Volkswagen Golf - TopCarNews

Volkswagen Golf (2020 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

The Volkswagen Golf is a five-door family hatchback, available in petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid formats. The current model is the eighth generation and was launched in late 2019. It arrived in the UK by summer 2020.

Unlike earlier versions of the Golf, there will be no three-door hatchback version. An estate model will join the range in 2021, while performance models like the GTI, GTE and GTD arrived in the second half of 2020. There won’t be an all-electric e-Golf this time around, as the new Golf-sized Volkswagen ID.3 becomes the electric alternative to a petrol or diesel Golf.

Initial reviews of the new Volkswagen Golf at the international launch were very positive, although the overall rating has dropped back by several points as more local reviews of UK-spec cars have been published in recent months. As of December 2021, the Golf’s Expert Rating of 76% is one point behind its major sales rival, the Ford Focus. We will continue updating this page as more local reports are published.

The Golf has received praise for being better to drive than its acclaimed predecessor, although its ‘all-digital’ interior has received mixed reviews.

Golf highlights

Great ride comfort
Excellent safety standards
Better handling and refinement than the old Golf
A number of efficient engines to choose from
Packed with on-board tech

Golf lowlights

Fiddly infotainment system
Rivals are more spacious
Polarising front-end styling
Interior trim lacks premium feel
Alternatives have more boot space

Key specifications

Body style: Medium hatchback and estateEngines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £23,860 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2019Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: Spring

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Media reviews

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

The Car Expert

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.”
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Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Mk8 Golf offers cleaner engines, an updated interior and the latest on-board tech, but it can’t quite reach the top of the class.”
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Score: 8 / 10“The new Volkswagen Golf Estate is more practical than ever, but it still can’t match up to some of its rivals.”
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Model reviewed: GTE“Performance, range and company car tax are all big plus points, although the Volkswagen Golf GTE does look a touch expensive versus its immediate rival plug-in hatchbacks.”
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Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid GTE hatchbackScore: 7 / 10“The Volkswagen Golf GTE feels solid to drive and it’s a straightforward plug-in hybrid hatch that those new to electrification will get along with easily. However, it’s an expensive proposition, and Mercedes makes a plug-in A-Class that’s cheaper to buy, cheaper to tax and potentially cheaper to run.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Mk8 Volkswagen Golf offers cleaner engines, an updated interior and the latest on-board tech, but it can’t quite reach the top of the class.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic StyleScore: 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.”
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Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 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.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic estate StyleScore: 8 / 10“It remains a forgettable car, the Volkswagen Golf Estate, but owners will find it to be a versatile and, in fairness, reasonably luxurious tool.”
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Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid GTE hatchbackScore: 8 / 10“For the most part, I think the Volkswagen Golf GTE hits its ideologically opposed brief pretty confidently. Plug it in frequently and it’ll be cheap to run; show it a good road and I’d wager it’d be able to put a smile on your face fairly quickly, too.”
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Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual Life hatchbackScore: 8 / 10“For buyers with an aversion to paying extra for glitzy styling additions, needless equipment and more power than they’ll ever use, the Golf Life is a worthy buy that feels far more mid-spec than entry-level. But we suspect there’s a slightly happier balance of price and capability in Style spec.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic GTD hatchbackScore: 8 / 10“The Volkswagen Golf GTD is not as engaging or as quick as the Golf GTI, but there’s real appeal in its punchy in-gear nature and relaxed cruising. It is an easy and undemanding car whose composed dynamics and impressive economy make it a very well-rounded option.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol (mild hybrid) automatic eTSI R-Line hatchbackScore: 8 / 10“Depending on your circumstances, there may certainly be a strong case for picking the 1.5 eTSI R-Line if you’re after a premium five-door hatch. We would almost certainly take it over the 2.0-litre diesel Golf, not least because there’s only a 2% difference in company car tax.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic estateScore: 8 / 10“The Volkswagen Golf Estate is not particularly exciting, but what it lacks in dynamic flair, it makes up for in overall versatility and everyday usefulness. This is the automotive equivalent of a sensible pair of shoes: dependable in just about every situation without ever threatening to stand out in a crowd.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 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.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual LifeScore: 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”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automaticScore: 8 / 10“New engine technology aims to restore credibility for TDI power, and the Mk8 Golf benefits handsomely.”
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Business Car

Model reviewed: GTEScore: 8 / 10“The Volkswgen Golf GTE melds low emissions with hot hatch pedigree.”
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Car

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 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.”
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Carbuyer

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

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 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.”
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Company Car Today

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

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic LifeScore: 8 / 10“The new Volkswagen Golf is a little bit more precise in its handling but then since 1974 it’s always offered safe and dependable behaviour. Other cars might be more fun to drive, but few can beat the Golf’s all-round appeal.”
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Fleetworld

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual 130hp Life“The 1.5-litre manual offers everything a traditional fleet driver could ask for, but the Volkswagen Golf’s digital revelations in terms of layout and usability are sadly hit and miss. The mild-hybrid and forthcoming plug-in hybrid versions should suit the car more, however, and offer further fleet incentives.”
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Honest John

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.”
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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.”
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Motoring Research

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic estate AlltrackScore: 8 / 10“In a world of SUVs, the four-wheel-drive Volkswagen Golf Estate Alltrack is a niche choice – but quite a compelling one.”
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Model reviewed: Hatchback rangeScore: 9 / 10“Now into its eighth generation, the Volkswagen Golf still feels like the benchmark hatchback, from the entry-level Life to the sporty Golf R.”
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Motors.co.uk

Score: 9 / 10“The Volkswagen Golf delivers a high-quality interior, efficient engines and is impressively refined.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9.2 / 10“Volkswagen dials up the tech for new Golf”
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The Intercooler

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual StyleScore: 7 / 10“There’s not enough progress. As tested, the Golf Mk 8 is slightly slower, slightly heavier and no more efficient than that it replaces. The quality of some materials has been downgraded and the electronic dash is less attractive than the one on the previous car.”
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The Sun

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.”
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The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 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.”
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid GTE hatchbackScore: 6 / 10“The Volkswagen Golf GTE is a lovely and clever car that’s surprisingly difficult to recommend despite that. It’s very good in many ways, but it’s no sports hatch and you’ll get more for your money elsewhere.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic LifeScore: 8 / 10“VW has done just enough to keep the Golf near the top of its game. But beneath the surface, it no longer feels all-conquering; there’s a sense corners have been cut, particularly in suspension tuning and sound deadening; as a result, this is merely a good car, where the previous one was truly great.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual StyleScore: 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.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“New eighth-gen Volkswagen Golf remains the lingua-franca of the hatch world. A finely polished machine.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 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.”
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Which?

Model reviewed: Estate range“We think the Volkswagen Golf Estate is a great choice as family transport. There’s certainly no lack of space inside, either for people or luggage, and it’s a comfortable, safe car for long-distance travel.”
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Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid GTE“Fancy a VW Golf GTI but don’t want to live with the high running costs? The plug-in hybrid Volkswagen Golf GTE could be the answer. It’s got hot-hatch levels of performance but can be very economical if you use it mostly for short journeys. It’s also great fun to drive, yet very comfortable.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview“The latest Volkswagen Golf upholds the excellence of its forebears, 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 in a car that is otherwise competent and well-rounded.”
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Safety rating

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2019

95%

ADULT OCCUPANT

89%

CHILD OCCUPANT

76%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

78%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

Eco rating

The Volkswagen Golf 1.5-litre petrol manual hatchback received a 3.5 star rating from Green NCAP in February 2021. We are currently updating our Euro NCAP database, as the organisation changed its rating system and we need to change our database accordingly to be able to display the new scores.

Green NCAP said: “The iconic Volkswagen Golf, now in its eighth generation, is tested here in 1.5 litre direct-injection petrol form. A GPF ensures that particulate number is kept in check and the car shows excellent control of other pollutant emissions. NO_x and CO emissions are low and, with good all-round control, the car scores well in all tests. Energy efficiency is good and emissions of greenhouse gases is low.

“Overall, the latest Golf impresses in all three areas of assessment and fully deserves its 3½ star rating.”

This rating only applies to the 1.5-litre petrol (TSI) engine with manual gearbox. It does not imply similar ratings for other engine and gearbox combinations in the range.

Security rating

Independent vehicle theft and security ratings from Thatcham Research

Rating: Superior | Good | Basic | Poor | Unacceptable
Relay Attack: Fail

Date: 2019

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Volkswagen Golf has received

2021

Fleet News Awards – Best Lower Medium Car

2020

News UK Motor Awards – Sunday Times Car of the Year + Best Family Car
Auto Trader Awards – Best Car for Long Distances

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