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For The VW Golf is refined and comfortable, but also enjoyable to drive. Its cabin is well built and practical, and resale values are strong.

Against The entry-level engine doesn’t have a lot of power and the 1.4 petrol with cylinder shut-off is expensive. Lesser versions of the Golf have an unsophisticated rear suspension set-up.

Volkswagen Golf Hatchback
55 5stars

The Mk7 Volkswagen Golf is the best yet. Classy, refined and great to drive, it’s one of the very best small family cars

What Car? readers say

4.25

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The full Volkswagen Golf review


There are 21 Volkswagen Golf versions available

Hatchback 1.2 TSI 85 S 3dr £16,495 TBA
Hatchback 1.2 TSI 85 S 5dr £17,150 TBA
Hatchback 1.2 TSI 105 S 3dr £17,505 TBA
Hatchback 1.2 TSI 105 S 5dr £18,160 TBA
Hatchback 1.4 TSI 122 S 3dr £18,265
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
Hatchback 1.4 TSI 122 S 5dr £18,920
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
Hatchback 1.6 TDI 105 S 3dr £19,120
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Hatchback 1.4 TSI 122 SE 3dr £19,200
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
Hatchback 1.6 TDI 105 S 5dr £19,775
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Hatchback 1.4 TSI 122 SE 5dr £19,855
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
Hatchback 1.6 TDI 105 SE 3dr £20,055
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Hatchback 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr £20,710
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Hatchback 2.0 TDI 150 SE 3dr £21,570
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
Hatchback 2.0 TDI 150 SE 5dr £22,225
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
Hatchback 1.4 TSI 140 GT ACT 3dr £22,515
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
Hatchback 2.0 TDI 150 GT 3dr £23,020
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
Hatchback 1.4 TSI 140 GT ACT 5dr £23,170
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
Hatchback 2.0 TDI 150 GT 5dr £23,675
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
Hatchback 1.4 TSI 140 GT ACT DSG 5dr £24,585
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
Hatchback 2.0 GTi 3dr £25,845 TBA
Hatchback 2.0 GTi 5dr £26,500 TBA

Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

The Golf is a superb all-rounder that offers everything most families will ever need. However, you still need to choose reasonably carefully.

Most versions are sensational to drive, blending an extremely comfortable ride with good body control. However, the cheaper versions (both 1.2 petrols and the 1.6 diesel) come with a less sophisticated suspension, and they don’t ride quite as serenely. They’re still more comfortable than many rivals, though.

Of the three trims, we reckon SE strikes the best balance between equipment and affordability. This brings alloy wheels, automatic lights and wipers, smarter interior trim, adaptive cruise control and a City Emergency Braking system.

Later, the range will expand to include a GTI hot hatch, which uses a 217bhp 2.0-litre turbo engine.

There will also be a Bluemotion model that averages 88.3mpg and emits 85g/km of CO2. Hybrid and fully electric models follow some time after.

Reader test team says:

Volkswagen Golf Hatchback 1.4 TSI 140 GT ACT DSG 5dr

One week into new Golf ownership and very happy so far. The GT model is very well equipped although climate is extra which seems a bit stingy. I…

Stephen Sugden

4 out of 5 stars

Volkswagen Golf Hatchback 1.4 TSI 140 GT ACT 5dr

First impressions are good of the Mk7 Golf but after a month of driving it i am starting to get a bit less impressed. MPG is atrocious as i used to…

dave smith

4 out of 5 stars

Volkswagen Golf Hatchback 2.0 TDI 150 GT 5dr

This car is just so refined. It drives so smoothly in all conditions. The cabin is really classy and way ahead of the new A Class MB that I tested…

Chris Marriott

5 out of 5 stars

Volkswagen Golf Hatchback 2.0 TDI 150 GT 5dr

Update on previous now I have done just over 2000 miles in varying conditions. Pros: Good ride quality Quiet DSG very smooth Adaptive cruise…

Andy Walker

4 out of 5 stars
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Volkswagen Golf Hatchback

Read the definitive Volkswagen Golf Hatchback review from the expert What Car? team. Check specs, prices and compare with similar cars.

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