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Volkswagen Golf 2020 review

Hatchback Petrol

Volkswagen Golf 2020 — front three-quarter view

Overview

The eighth-generation Golf went on sale in the UK in February 2020 with prices from £23,300, and it did exactly what a new Golf is supposed to do: evolve rather than revolutionise. Underneath sits the familiar MQB platform with modestly restyled bodywork, while the real story is inside — a digital-first cabin with twin 10-inch screens, standard adaptive cruise control and Car2X communication. UK trim levels were Life, Style and R-Line, with the GTE plug-in hybrid, GTI and GTD performance models completing the range.

The engine to buy is a petrol, and reviewers agree the 1.5 TSI 150 is the pick of the range — punchy, flexible and blessed with a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension than lower-power Golfs. The entry 1.0 TSI 110 is the cheapest way in and returns 49.6–53.3mpg officially, but it needs revving on the motorway. All Mk8 petrols are Euro 6, so they are exempt from the London ULEZ and clean-air zones, and a 5-star Euro NCAP rating underpins the family-car brief.

As a used buy the Mk8 makes a strong case: 2020 cars start at around £10,000, insurance group 14E keeps premiums sensible, and standard kit even on Life trim includes LED headlights, parking sensors and the digital cockpit. The caveat is software — early cars suffered well-documented MIB3 infotainment glitches, so confirm the latest firmware has been applied and test every function before buying. Volkswagen's 3-year/60,000-mile warranty is also short of Hyundai's or Kia's, making a dealer-backed used warranty worth seeking.

Rivals include the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra and Skoda Octavia, but few feel as solidly built or hold their value like the Golf. If you can live with the touchscreen-everything cabin, the 1.5 TSI manual is one of the most complete family hatchbacks Britain could buy in 2020.

UK price from: £23,300

Related buying guides:
Best family cars UK
Best first cars UK

Specifications

Engine	999cc 3-cylinder turbo petrol (EA211)
Power	110 PS (108 bhp)
Torque	200 Nm
0-62 mph	10.2 seconds
Top speed	126 mph
Transmission	6-speed manual
Drive	Front-wheel drive
Fuel economy	49.6-53.3 mpg combined (WLTP)
CO2 emissions	121 g/km (RDE2 Life spec)
Boot space	381 litres
Insurance group	14E
Euro NCAP	5-star (tested 2019)

Features

10.0-inch infotainment touchscreen plus 10.25-inch digital instrument display
Adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors and keyless start as standard on Life
Car2X car-to-infrastructure communication fitted as standard
Full active-safety suite: Front Assist, lane-keeping, traffic-sign recognition, AEB with pedestrian detection
Wireless phone charging, Wi-Fi hotspot and 3-year We Connect Plus subscription
1.5 TSI models get a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension and are WhatCar's pick of the range
GTI (2.0 TSI 245PS), GTD (2.0 TDI 200PS) and GTE (1.4 eHybrid PHEV) performance variants
5-star Euro NCAP rating (tested 2019)

Common parts & prices

Part	Price (GBP)	Notes
Front brake pads (set)	£18	Typical UK pattern-part price
Oil filter	£8	Typical UK pattern-part price
Cabin pollen filter	£10	Typical UK pattern-part price
Front wiper blades (pair)	£18	Typical UK pattern-part price
12V battery (60Ah)	£95	Typical UK pattern-part price
Engine air filter	£13	Typical UK pattern-part price

Prices are typical UK aftermarket/OEM guide prices and may vary by supplier.

Pros

Strong used-car values — 2020 cars start at around £10,000 with wide choice
Frugal running: 49.6–53.3mpg officially, insurance group only 14E
Generous standard kit even on Life trim (LED lights, adaptive cruise, digital cockpit)
5-star Euro NCAP and every petrol is ULEZ-exempt
WhatCar rates the 1.5 TSI 150 manual as the pick of the engine range

Cons

Early MIB3 infotainment software trouble — check firmware history on used cars
Touch-sensitive cabin controls are fiddly and distracting
Diesel TDIs carry AdBlue system fault risk; petrols fare better
Only a 3-year/60,000-mile warranty — short of Hyundai and Kia cover

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2020 Golf Mk8 ULEZ compliant?

Yes. All Mk8 petrols are Euro 6 and every Euro 6 petrol is exempt from the London ULEZ. The 2.0 TDI diesels are also Euro 6, so they are ULEZ-compliant too.

What fuel economy can I expect from a 2020 Golf?

The 1.0 TSI 110 claims 49.6–53.3mpg officially; expect mid-40s in mixed real-world UK driving. The 1.5 TSI 150 claims 47.9–50.4mpg and the 2.0 TDI 115 diesel can genuinely return 60mpg+ on a run.

What should I check when buying a used Mk8 Golf?

Software first: confirm the latest MIB3 infotainment firmware has been applied via dealer service records, then test the sat-nav, Bluetooth and all electrics. Check for warning lights and 12V battery health, and insist on full VW service history.

Which 2020 Golf engine should I choose?

The 1.5 TSI 150 manual is the reviewers' pick — strong, frugal and with a better rear suspension than lower-power cars. The 1.0 TSI 110 is the cheapest way in and fine for town work but needs revs on motorways. Choose the TDI diesel only if you cover high annual mileage.

What warranty does a 2020 Golf have?

Volkswagen UK covers the Golf for 3 years or 60,000 miles, which is shorter than the 5-year cover from Hyundai or Renault and the 7-year cover from Kia. Check how much remains when buying used, and consider a dealer warranty.