Volkswagen Golf

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual Style
“Volkswagen already had a near-class-leading model with the outgoing Golf, and it didn’t need to do a great deal to this new eighth-generation model to bring it right to the forefront of the competitive family hatchback class.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic Style
Score: 8 / 10
“The latest Volkswagen Golf brings worthy upgrades in lots of areas. The new mild-hybrid powertrain is exceptionally refined, the cabin materials and packaging are better than ever and even the geekiest buyer would find it hard to fault the gains in infotainment. But the tweaks to the chassis and cabin layout seem to have brought as many foibles as they have benefits.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The Golf is a true benchmark, not just for Volkswagen but for the wider industry. More tech and engines will follow, but this latest Volkswagen Golf already has enough in its locker to make it one of the best compact hatchbacks you can buy.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“Just as with previous Golfs, it’s not necessarily the outstanding operator in any one area that may particularly interest you; not for premium feel, performance, efficiency, on-board technology or driver appeal. But being so strong in so many areas can leave it in only one lofty place among its peers.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual Life
Score: 8 / 10
“VW’s defining and dominant family hatchback looks and feels more youthful and modern than ever, although a few of its old strengths may have been dulled”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic
Score: 8 / 10
“New engine technology aims to restore credibility for TDI power, and the Mk8 Golf benefits handsomely.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“An even more mature version of what came before, with a higher-tech and nicer built interior, loads more engine choices and a bit more sparkle to the handling.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.2 / 10
“The eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf improves incrementally on the old one in most areas and has a smart new interior”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The VW Golf MK8 is an excellent family car that’s easy to drive, spacious and well equipped. Its looks won’t appeal to everyone, though, and some features are tricky to use.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual Life
“Price tag apart, the new Volkswagen Golf is a big step forward over the previous model, and worthy of the nameplate’s strong reputation.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual Style
“A high-class family hatchback with the latest tech, efficient engines and serious fleet appeal.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
“The interior shows a significant reduction in cabin clutter, with almost all of the buttons from the dashboard being replaced with touch-sensitive controls.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.5 TSI
“It’s got grip where you want it, is a bit nose heavy, and has an overly aggressive lane-keeper to make sure you don’t take the racing line, but apart from that it’s a Golf. And that means it’s brilliant.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9.2 / 10
“Volkswagen dials up the tech for new Golf”
Read review

Model reviewed: 0
“Honestly, you won’t go far wrong with any Golf because… it’s a Golf. It’s brilliant. Of course it is.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 9 / 10
“The new Golf may not be hugely different to look at from the outside but it definitely has the wow factor on the inside, and it’s packed with the very latest technology.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual Style
Score: 8 / 10
“Forget the Golf 8 description, think of this as Golf 7.55 and you see a host of welcome upgrades and genuine innovation, although parts of the facia and the central touchscreen aren’t very easy to use and don’t seem very progressive.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Now in its eighth generation, the Golf has long been the definitive iconic family car, famous for combining smart looks, decent practicality and impressive driving dynamics.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The latest Golf upholds the excellence of its forbears while giving the model a youthful shot in the arm with its new all-digital cabin. The new control layout isn’t as intuitive as we’d have hoped, but this is a relatively small gripe. It’s a great car and a deserved Which? Best Buy.”
Read review