Volkswagen Golf review

The Volkswagen Golf is the ultimate classless automobile that anyone would be happy to be seen in, and has always managed to bridge two worlds: mainstream family cars and pricier premium alternatives.

It’s an amazing feat when you think about it, but means it has to compete with a daunting range of rivals. They include humbler offerings such as the Ford Focus, Skoda Octavia, Seat Leon and Vauxhall Astra, plus the fancier alternatives, including the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and Mercedes A-Class.

The Golf has been around for eight generations now and, as well as aiming to maintain its usual blend of impressive practicality and driving dynamics, this latest model adds a host of clever technologies into the mix. One of those is the mild hybrid assistance that’s offered with some of the Golf's engines to improve efficiency and performance, which we'll talk about later.

So here are the big questions: Does the Golf provide the perfect balance of ‘everyday posh’ to win your affections? Does its clever tech really add to the ownership experience? And how does it compare with all the other family car rivals that are vying for your cash – in particular, the BMW 1 Series, Ford Focus and Mercedes A-Class?

Keep reading this VW Golf review to find out the answers. We’ll tell you all about how it stacks up against its key rivals, and which engine and trim combination makes the most sense. We're covering the core Golf range, including the GTD hot hatch; we have separate reviews of the iconic VW Golf GTI and plug-in hybrid GTE. 

If you do decide to buy a Golf, or indeed a vehicle of any make and model, you can save yourself thousands of pounds by using our free What Car? New Car Buying service, which can help you find the best prices on new cars, including some great new Volkswagen deals.