Used car check: VW Golf VII

The VW Golf is now in its eighth generation. The seventh was available between 2012 and 2020, and the wide range of used cars is a testament to its popularity. The question remains what the TÜV inspectors think of her.

The VW Golf has been the measure of all things in Germany for many years compact class. It's not called the golf class for nothing. Even if the Wolfsburg-based company now has to face strong competition - including from its own company - such as the T-Roc, it almost always leads the sales statistics. the seventh generation (2012 to 2020) was the first model to be based on the modular transverse matrix of the VW Group. It was very popular and used car buyers will find a wide range to choose from.

VW Golf VII - body and interior:

The Golf VII stretches to a length of 4,26 meters and offers plenty of space for occupants and luggage thanks to good space economy. The luggage compartment volume varies between 380 liters and 1.270 liters depending on the position of the rear seat backrests. The seats provide good support and can be adjusted in many ways. Great importance was attached to ergonomics during development. The operation was also quite simple, but the models after the facelift in 2017 have to do without a rotary knob for volume control. Instead, it applies to the volume via a touch screen or via tiny Multifunction steering wheel switch to dose. The Wolfsburg can particularly score with ambience and processing quality. In addition to the much sought-after five-door model, there is also a three-door version and the estate variant with a length of 4,56 meters. This can accommodate objects up to 2,70 meters long, the maximum volume of the trunk is 1.620 liters.

VW Golf VII - engines and drive:

The engine offer is huge, from very reasonable to very sporty everything is there. Gasoline and diesel engines, a natural gas and an electric model as well as a plug-in hybrid (GTE) are available. The internal combustion engines are all turbos with three or four cylinders. The displacement range is from one to two liters, the power range from 63 kW/85 hp to 228 kW/310 hp in the Golf R. The petrol top model always has all-wheel drive, which was available for the 1.6 diesel with 77 kW/105 hp and 81 kW/110 hp optional. The two-liter diesel with 110 kW/150 hp or 135 kW/184 hp with 4×4 drive ran off the assembly lines ex works. Depending on the engine, a manual five- or six-speed gearbox or a six-speed or Seven-speed dual clutch transmission.

The natural gas version (TGI, 2013 to 2018) uses the 1,4-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with 110 hp. On average, he consumed 3,5 kilograms of natural gas. The GTE has been offered since 2014. It has a system output of 150 kW/204 hp and an electric range of up to 50 kilometers. The electric Golf with a 2014 kWh battery has also been on offer since 24,2. The e-Golf has an output of 85 kW/115 hp and has a range of up to 190 kilometers (NEDC). The e-Golf received an update with the facelift: the 35,8 kWh battery is sufficient for 231 kilometers (WLTP).

Two abbreviations inspire enthusiasm among many golf fans: GTI and GTD. The GTI initially delivered 162 kW/220 hp, since 2017 it has been 169 kW/230 hp. The diesel counterpart GTD with its 184 hp is a little less lively, but at the Gas station with an average of 4,5 liters more economical than the GTI with an average of 6,5 liters Super.

VW Golf VII - equipment and safety:

Classically, the Golf was offered in the "Trendline", "Comfortline" and "Highline" equipment lines. Air conditioning and a 5-inch touchscreen were standard. From the second comfort level, aluminum rims were mounted, "Highline" came up with bi-xenon headlights, among other things. There were also many special models such as Cup, Allstar or Sound. Numerous assistants and security techniques were available. These include items such as an emergency brake assistant, lane departure warning system, high-beam assistant and adaptive cruise control. Many of these were not only offered individually, but as a package with a price advantage. In general, the list of options was long, and even in the compact class it offers things that are not a matter of course, such as adaptive shock absorbers or leather seats. At the NCAP crash test the Golf achieved a five-star rating in 2012.

VW Golf VII – Quality:

In the TÜV main inspections (HU) the Wolfsburg player is doing well for the most part. Despite higher mileage compared to the average of the vehicles tested, the defect rate is below average. However, the Golf does not come through the HU completely free of defects. The TÜV inspectors criticize springs and dampers from the first HU. The steering system and the brake discs also give cause for criticism.

And finally ...

You can't go wrong with the VW Golf VII. As usual, its design is classless, space and ergonomics are right. That engine offert appeals to many interested parties. For older models you have to invest around 6.500 euros.