Volkswagen Golf alternatives: great options for family hatch buyers
The VW Golf is often thought of as the default family car, but there are plenty of other models to consider in this class
The Volkswagen Golf has been around for 50 years and it’s been one of the best family cars you can buy for nearly all of that time. The fact it’s been around for so long and has remained relevant for the whole time means it’s often considered to be the default choice for anyone looking for a practical new car.
Yet the Golf won’t be the perfect choice for everyone. By virtue of being a great all-rounder, it’s a compromise and doesn’t do everything perfectly. It’s not as stylish as some rivals, for example, but remains more practical. It’s not as good to drive as certain others, but rides more smoothly because it has a very balanced suspension set-up. It would be unfair to describe the Golf as a Jack of all trades and master of none, but it certainly does most things well rather than one thing exceptionally so.
You might simply be looking for an alternative to the Volkswagen Golf because you don’t like the car’s styling, particularly the interior. The latest Mk8 model doesn’t live up to expectations on that front and we reckon it’s actually worse than the previous Mk7.5 Golf’s cabin for quality. Even the infotainment is worse than the old model’s set-up because it lacks physical buttons to quickly control the climate functions.
The current Golf is still a fantastic car with a wide range of efficient engines, a comfortable ride, great technology and smart, classless looks. If you’re looking for something different, though, you can read on below to find out our picks for the best alternatives.
Skoda Octavia
- Prices from £27,755
The Skoda Octavia is a brilliant alternative to the Volkswagen Golf because it uses many of the same engines and lots of other tech from the Golf, yet it’s more practical and better value for money as well. It’s just as comfy too, although it doesn’t handle quite as well down a twisty road. It’s very close, though, and overall the Octavia is a brilliant all-rounder just like the VW. There’s also an estate model if you need more boot space and practicality.
BMW 1 Series
- Prices from £31,065
The BMW 1 Series isn’t as roomy as a Golf but it makes up for that with its high-quality interior and enjoyable driving experience. While the current 1 Series is no longer rear-wheel drive, it’s still one of the best cars to drive in its class with loads of grip, nimble handling and a comfortable ride even over bumpy B-roads. It’s a little more expensive than the Golf but enthusiasts may think it’s worth spending a little more for something that’s more fun to drive.
Vauxhall Astra
- Prices from £24,795
Vauxhall has offered an alternative to the Golf for almost as long as the VW has been around, but most of those alternatives weren’t as good for one reason or another. Right now, though, the gap is closer than ever and the Vauxhall Astra is certainly a more interesting car to look at than the more understated Golf. It also has all the kit you could want, plus it’s comfortable and good value for money. However, it’s not as practical or as good to drive as the Volkswagen.
Mazda 3
- Prices from £24,010
While most family hatchbacks use turbocharged engines to deliver low CO2 emissions with strong performance, Mazda treads a different path with its large-capacity non-turbo petrol engines. These are smooth and make the driving experience more involving for certain people, while bringing excellent real-world fuel economy, considering their capacity. It’s the other aspects of the Mazda 3 that impress most, though: the interior is fantastic, it’s comfortable yet fun to drive, it has all the tech you need, and it looks great. Only the poor rear-seat space lets it down.
Volkswagen ID.3
- Prices from £30,850
There used to be an electric version of the Golf, but this was replaced with the Volkswagen ID.3 – although everything from the interior to the ride and handling is very similar between these two models. The difference comes with the electric-only powertrain and the futuristic exterior looks. If you wanted a Golf but with electric power, the ID.3 is a great option, although it’s not one of the very best electric cars.
Used Volkswagen Golf alternatives
You can get a used Volkswagen Golf at around three years old and with under 50,000 miles for around £10k to £14k, depending on specification and condition. There are plenty of used alternatives at around the same price, and some look excellent value for money. Here we take a look at the best ones.
Mercedes A-Class
The Mercedes A-Class is a more upmarket car than the Golf, but on the used market you can grab a similar-condition example for around the same price as a Golf. That’s thanks to depreciation and the fact the Mercedes is likely to cost a little more to run than the VW. Many will think that extra is well worth paying for the high-quality interior and smart looks, although be aware that the Mercedes doesn’t drive or ride as well as the Golf, and it’s a bit less practical.
Ford Focus
The Ford Focus has been a key rival for the Golf for decades and it has always been a close battle between the two. The Focus is brilliant to drive no matter which version you choose, with enjoyable handling and a smooth ride, and the engines are powerful yet economical. The 1.0-litre models have become known for having serious issues, so choose one that has been looked after according to the official service schedule to avoid premature failure. This reputation has hit values, so you can grab a bargain if you buy a good example.
Honda Civic
If practicality is key for you, then the Honda Civic is one of the best cars in its class, because it has a huge boot and loads of space for rear-seat passengers. It’s also really good to drive, comfortable and efficient, so it makes a great all-rounder. The interior and infotainment aren’t as modern-looking as the Golf’s and there isn’t as much choice when it comes to engines and trim levels, but the Civic is well equipped and great value as a used car.
Toyota Corolla
Reliability is key when choosing a used car, and the Toyota Corolla is one of the top options here. The brand is known for its dependable models and the Corolla mixes that with smart looks, efficient hybrid power, a surprisingly enjoyable driving experience and plenty of tech. It’s not the most practical family car, but there is a roomier estate version that might be perfect for many buyers.
Looking for even more options? These are the best hatchbacks to buy...
