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Volkswagen Golf

Photo: Vauxford · CC BY-SA 4.0

Euro NCAP · 2019

150 hp · 250 Nm

One of the reference models in the compact class. 2020-2024 first series (Phase 1): 1.0 eTSI 110 PS DSG, 1.5 eTSI 150 PS DSG and GTI 2.0 TSI 245 PS DSG. 2024 facelift (Mk8.5, model start 07/2024): 1.5 TSI 116 PS and 150 PS manual/DSG, 1.5 eTSI 116 PS and 150 PS mild-hybrid DSG, GTI 265 PS (manual dropped); the 1.0 eTSI is not in this line-up. Ride comfort and handling are its strengths; the touch-heavy cockpit and the software bugs of the early years are the most criticised points.

Buying risk: Medium

1 serious and 4 moderate fault(s) on record. The first shows up from about 60,000 km. 3 recall(s) on record. Have them checked in an inspection. Inspection checklist

Strengths

  • 5 stars in the crash test (2019).

Things to watch

  • 1 serious issue(s) on record; have them checked in an inspection before buying.

Who is it for?

  • People who put safety first
  • sec 0-100 8.5
  • L/100 km 5.6
  • Drivetrain Front-wheel drive
  • Transmission Dual-clutch automatic (DCT/DSG)
Share
  • Unverified data
  • Reported problem: 6 record(s)
  • Hatchback · Mild hybrid (petrol) · 2021–present · Market: Turkey

General information

Brand / country
Volkswagen (Germany)
Model / generation
Golf · Golf 8 (Mk8 (CD1))
Body type
Hatchback
Trim level
Style
Market sold in
Turkey
Production years
2021–present
Number of seats
5
Fuel type
Mild hybrid (petrol)

Engine

Engine
1.5 eTSI 150 PS
Engine code
DPCA
Engine family
EA211 evo
Layout
Inline 4-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC
Engine displacement
1,498 cc
Number of cylinders
4
Turbo
Turbo
Fuel system
Direct injection (350 bar)
Timing drive
Timing belt
System power
150 hp @ 5000-6000 rpm
Torque
250 Nm @ 1500-3500 rpm
Petrol engine power
150 hp

Electric motor

PositionTypePowerTorque
Belt driven (BSG) 48V starter-alternator 13 hp 50 Nm

ACT+ cylinder deactivation: deactivates 2 cylinders at low load to save fuel. Variable geometry turbo.

Transmission

Transmission
7-speed DSG (dry clutch)
Type
Dual-clutch automatic (DCT/DSG)
Number of gears
7
Code
DQ200-0CW
Manufacturer
Volkswagen
Clutch
Dry dual clutch (LuK)
Transmission oil
Mechatronic: G 004 000 (hydraulic), gearbox oil is lifetime fill · 1.7 L

Dual-clutch automatic gearbox. One clutch handles the odd gears and the other the even gears, so gear changes are very fast. Because it is a 'dry' type, the clutches are not in an oil bath, so it is more sensitive to overheating in traffic.

In stop-and-go traffic, keeping your foot on the brake pedal instead of shifting into 'N' extends clutch life.

Drive modes

EcoComfortSportIndividual

Performance and consumption

0-100 km/h
8.5 sec
Top speed
224 km/h
Average consumption (WLTP)
5.6 L/100 km
City
6.7 L/100 km
Highway
4.9 L/100 km
Fuel tank
50 L
CO₂ emissions
128 g/km

Mixed driving is rated at 6-7.5 L/100 km; ACT+ provides noticeable savings on long trips.

Dimensions and capacity

Length
4,284 mm
Width (without mirrors)
1,789 mm
Height
1,491 mm
Wheelbase
2,619 mm
Ground clearance
140 mm
Trunk volume
381 L (rear seats folded: 1,237 L)
Number of seats
5
Curb weight
1,361 kg
Gross weight
1,850 kg
Payload capacity
489 kg
Towing capacity
Braked 1,500 kg / unbraked 680 kg

Tires, brakes and suspension

Front tires
225/45 R17 94W
Rear tires
225/45 R17 94W
Rim size
17" (optional: 16", 18")
Spare tire
Tire repair kit
Tire pressure (front / rear)
2.4 / 2.3 bar
Front brakes
Ventilated disc (312 mm)
Rear brakes
Disc (272 mm)
Front suspension
MacPherson
Rear suspension
Multi-link
Steering
Electromechanical, progressive steering (optional)

Full-load front 2.7 / rear 3.1 bar. The correct values are on the label inside the fuel filler flap.

Safety

★★★★★

Euro NCAP 2019

Adult
95%
Child
89%
Pedestrian
76%
Safety assist
78%
7 airbags yes ABS yes ESP yes Emergency braking assist yes Lane keeping yes Blind spot warning yes Adaptive cruise control yes
  • Travel Assist (semi-autonomous driving support)
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Car2X
  • eCall

Comfort and multimedia

Multimedia
Discover Pro (10")
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Android Auto
Yes
Wireless phone connection
Yes
Air conditioning
3-zone automatic climate control
Seats
Half leather, heated front seats, lumbar support
  • Ambient lighting (30 colors)
  • Wireless charging
  • LED Plus headlights
  • Head-up display (optional)

Maintenance

Service interval
15,000 km or 12 months
Engine oil
VW 508 00 – 0W-20 · 4.3 L · Change at 15,000 km
Timing
Timing belt
Coolant
G12evo (TL 774 L)
Brake fluid
DOT 4 (VW 501 14) · Every 24 months
Battery
12V AGM 68 Ah + 48V lithium-ion mild hybrid battery

Check by mileage and age

Car age

Upcoming maintenance items

    Note: the calculation assumes maintenance is done on time. When buying used, always ask for the service records.

    Maintenance schedule

    ItemMileageTimeNote
    Engine oil + oil filter 15,000 km 12 months 0W-20 approved to VW 508 00. With flexible (LongLife) servicing the car may go up to 30,000 km / 24 months; follow the service indicator and the service records.
    Pollen filter 30,000 km 24 months
    Air filter 60,000 km 72 months
    Spark plugs 60,000 km 72 months
    Brake fluid — 24 months First change in year 3.
    Timing belt inspection 210,000 km — Check, replace if needed.

    Problems users report most often

    6 record(s)

    Unverified data · Source: Volkswagen, ADAC, AMS, angurten.de, KBA 15269R, Euro NCAP 2019 (2026) · Last updated: 2026-10-18

    • Mechatronic unit failure

      Severity: High

      The known weak point of the DQ200 dry-clutch DSG. Hydraulic pressure loss occurs due to a crack in the pressure accumulator or control block. Although reduced in newer generations, it still occurs.

      Symptoms: Flashing 'PRND' warning on the instrument panel, gear slipping into neutral, and one set of gears (odd or even) not working.

      Transmission 60,000 – 180,000 km Estimated cost: 12,500 – 68,000 ₺

    • Jerking at low speed ("kangaroo" effect)

      Severity: Medium

      Jerking and stuttering when pulling away reported with a cold engine at low revs, especially in 1st and 2nd gear. Engine software updates have improved the situation.

      Symptoms: With a cold engine, stalling at takeoff in the first few minutes and shaking in slow traffic.

      Engine 0 – 30,000 km Estimated cost: 0 – 3,000 ₺

    • Clutch judder

      Severity: Medium

      The clutch shudders during hill starts and slow manoeuvres. Clutch adaptation sometimes fixes it; if wear has progressed, the clutch kit is replaced.

      Symptoms: Shuddering in 1st and reverse, jerking when pulling away.

      Transmission 50,000 – 150,000 km Estimated cost: 1,500 – 29,000 ₺

    • Thermostat housing / water pump leak

      Severity: Medium

      In the EA211 family, coolant leaks may occur from the plastic thermostat and water pump housing.

      Symptoms: Coolant level dropping, pink/purple trace under the engine.

      Engine 60,000 – 150,000 km Estimated cost: 8,000 – 18,000 ₺

    • Multimedia and software bugs

      Severity: Medium

      On first-production (2020-2021) cars, screen freezing, blacking out, voice commands not working and the digital cluster restarting were frequently reported. Most were fixed with software updates (ID 3.x and later).

      Symptoms: The screen stays black, the climate controls don't respond, and Bluetooth disconnects.

      Whole generation At every mileage Estimated cost: 0 – 2,500 ₺

    • Touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons and climate control

      Severity: Low

      Capacitive (touch) steering wheel buttons and the sliding volume/temperature bar can be triggered accidentally or may not respond. Although it's a usability issue rather than a fault, it is one of the most common complaints.

      Symptoms: Cruise control switches off and the sound changes by itself when touched by hand.

      Whole generation At every mileage Estimated cost: —

    Recalls

    • 2025 · Passenger seat belt anchorage — KBA 15269R (VW code 69PD, July 2025): on 39,131 Golf 8 and Variant cars worldwide built between 9 February and 24 May 2024 (Germany: 17,376), the front passenger seat belt may have been attached incorrectly at the B-pillar anchor point; protection in a crash could be reduced. An authorised workshop checks the belt and anchor and replaces a part if needed (about 1 hour). The manufacturer stated that no accidents or injuries were reported. There is also a parallel entry covering the same problem on 10 cars under KBA 15275R (VW 69PP).
    • 2020 · Infotainment (MIB3) software update — A voluntary service measure (freiwillige Servicemaßnahme) was applied to about 56,000 Golf 8 cars because of the infotainment and rear-view camera software; complaints of screen freezing were reported. Whether the scope is Germany or worldwide is unclear from the single source; no KBA record was found. It is not a legally mandatory recall.
    • 2020 · eCall emergency call software — It was found that in some cars the eCall system may fail to place the emergency call successfully in a crash; the KBA monitored this recall (15,008 vehicles in Germany, 36,166 worldwide), sales were temporarily halted and a software update was applied.

    Parts

    Important parts and equipment

    GroupPartDescription
    Engine Turbo Variable geometry (VTG) turbo.
    Engine ACT+ cylinder deactivation actuators Sliding cam elements on the camshaft.
    Engine Water pump / thermostat housing Plastic housing.
    Electric 48V starter-alternator (BSG) Mild hybrid assist.
    Gearbox Mechatronic unit DQ200 hydraulic control unit.
    Running gear Rear multi-link control arms Its bushings can wear out over time.
    Brake Front brake pads + disc 312 mm ventilated disc.

    Used / spare part prices

    PartCategoryAvailabilityAverage price
    Periodic maintenance kit (oil + filter) Maintenance Easy to find 5,000 – 9,000 ₺
    Pollen filter Maintenance Easy to find 500 – 1,500 ₺
    48V starter-alternator (BSG) Electric Hard to find 30,000 – 70,000 ₺
    Front brake pads Brake Easy to find 3,000 – 7,000 ₺
    Front brake disc (pair) Brake Easy to find 6,000 – 13,000 ₺
    LED front headlight (protruding) Bodywork / Lighting Medium 20,000 – 60,000 ₺
    Front bumper (used part) Bodywork / Lighting Easy to find 7,000 – 18,000 ₺
    Complete side mirror (used part) Bodywork / Lighting Easy to find 6,000 – 15,000 ₺
    Turbo (1.5 eTSI, used part) Engine Medium 25,000 – 55,000 ₺
    DQ200 clutch kit Gearbox Easy to find 18,000 – 35,000 ₺
    DQ200 mechatronic (used/salvaged) Gearbox Medium 25,000 – 50,000 ₺
    Thermostat + water pump housing Cooling Easy to find 5,000 – 12,000 ₺

    Prices are estimated ranges as of 2026-10-01; confirm the current price with the seller.

    Source: Volkswagen, ADAC, AMS, angurten.de, KBA 15269R, Euro NCAP 2019 (2026) · Last updated: 2026-10-18

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