Volkswagen Golf review - MPG, running costs & CO2

The Volkswagen Golf has long faced competition not only from ‘external’ rivals, but from models within the VW Group, namely the SEAT Leon and Skoda Octavia. The competition has taken a new twist in the form of the all-electric ID.3 from Volkswagen's emissions-free electric-only hatchback.

To remain competitive for those buyers not quite ready to make the switch to an EV, Volkswagen has made its legendary Golf more efficient than ever. Its engines have been revised, VW has ditched the 1.6-litre diesel in favour of the larger but more efficient 2.0-litre TDI, 1.5-litre TSI and eTSI mild-hybrid petrol models are available along with the GTE plug-in hybrid.

Volkswagen Golf MPG & CO2

The range used to start with Volkswagen's 108bhp three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine, but this has now been replaced by an entry-level version of the 1.5-litre TSI petrol, returning up to 52.3mpg with emissions of 123g/km of CO2 placing it in a reasonably low Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) band for company-car drivers. It’s also well-suited to buyers driving mainly in urban areas.

We’ve driven the 148bhp eTSI mild-hybrid petrol, which combines a conventional 1.5-litre engine with a powerful 48-volt starter generator paired with a small lithium-ion battery. It assists the engine, helping to return up to 50.9mpg and CO2 emissions from 126g/km depending on the size of the alloy wheels.

The eTSI engine is only available with a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox, allowing the car to coast with the engine off thanks to the mild-hybrid system. The starter generator also gives the car a small electric power boost when accelerating to further improve fuel economy, making it the best all-rounder in the line-up. The same 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine without the mild-hybrid tech is also available with 148bhp and a six-speed manual gearbox.

Meanwhile, the new 2.0-litre TDI diesel is available in two power outputs. The more powerful 148bhp version is now only offered with a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox, and is likely to appeal to higher-mileage drivers with claimed fuel economy figures of up to 60.5mpg and CO2 emissions from just over 120g/km. The engine features 'twin dosing', where AdBlue is injected into the exhaust in two places to cut NOx emissions by up to 17%, helping to make this the cleanest diesel engine ever fitted in a Golf.

The 113bhp diesel engine can only be specced in the lower trim levels with a six-speed manual gearbox. It’s the most frugal engine in the Golf range with claimed economy of up to 63.5mpg and CO2 emissions from 117g/km.

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While they do cost a bit more either the standard plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or the Golf GTE are certainly desirable for anyone looking to cut their ongoing bills. The post-facelift plug-in hybrid combines a 1.5-litre eTSI petrol and electric motor to produce 201bhp, while its 19.7kWh battery pack enables an electric range of up to 89 miles. It emits from just 6g/km of CO2, slotting it into a very low Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) band for business drivers. 

The Golf GTE is more powerful, with up to 268bhp combined, and it gets the same battery pack, for a range of up to 82 miles. Both PHEVs can now also fast charge at up to 40kW DC using public charge points, or at up to 11kW AC using compatible home and business charging posts or wallboxes.

Insurance groups

Insurance groups for the Mk8 Golf start from group 17 for the base 1.5-litre Life spec car, going up to group 30 for the sporty Golf GTE PHEV.

Warranty

We'd be surprised if Volkswagen deviated from the three-year/60,000-mile warranty it offers across its model range. This equals rivals like the Ford Focus, but can't compare to the more generous five-year warranty for the Hyundai i30, or the seven-year warranty the Kia Ceed is sold with. Keep the Toyota Corolla serviced at the dealership and its warranty can last for up to a decade.

Servicing

Volkswagen has traditionally offered variable servicing intervals for the Golf, and customers can help budget for maintenance costs by paying monthly.