Skip advert
Advertisement

Volkswagen Golf (Mk7 2013-2020) review – design

The Volkswagen Golf defines the family hatchback class, for good reason

Evo rating
RRP
from £17,785
  • Quality, space, refinement, performance
  • Everyone’s got one

How do you sum up a design as familiar as the Golf's? Some might use the word "boring", and it's true that there are plenty of rivals offering more intriguing shapes, but pragmatically few of the Mk7 Golf's rivals will age anything like as well and even fewer can trace their family lineage so consistently back through the decades.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Instantly recognisable, the Golf’s never been too radical a looker and this one is no different. It’s a handsome car though, the bold crease under the door handles and neatly detailed front and rear lights are nice touches. There are even some surprises; the designer’s playfulness is apparent in those headlights, where a couple of VW emblems form part of the unit. GT and R-Line models really up the visual appeal, adding more sporting looks and bringing bigger wheel options.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Why the wild V8-powered Land Rover Defender D7X-R has ‘flight mode’
Land Rover Defender Dakar D7X-R
News

Why the wild V8-powered Land Rover Defender D7X-R has ‘flight mode’

The Land Rover Defender will take on the world’s most gruelling off-road race in 2026. Here’s our first look at the car that will do it
25 Nov 2025
How a sub-200bhp runabout exposes the problem with today’s performance cars
695C Turismo
Opinion

How a sub-200bhp runabout exposes the problem with today’s performance cars

A shortage of long-term test cars flags up a wider problem, says Meaden
27 Nov 2025
Everyone loves the idea of a GT car, so why does nobody buy them?
Aston Martin Vanquish
Opinion

Everyone loves the idea of a GT car, so why does nobody buy them?

We all love a great GT, says Jethro. Trouble is, no-one wants to buy them
21 Nov 2025