Used Volkswagen Golf for sale near Southampton

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.4%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 4,200
Average Price: Around £16,000

Volkswagen Golf Mk8 (2020-present) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Desirable image	Fiddly infotainment system
Great to drive	Rivals offer more interior space
Comfortable ride	Not significantly better than a Mk7 Golf

Quick Summary

The Mk8 VW Golf (2020-present) is one of Britain's most popular family cars, evolving from its predecessor with distinct frontal styling and a digital-focused interior featuring two 10-inch screens as standard. While it maintains the comfortable ride and refined driving dynamics of the Mk7, its interior boasts fewer physical buttons, integrating most controls into the touchscreen or touch-sensitive sliders. It offers practical space for four adults, with a 381-litre boot in the hatchback (611 litres in the Estate), though the GTE plug-in hybrid's boot capacity drops to 273 litres.

A wide range of powertrains is available, including 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre turbo petrols (with mild-hybrid options), and 2.0-litre diesels, all offering good performance and efficiency, with the 1.5 petrol (148bhp) being a highlight for its blend of power and economy. Running costs are reasonable, with petrols achieving over 50mpg and diesels nearly 70mpg (official figures), and fixed-price servicing options are offered. Despite its digital advancements, the Mk8 Golf largely matches the Mk7's excellent driving experience, maintaining its position as a top family hatchback, though rivals have caught up.

Best for: Drivers who appreciate a desirable image, strong driving dynamics, comfortable ride, and advanced digital features. Those seeking a practical family hatchback with a wide range of efficient engines.

Not ideal for: Buyers who prefer physical buttons over touch-sensitive controls, or those needing more interior space than rivals like the Skoda Octavia offer. Also, those expecting a significant leap forward from the Mk7 Golf.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Golf if: You appreciate a desirable image, strong driving dynamics, a comfortable ride, and advanced digital features, or are seeking a practical family hatchback with a wide range of efficient engines.

Consider alternatives if: You prefer physical buttons over touch-sensitive controls, need more interior space than rivals like the Skoda Octavia offer, or expect a significant leap forward from the Mk7 Golf.

Competitive Position: The Volkswagen Golf Mk8 maintains its strong position in the family hatchback segment, offering a desirable image, excellent driving dynamics, and a comfortable ride. While its new digital cockpit is a key feature, some buyers might find the touch-sensitive controls less intuitive than physical buttons. The Mk8 doesn't significantly improve upon the already brilliant Mk7 in terms of space or driving experience, but it remains one of the best family hatchbacks available. Rivals such as the Ford Focus, BMW 1 Series, and Honda Civic have closed the gap, but the Golf continues to be a premium choice for its blend of quality, technology, and performance.

Volkswagen Golf Review

The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from January 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.