Used 2021 Volkswagen Golf

Looking for an affordably priced compact European hatchback? That’s the German-built VW Golf, which returns unchanged for 2021. It’s not crazy expensive, yet the Golf has the high-quality feel and sporty driving manners of a much more expensive European car. It’s practical, it’s economical, and the 228-horsepower engine in the GTI makes it a quick car.

This is the last year of production for the seventh-generation VW Golf. An all-new 8th-generation Golf is expected to arrive in 2021 as a 2022 model. Currently, VW says only the sporty eight-generation GTI and Golf R models are confirmed for the U.S., with other models under consideration.

Composed, predictable, safe, refined, comfortable, easy. Seven generations of refinement and evolution bring the 2021 Golf TSI to this state of automotive grace.

For the one driver in a hundred who prefers a stick shift (you know who you are), the manual transmission’s shift action is sweet and light. The automatic is also just fine and much preferable to all the continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) used by much of the competition.

The VW Golf GTI is a standout machine. In addition to plenty of power and a satisfying ride/handling balance, it has all the quality and practicality of the regular Golf.

The thrills are so accessible. A mechanical limited-slip differential enhances the GTI’s ability to transition from one corner to the next, while the same strong braking system from the discontinued Golf R provides confidence-inspiring stopping power.

Because it’s boxy, the 2021 VW Golf has room for people and cargo. What’s more, the 5-seat cabin is nicely styled. The quality of the soft-touch plastics is high, and the switches and controls are all logically arranged. In short, the Golf interior blends tidy style with good functionality while having a touch of class.

A 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard. The GTI gets an 8-inch display.

Volkswagen has been extremely clever with its Golf over the generations. It’s never been flashy or polarizing, but has always worn the years well. So even though the seventh-generation car is reaching its end, it doesn’t look old or outdated.

The GTI has a few choices of alloy wheels (sized at 18 inches, as opposed to the regular TSI’s 16-inch alloys), a red stripe across the grille, and dual exhaust outlets. The GTI also rides about half an inch lower than the standard TSI Golf.

STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES
Every 2021 Volkswagen Golf has forward-collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking, plus a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert.

THE HATCHBACK
Why is the Golf so practical? It’s a box with a hatchback opening in back. Fold the rear seat forward, and your Golf becomes a minivan with 52.7 cubic feet of cargo room. (Don’t let your friends know this the next time they need help moving.)

As in 2020, there’s only one trim level for the regular 2021 Volkswagen Golf: the TSI. It comes standard with keyless entry/ignition, heated front seats, 16-inch alloy wheels, heated windshield-washer nozzles, and rain-sensing wipers. Also standard: a 6.5-inch touchscreen, 6-speaker audio system, AM/FM radio, USB input, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone connectivity.

The 2021 GTI – available as S, SE, or Autobahn model – has the more powerful engine, a sportier suspension, upgraded brakes, and various extra performance-related items.

There’s basically one option for the 2021 Golf TSI, an 8-speed automatic transmission. High-performance summer tires are available on the GTI Autobahn.

A turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine powers the 2021 Volkswagen Golf TSI. It produces 147 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. While that first figure sounds underwhelming, the second is healthy.

A 6-speed manual transmission is standard; an 8-speed automatic is optional.

The GTI packs a much bigger punch, thanks to a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that generates 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The standard transmission here is also a 6-speed manual, while the automatic option is a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.

1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 (TSI)
147 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm
184 lb-ft of torque @ 1,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 29/35 mpg (automatic), 28/36 mpg (manual)

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (GTI)
228 horsepower @ 4,700 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/32 mpg (manual and automatic)