Volkswagen Golf (2012 – 2019)

Volkswagen Golf (2012 – 2019) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

The Volkswagen Golf is a medium-sized family hatchback, available in three- and five-door hatchback body styles, and as an estate. Over more than 40 years, the Golf has been one of the biggest-selling names in automotive history.

This model is the seventh generation, or Mk 7, and was launched in late 2012. Alogn with regular model year tweaks, it received a major update at the end of 2016. Production of the Mk 7 Golf ended in 2019. A replacement model was unveiled in October 2019 and arrived in the UK in Spring 2020.

The Volkswagen Golf Mk 7 was also available as a taller Golf SV MPV version and performance models called the Golf GTI and Golf R. These models are not included on this page.

The Golf received consistently good scores from UK media sources compared to rival cars, and has been widely praised for its refinement and wide range of model choices – in fact, the Mk 8 Golf’s Expert Rating is lower than the Mk 7. The hatchback has tended to score better than the estate, but only by a small amount.

In its 2021 owners’ survey, What Car? rated the diesel-engined Golf Mk 7 as the third worst car on its list of the most reliable family cars up to five years old, just ahead of the Peugeot 308 and SEAT Leon diesel.

Golf Mk 7 highlights

Spacious and comfortable interior
Good fuel economy
Fun performance
Wide range of different models

Golf Mk 7 lowlights

Hatchback version lacks boot space
Confusing infotainment system

Key specifications

Body style: Five-door hatch and estateEngines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £18,765 on-road

Launched: Winter 2012/13Last update: Winter 2016/17
Replace: 2020

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Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express

Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 10 / 10“The Volkswagen Golf continues to be an impressive all-rounder that justifies its price premium over family hatchback rivals.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10
“It will be of considerable discomfort to Volkswagen’s rivals that it takes practically no time at all to recognise that the Golf’s superiority has been carried over intact – and still defines its lead over the chasing pack.”

Car

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre TDI 150 diesel manual R-LineScore: 8 / 10“You may be hesitant to choose a diesel VW but this Golf is well worth the £25,720 price. In fact ditching the R-Line in favour of the £24,725 GT version is wiser still, as all you lose are a couple of R-Line badges and other aesthetic trinkets.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre TSI Evo 150 petrol automaticScore: 8 / 10“This new 1.5-litre petrol is a pretty good antidote to some of VW’s recent engineering ills. No, it probably won’t ultimately prove as economical as a TDI, and yes, some rivals will involve the driver more than this latest Golf.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: (hatchback range review)Score: 8.6 / 10“An automotive institution, the Volkswagen Golf should be on the shortlist of anyone considering a compact family hatchback.”
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Model reviewed: (estate range review)Score: 8.6 / 10“The Volkswagen Golf Estate is a very practical version of the popular hatchback. It’s not the cheapest model in its class, but it’s one of the best.”
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Evo

Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 8 / 10“The Volkswagen Golf defines the family hatchback class, for good reason.”
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Honest John

Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 8 / 10“The Golf is a hugely capable and high quality car that goes about it’s business in a fuss-free fashion. It may not break any boundaries but it does everything you want it to and it does it very well. As an all-rounder it can’t be bettered. In fact, it’s pretty much perfect.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Hatchback rangeScore: 9 / 10“Excellence abounds, although a replacement is due soon”
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Model reviewed: Estate rangeScore: 8.6 / 10“Estate version of the best hatch isn’t the roomiest but it’s highly desirable”
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The Sun

Model reviewed: (range review)“Pound for pound, it’s one of the best cars on the market, and now it pays attention to the tech-hungry generation, it will find its way onto even more driveways.”
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The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: GTE AdvanceScore: 8 / 10“It even has a satisfying turn of speed, thanks to a kick from the electric motor.”
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: Estate rangeScore: 9 / 10“The Volkswagen Golf Estate will cost you a bit more than some rivals. But it’s worth the extra because it’s more comfortable and its boot is both cavernous and clever. It’s an excellent family estate.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manualScore: 8 / 10“Volkswagen’s devilishly desirable hatchback just got better, keeping its class lead in terms of build, driving appeal and sheer solidity. The diesels are economical but expensive, while the GTI is even more a lithe road warrior than before, but for everyday driving the new 1.5 TSI (with a DSG gearbox) is hard to beat.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: (estate range review)Score: 8 / 10“It’s taken Volkswagen a surprising amount of time to get here, but finally we have a Golf Estate that’s up with the best.”
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Model reviewed: (hatchback range review)Score: 8 / 10“As an all-rounder, the Golf simply cannot be beaten.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: (estate range review)Score: 8 / 10“All the strengths of the hatch, plus a large, practical boot.”
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Model reviewed: (hatchback range review)Score: 10 / 10“It’s still not the cheapest family car you can buy but the Golf is a superb all-rounder that does everything most households will ever need.”
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Which?

Model reviewed: Hatchback range“The Volkswagen Golf ticks all the right boxes as a family hatchback: it’s spacious and comfortable, even if the boot isn’t quite as big as some rivals. A well-balanced chassis, comfortable ride and performance-packed engines make it great to drive. Refinement is also better than most rivals in this sector. Overall, it’s a very impressive car.”
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Model reviewed: e-Golf“The VW e-Golf shares all the qualities of the regular Golf hatchback but is powered entirely by batteries.”
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Model reviewed: Estate range“Golf quality with added practicality.”
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Model reviewed: GTE“Plug-in hybrid star.”
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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

The Volkswagen Golf was originally crash tested by Euro NCAP back in 2012 and was awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2019 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

Model tested: 1.6 TDI 4×2 Manual
Date tested: February 2019

3.1 / 10

CLEAN AIR INDEX

6.7 / 10

ENERGY EFFICIENCY INDEX

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Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Volkswagen Golf has received

2019

Autocar Awards – Used Car Hero
DieselCar & EcoCar Top 50 – Best Medium Car

2018

Auto Express Awards – Compact Family Car of the Year
Fleet World Honours – Best Lower Medium Car
Fleet News Awards – Best Lower Medium Car
DieselCar & EcoCar Top 50 – Best Medium Car + Best Plug-In Hybrid
Sunday Times Motor Awards – Commuter Car of the Year

2017

Auto Express Awards – Compact Family Car of the Year

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