Best value for money – Volkswagen Golf Mk7

By Chad Lückhoff

We compare the various models and trim levels of the seventh generation Volkswagen Golf to find the best value for money.

Over 40 years of motoring excellence.

Seven generations down the line and Volkswagen still leads the way with what is arguably the best all-rounder on the market, the venerable Golf.

The Mk7 Golf is a completely new model after the Mk6 and utilizes Volkswagen's MQB platform, a modular platform that was also used for vehicles such as the Audi A3, TT, Volkswagen Polo, Tiguan and Jetta, amongst others.

While most will gravitate towards the high-performance GTI derivative, the Golf caters for a number of demands in terms of power, trim and fuel. Released in 2013 and currently still in production, the Golf comes in three distinctive trim levels, Trendline, Comfortline and Highline as well as GTD, GTI and R flavours.

Grade Walk:

Trendline

Trendline models are fitted with seven airbags and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). As standard it comes with a 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, tyre pressure indicator, electronic parking brake, auto-hold function, XDS differential lock, stop/start system and multi-collision braking system. Manual air conditioning, electric front windows, leather steering and gear knob, and 15-inch alloy wheels.

Comfortline

The Comfortline trim level sees the standard Trendline accoutrements with the addition of 'Zoom' fabric seats with lumbar support, cruise control, auto headlights and 16-inch alloy wheels.

Highline

In addition to the Comfortline specification, the Highline adds 'Global' sport seats with Alcantara trim, 5.8-inch touchscreen infotainment (Composition Media with Bluetooth, USB, and SD Card) dark red rear taillights and 17-inch alloy wheels as standard.

Derivatives:

1.2 TSI Trendline

1197cc - 77 kW and 175 Nm

6-speed Manual

1.4 TSI Trendline

1390cc - 90 kW and 200 Nm

6-speed Manual

1.4 TSI Comfortline

1390cc - 90 kW and 200 Nm

6-speed Manual or 7-speed DSG

2.0 TDI Comfortline

1968cc – 81 kW and 250 Nm

5-speed Manual

1.4 TSI Highline

1395cc - 103 kW and 250 Nm

6-speed Manual

2.0 TDI Highline

1968cc - 110 kW and 320Nm

6-speed DSG

2.0 TDI GTD

1968cc – 130 kW and 380 Nm

6-speed DSG

2.0 TSI GTI

1984cc - 162 kW and 350 Nm

(169 kW Performance Pack)

(195/213 kW GTI Clubsport/Clubsport S)

6-speed Manual or 6-speed DSG

2.0 TSI Golf R

1984cc – 206 kW and 380 Nm (later updated to 213 kW)

6-speed Manual or 6-speed DSG

AutoTrader's Choice:

If you do a lot of mileage, then we would suggest going for a diesel option but if your commute is in the regional highways and byways, then we recommend the 1.4 TSI. As the Highline was only available in manual, we would recommend the 1.4 TSI Comfortline. Manual models will sell for cheaper than DSG models but it's worth spending the few Rand extra on the DSG as this takes all the pain out of traffic. If you can live with a manual gearbox then we would spring for the 1.4 TSI Highline.