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By Craig Hale
The Volkswagen Golf has been one of Britain’s best-selling cars for decades, and it’s easy to see why.
It’s often considered a hatchback benchmark, with plenty of boot space, decent rear-seat space and one of the largest configuration pools to pick from, including engines and trims.
Launched in 1974, the VW Golf is now in its eighth generation, and on its 50-year anniversary in 2024, a mid-life update rolled out, bringing us what’s become known as the Golf Mk8.5.
It takes everything that’s great about the Golf and adds a few improvements, based on owner feedback – proof that the Golf is indeed the car of the people.
This guide highlights some of the best VW Golf models and configurations, from well-equipped all-rounders to performance-focused hot hatches.
We’ve ditched reviewing every single trim and engine available in favour of highlighting what we think are your best Golf options. Read on to explore the VW Golf models in more detail.
This is the entry-level spec, so it’s great for drivers who want to keep a cap on what they’re spending, but it’s far from bargain-basement.
Automatic lights and wipers, a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, adaptive cruise control and heated front seats are all standard affairs.
VW has been building Match editions of its cars for years, and they’re the ideal sweet spot in most ranges. The Golf Match doesn’t cost an awful lot more than the Life edition, but you get some extra boxes ticked.
Match adds keyless entry, a reversing camera, automatic high beams and tinted rear windows to your Golf.
If you like a sportier look but still want to hold onto the Golf’s efficient engine options, R-Line is for you.
It mostly adds styling upgrades, including sports seats in the front. Take this one step further with the Black Edition – you guessed it, you get black details outside and some other welcome upgrades, like adaptive high beams and an illuminated front badge on the bonnet.
The GTI has been linked to popularising hot hatches, and half a century later it’s still a firm favourite among driving enthusiasts.
It’s based on high-spec regular Golfs but also gets a power boost. If that’s not enough, go for the GTI Clubsport for a design that stands out even more, or a Golf R for maximum performance.
Over the years, Volkswagen has offered tens of engine configurations right from lightweight 1.0-litre petrols all the way up to a 3.2-litre V6 petrol. These days, the lineup is far simpler – here are our favourites:
VW offers its 1.5-litre petrol engine in four configurations – 115hp and 150hp, and manual or automatic.
Our pick would be the more powerful engine paired with the automatic gearbox, because this adds an efficiency-boosting mild hybrid system that helps the Golf coast to a stop.
It’s no less efficient in the real world than the lesser-powered option, rated at up to 53.3mpg.
Plug-in hybrid power only used to be available on the performance GTE model, and while a 272hp GTE is still an option, we’d choose the slightly slower 204hp eHybrid model.
It’s still good for 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds, so it feels quick. The headline figure is up to 88 miles of electric-only range from the 19.7kWh battery, which should be enough for most commutes.
Diesel engines are few and far between these days, but you can still fill a Golf up at the black pump, and long-distance drivers will love this.
Go for the 150hp option, not the 115hp version, because it’s noticeably quicker. Both have official figures of over 60mpg.
You might think we’d suggest the VW Golf R, with its 333hp 2.0-litre engine, for maximum performance. And we would. But for many drivers, 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds might be a bit too extreme.
We love how understated the 265hp GTI looks in comparison – it’s sporty yet fits in at the same time, will get to 62mph in 5.9 seconds, and will still do around 40mpg.
The Golf has always been known for having an option for everybody, but which is the best VW Golf model? We’ve run a few scenarios below:
We’ve only covered the essentials above, but there’s a much wider range of Volkswagen Golf models to pick from.
If you’re ready to find your perfect Golf, explore our range of new VW Golf models or save some cash and pick up a quality used Volkswagen Golf for sale.
By Craig Hale
The Volkswagen Golf has been one of Britain’s best-selling cars for decades, and it’s easy to see why.
It’s often considered a hatchback benchmark, with plenty of boot space, decent rear-seat space and one of the largest configuration pools to pick from, including engines and trims.
Launched in 1974, the VW Golf is now in its eighth generation, and on its 50-year anniversary in 2024, a mid-life update rolled out, bringing us what’s become known as the Golf Mk8.5.
It takes everything that’s great about the Golf and adds a few improvements, based on owner feedback – proof that the Golf is indeed the car of the people.
This guide highlights some of the best VW Golf models and configurations, from well-equipped all-rounders to performance-focused hot hatches.
We’ve ditched reviewing every single trim and engine available in favour of highlighting what we think are your best Golf options. Read on to explore the VW Golf models in more detail.
This is the entry-level spec, so it’s great for drivers who want to keep a cap on what they’re spending, but it’s far from bargain-basement.
Automatic lights and wipers, a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, adaptive cruise control and heated front seats are all standard affairs.
VW has been building Match editions of its cars for years, and they’re the ideal sweet spot in most ranges. The Golf Match doesn’t cost an awful lot more than the Life edition, but you get some extra boxes ticked.
Match adds keyless entry, a reversing camera, automatic high beams and tinted rear windows to your Golf.
If you like a sportier look but still want to hold onto the Golf’s efficient engine options, R-Line is for you.
It mostly adds styling upgrades, including sports seats in the front. Take this one step further with the Black Edition – you guessed it, you get black details outside and some other welcome upgrades, like adaptive high beams and an illuminated front badge on the bonnet.
The GTI has been linked to popularising hot hatches, and half a century later it’s still a firm favourite among driving enthusiasts.
It’s based on high-spec regular Golfs but also gets a power boost. If that’s not enough, go for the GTI Clubsport for a design that stands out even more, or a Golf R for maximum performance.
Over the years, Volkswagen has offered tens of engine configurations right from lightweight 1.0-litre petrols all the way up to a 3.2-litre V6 petrol. These days, the lineup is far simpler – here are our favourites:
VW offers its 1.5-litre petrol engine in four configurations – 115hp and 150hp, and manual or automatic.
Our pick would be the more powerful engine paired with the automatic gearbox, because this adds an efficiency-boosting mild hybrid system that helps the Golf coast to a stop.
It’s no less efficient in the real world than the lesser-powered option, rated at up to 53.3mpg.
Plug-in hybrid power only used to be available on the performance GTE model, and while a 272hp GTE is still an option, we’d choose the slightly slower 204hp eHybrid model.
It’s still good for 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds, so it feels quick. The headline figure is up to 88 miles of electric-only range from the 19.7kWh battery, which should be enough for most commutes.
Diesel engines are few and far between these days, but you can still fill a Golf up at the black pump, and long-distance drivers will love this.
Go for the 150hp option, not the 115hp version, because it’s noticeably quicker. Both have official figures of over 60mpg.
You might think we’d suggest the VW Golf R, with its 333hp 2.0-litre engine, for maximum performance. And we would. But for many drivers, 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds might be a bit too extreme.
We love how understated the 265hp GTI looks in comparison – it’s sporty yet fits in at the same time, will get to 62mph in 5.9 seconds, and will still do around 40mpg.
The Golf has always been known for having an option for everybody, but which is the best VW Golf model? We’ve run a few scenarios below:
We’ve only covered the essentials above, but there’s a much wider range of Volkswagen Golf models to pick from.
If you’re ready to find your perfect Golf, explore our range of new VW Golf models or save some cash and pick up a quality used Volkswagen Golf for sale.
