The Volkswagen Golf Mk8 retains its core family hatchback appeal, and will be the ideal car for many buyers (even if some of its tech is a bit too fiddly)
The Volkswagen Golf hatchback is one of those rare family cars that manages to be classless and impressively classy at the same time.
It's just chic enough to be considered an alternative to the BMW 1 Series, the Mercedes A-Class or the Audi A3. At the same time, it's also so affordable that if you're looking for a slightly more modest alternative, such as a Ford Focus or a Vauxhall Astra, the Golf could also make the shortlist.
Think of it this way: If the Focus was the car equivalent of a Tesco supermarket and the Mercedes A-Class was a Marks & Spencer, then the Golf 8 would probably be a Waitrose. Probably.
Either way, as tempting as the idea of treating yourself and doing your weekly shopping in a fancier supermarket might be, the Golf's styling mightn't be quite so appetising.
The low-slung headlights and distinctive "monobrow" front end just aren't very attractive (Bert from Sesame Street?), and from the side it just looks a bit floppy - which is odd, considering it's so angular in the back.
Volkswagen Golf 8
At least you don't have to look at that nose in the interior, and instead of the kid's side TV, the Golf's cabin is more of an Emmy-winning performance. It's comfortable and roomy, but while the interior quality is very good and better than in a Focus or Astra, it can't quite match the BMW or Mercedes. My favourite of the models is the Golf R Line 1.5 TSI 150. It looks cool and offers the best balance between performance, fuel economy and features.
Golf 8 interior
The large touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard has impressive software, and there are plenty of high-quality materials with a soft feel here as well. Passenger space is greater than in a BMW or Mercedes, but the Ford Focus is even roomier.
The boot is so big that it's enough for a weekend trip with the family. And if you have a lot of bags (or dogs, or whatever you need to transport), then you should take a closer look at the practical Golf Variant.
The engine lineup is well matched to the car, and none of the smooth, refined gasoline or diesel options will leave you gasping for more power. If fuel economy in the city is important to you, there's even a plug-in hybrid model with an impressive electric range of up to 44 miles.
If you do a lot of highway driving, consider one of the diesel models, and it might also be worth equipping your Golf with the Travel Assist package. This uses a combination of cameras and radar sensors to automatically keep you in your lane and at a safe distance from the car ahead - even if you have to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road at all times.
With a chassis designed to please as many people as possible, the Golf has a very broad range of talents. It's good at calming unpleasant surfaces around town, but it does not feel mushy or floppy when it hits a twisty road. If you equip it with the optional adaptive shock absorbers, it's even more talented because it can switch from soft to sporty with the touch of a button on the touchscreen.
Is it as much fun to drive as the Ford Focus? No, but it's not that far off either. In short, it should definitely be on your hit list if you are looking for a chic family car with plenty of technology, refined road manners, and a high-quality, practical interior.
Visit our Volkswagen Golf 8 deals page to see how much you can save on Autoluxe.
How much does the Volkswagen Golf cost?
New Volkswagen Golf Mk 8 Price
The Volkswagen Golf has an MSRP of £25,340 to £35,315, and on carwow, prices for a new Volkswagen Golf start at £22,894 with cash or £262 with monthly payments - so you'll save an average of £1,823. The price for a used Volkswagen Golf on carwow starts at £17,495.
