Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr Review

Category: Family car

Section: Version review

Fuel type:

petrol

Gearbox:

manual

Doors:

5 doors

Available colours:

Add to shortlist

~~RRP £24,500~~What Car? Target Price£23,023

Save at least £1,477

Find deals

Review

The model

Read full review

There’s no doubt the Volkswagen Golf is still a highly recommendable option in the family car class, thanks in part to its solid blend of ride and handling, and the frugality promised by its petrol engines, especially the mild hybrid 1.5 eTSI 150. But there are cheaper rivals that are more spacious inside and better to drive, such as the Ford Focus and Seat Leon, and premium rivals with better infotainment systems and higher-grade interiors, like the BMW 1 Series.

get the best price

The trim

See full equipment

We'd stick with this entry-level trim. It comes with pretty much all you really need, including single-zone climate control, 16in alloy wheels, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob, automatic lights and wipers, adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, a digital Active Info Display, 10-colour interior ambient lighting, wireless phone charging, front and rear parking sensors, traffic sign recognition, front and rear centre armrests, front-seat adjustable lumbar support, and a 10.0in infotainment touchscreen with sat-nav, Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto and a DAB radio.

The engine

See full engine specs

The 1.5 eTSI 150 petrol mild hybrid also has 148bhp, but with assistance from its electric motor it has a broader spread of shove than the 1.5 TSI 150. It's happier to lug harder in higher gears and feels pretty brisk flat out — enough to see you past a BMW 118i should you line up next to one at the lights — and its standard auto 'box is responsive when you kick it down. Should also manage to average well over 40mpg if you drive it sensibly, although the 1.5 TSI 150 with a manual gearbox is actually more fuel efficient.

Key information

Doors5

Seats5

0-62 MPH8.5 seconds

Fuel TypePetrol

GearboxMANUAL

MPGOfficial overall fuel economy figure

51.4

Boot CapacityHow much space is there?

380

litres

EmissionsOfficial emissions rating

124

g/km

Equipment

Specification

Get the best price

Also consider

Peugeot 308

2020 - present

Compare 0/3

The Peugeot 308 has some frugal engines, but it falls way shor...

Citroën C4 Cactus

2018 - present

Compare 0/3

A good choice if you want SUV styling and low running costs

Audi A3

2020 - present

Compare 0/3

Tidy to drive, comfortable and strong resale values make...

Toyota Corolla

2018 - present

Compare 0/3

Hybrid engines offer exceptionally low running costs and, all-...