Volkswagen Golf Hatchback (04-08) - Review

Review by Dan Harrison on
Last Updated: 28 September 2009
With an excellent drive, roomy interior and a five-star Euro NCAP crash-test rating, the Volkswagen Golf is one of the best hatchbacks around. It's improved in every area over the car it replaced - it can carry four adults in comfort, is enjoyable and comfortable on the road and has most of the equipment you'll ever need. There's also an excellent range of engines that mix performance and economy. The best are the 1.4-litre TSI with 140bhp or 170bhp, or the excellent 2.0-litre TDI diesel, but all of them are more than up to the job. There's also an eco-friendly model - badged Bluemotion - which offers low emissions and superb economy. Hot hatch fans are well catered for too with the 200bhp Golf GTI and 240bhp R32, both of which are covered in separate reviews.
4 out of 5

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Buying used

The Golf is a very popular used car and holds its value well so don't expect too many bargains. But strong build quality and robust interiors mean that even after several thousand miles a Golf will still be in good condition. The standard 1.4-litre engine with 75bhp is best avoided unless you're just pottering around town. Instead go for a 1.6 FSI or a 1.4 TSI in Match trim.

  • Boot/Load Space Volkswagen Golf Hatchback (04-08)
  • Interior Volkswagen Golf Hatchback (04-08)

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See 781 used Volkswagen Golf Hatchbacks for sale, starting at £3,495

4 out of 5

Selling

Buyers like to see a fully-stamped service book and prefer SE or Match cars. The Golf is considered to be a cut-above hatches like the Focus and Astra and attracts a more aspirational buyer so options like sat nav and leather upholstery will make your car more marketable to them. The GT model, which looks like a GTI but is not as expensive to run, is also popular.