers. Read our full Mk5 Volkswagen Golf buyer’s guide here…
Older VW Golf models
Buyers on the hunt for fourth-generation or earlier examples of Volkswagen Golf will probably be best served by scouring specialists or even the classified ads.
VW launched the Mk1 Golf in 1974, followed by the slightly bigger Golf Mk2 nine years later. The Mk3 arrived in 1991, growing in size again, and was named European Car of the Year in 1992, while the Mk4 Golf went on to be the best-selling car in Europe. Older Golf models are still popular with enthusiasts, which means there are still decent, well-cared for examples to be found, but remember to still take extra care when looking to buy.
Volkswagen Golf pictures
Frequently Asked Questions
For some buyers there’s an element of buying a Golf because it’s a Golf. There’s nothing wrong with that, because it’s still a decent hatchback, but it doesn’t excel in any particular area these days.
