Hatchback · 2013–2019

VolkswagenGolf

Mk7 Golf is the default solid used hatch: quiet, roomy and full of variants from Bluemotion diesels to GTI and R. Spec and gearbox matter more than the badge.

Best for: Buyers who want one car that does everything without drama.

Power: 125 hp
Economy: 45–55 mpg
Fuel: Petrol
Boot: 285–395 litres
0–60: 8.5–12.5 sec 0–60 mph
Torque: 170–250 Nm

Variants & trims

GTI / ST / R-Line / AMG Line are not the same thing — match the boot badge and V5C engine code.

14 listed

Variant	Engine	Power	Economy	Road tax
S / SE 1.0 TSI Entry petrol — cheap to run. 1.0 TSI · 50–58 mpg	1.0 TSI	85–115 hp	50–58 mpg	~£195*
SE Nav / Match 1.4 / 1.5 TSI Sweet-spot daily drivers. 1.5 Evo preferred later. 1.4–1.5 TSI · 45–55 mpg	1.4–1.5 TSI	125–150 hp	45–55 mpg	~£195*
GT / GT TSI Kit-heavy petrol, not a GTI. 1.5 TSI · 45–52 mpg	1.5 TSI	150 hp	45–52 mpg	~£195*
1.6 TDI Bluemotion Economy diesel. Short trips = DPF risk. 1.6 TDI · 60–70 mpg	1.6 TDI	110 hp	60–70 mpg	~£195*
2.0 TDI Strong motorway diesel. 2.0 TDI · 55–65 mpg	2.0 TDI	150–184 hp	55–65 mpg	~£195*
GTD Hot diesel — GTI looks, TDI torque. 2.0 TDI · 50–58 mpg	2.0 TDI	184 hp	50–58 mpg	~£195*
GTE PHEV Plug-in. Check charge history and HV warranty. 1.4 TSI PHEV · Variable	1.4 TSI PHEV	204 hp	Variable	~£195*
R-Line Styling pack only — not performance. Various · 45–55 mpg	Various	110–150 hp	45–55 mpg	~£195+*
Golf GTI Hot hatch benchmark. DSG vs manual; stage maps common. 2.0 TSI · 35–42 mpg	2.0 TSI	220–230 hp	35–42 mpg	~£195*
Golf GTI Performance / Clubsport LSD / track packs. Inspect for track days. 2.0 TSI · 34–40 mpg	2.0 TSI	245–290 hp	34–40 mpg	~£195+*
Golf R AWD performance. Haldex service, launch abuse. 2.0 TSI 4MOTION · 30–36 mpg	2.0 TSI 4MOTION	300 hp	30–36 mpg	~£195+*
Golf R Estate Fast load-lugger — rare. 2.0 TSI 4MOTION · 30–35 mpg	2.0 TSI 4MOTION	300 hp	30–35 mpg	~£195+*
Alltrack / Estate Raised or wagon body — confirm powertrain. Various · 40–55 mpg	Various	150–184 hp	40–55 mpg	~£195*
DSG automatic Oil & filter every ~40k miles — non-negotiable. DQ250/DQ381 · Varies	DQ250/DQ381	Various	Varies	~£195*

*Indicative annual UK Vehicle Excise Duty for typical post-April 2017 cars after year one (~£195 petrol/diesel standard rate at time of writing). First-year rates, pre-2017 CO₂ bands, electric rules and the expensive-car supplement can differ — confirm with the registration on GOV.UK.

Full specifications

Engine1.4 litre

Gearbox5- or 6-speed manual; automatic varies by trim

DimensionsApprox. 4.0–4.6m long · 1.7–1.8m wide

ServiceUsually 12 months or 10,000–20,000 miles; confirm by VIN and handbook

InsuranceTypically groups 12–28, depending on trim and power

Road taxDepends on first registration date, CO₂ band and fuel type — confirm on GOV.UK

CO₂Varies by engine, gearbox and trim — check the V5C or GOV.UK vehicle enquiry

Buying a used Golf

1DSG oil/filter history is non-negotiable on automatics
2GTI/R: check DSG mechatronics, water pump and tyre set
3Early TSI timing chain history if pre-facelift

· Confirm the exact engine code, trim and gearbox on the V5C before ordering parts
· Check the latest MOT history and advisories on GOV.UK
· Compare cold-start behaviour, warning lights and service invoices before buying

Common faults to check

Inspection prompts — not a diagnosis.

Timing chain and tensioner history on earlier TSI engines
DSG dual-clutch oil and filter service intervals
Electronic parking brake and actuator faults

Owner handbook

Official Volkswagen manuals — oil grades, tyre pressures, fuses. We link out; PDFs stay with the manufacturer.

Volkswagen manuals ↗

Guides & tools

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Reviewed October 2026. Photos: Wikimedia Commons. Manufacturer handbook and UK model-year specifications GOV.UK MOT guidance and vehicle test standards Owner and workshop inspection patterns; verify against the specific VIN