The Volkswagen Golf Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 25th out of 36 for compact cars. The average annual repair cost is $630 which means it has average ownership costs. Repairs are less severe than average, and the frequency of these issues is average, so major repairs are not common for the Golf.
The 10 best fast Volkswagen Golf models of all time
- The VR6 offered multi-cylinder performance.
- The Mk4 R32 is quite possibly the best looking performance Golf ever built.
- The 478kW GTI-W12 was one of a kind.
- The Golf R became something of a sports car killer.
- The Edition 35 plugged the gap between the regular GTI and range-topping R.
low rolling resistance tyres
turbocharged stratified injection
Best to think of the difference between the two as the BlueMotion being the real thing, and the BlueMotion Technology just having some of its technology. In comparison, the BlueMotion Technology emits 107 g/km CO2 and can manage a combined economy figure of 68.9 mpg.
? With de-icing being a dreaded chore for motorists each winter, Volkswagen have introduced an intelligent new climate windscreen to make life easier. Available as an optional extra in the Golf, Golf Sportsvan, Tiguan, Sharan, Passat and Passat Variant, prices for the new climate windscreen start at €340.
The stand-alone BlueMotion models carried a hefty price premium over the equivalent, standard car when new. Despite achieving significantly better fuel economy – up to 88.3mpg in the Golf BlueMotion – it took a lot of miles for the savings on fuel to even out the extra purchase cost.
This Golf 1.4 TSI can't match the cleanest diesels for emissions, but it's not far off. Smooth power delivery and strong mid-range punch make the most of the Golf's talented chassis, while the DSG box is intuitive and fast.
turbocharged direct injection
2019 Volkswagen Jetta Trim Comparison
- 2019 Jetta S. Starting MSRP: $18,545.
- 2019 Jetta SE. Starting MSRP: $22,155.
- 2019 Jetta R-Line. Starting MSRP: $22,995.
- 2019 Jetta SEL. Starting MSRP: $24,415.
- 2019 Jetta SEL Premium. Starting MSRP: $26,945.
Sat nav and infotainmentIt's mounted high up, so you don't have to look too far from the road to use it, its screen is sharp and there are lots of helpful standard features, including wireless phone charging, in-built sat-nav, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.
The three new trim levels receive two-zone climate control, LED headlights and Volkswagen's “Winter Pack,” which features heated front seats, headlight washer jets and heated windscreen washer jets.
As you can probably imagine, the SE gets a few exterior upgrades over the S trim. The SE comes with all of the standard features you can find on the S's body, but it also includes more luxuries like heated windshield washer nozzles. Also, a power tilting and sliding sunroof comes equipped on the SE.
Recommended Volkswagen GTI model yearsThe early 2006.5 and 2007 cars seem to be less reliable than the later ones, r/GolfGTI sub-Reddit users claim, which is why we recommend a 2008 or 2009 example. 2010 brought the Mk6 Volkswagen GTI, which was essentially a facelifted Mk5, Car and Driver reports.
In the two models in our price comparison above, there isn't that much of a difference between the two engines. Both the are quite quick, but the Golf is a 1.0 litre engine and the A3 a 1.5. The engines on both cars are nice and smooth with good economy.
Originally called the Golf R32, this racing version of the Golf touted the highest-powered engine ever put in a Golf, as well as standard AWD. The Golf has always been popular due to its incredible performance and handling, and this iteration only improved upon that.
The seventh generation Volkswagen Golf has been around for 18 months now, so it's not quite the latest thing anymore. However, a used Golf is always in demand and a new example should retain roughly half its initial value over three years.
Despite being originally made for Audi vehicles, the EA888 family is well regarded in the VW community. The the Generation 3 version of the 1.8L TSI takes the crown as the best VW engine on the market.
Volkswagen has made the fastest ever road-going a reality; the new production-spec VW Golf GTI TCR has been official revealed.
It may be a little more expensive than the GTI, but the Golf R is substantially faster, even better to drive and no less usable every day. Given its lofty reputation, the R is likely to hold more of its value over the coming years as well.
