Volkswagen’s latest Golf continues its legacy as the benchmark family hatchback. It combines quality, comfort and composure with a broad choice of efficient engines… and it’s still the all-rounder to beat
Fleetwise score 80%*
Spec list
• Petrol, Diesel, Mild-Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid engines 1.0-litre TSI to 1.5-litre eHybrid
• Manual and DSG Auto gearboxes
• from £28,895 to £39,000
• from £289pm
• Hatchback 5-door
• 5 seats
• 48–313mpg (depending on engine)
• Boot space 381 litres (seats up) / 1237 litres (seats folded)
• Warranty 3 yrs/60k miles (Battery 8 yrs/100k miles for PHEV)
• Company-car tax rates (BIK)
20% £438 to £3318
40% £876 to £6636
In 30 seconds…
The 2025 VW Golf remains a class act in the hatchback world. With a line-up spanning efficient petrol and diesel engines through to plug-in hybrid power, it offers something for every fleet need. The 1.5-litre eTSI mild hybrid (150bhp) is the sweet spot, blending smooth performance, low emissions and strong real-world economy.
Inside, the Golf feels refined and mature, with improved materials and VW’s latest infotainment system – now more intuitive and responsive than before. The cabin is solidly built, comfortable on long journeys and well-equipped across all trims.
On the road, the Golf is composed, quiet and reassuringly stable, making it ideal for motorway miles or urban commutes. Ride comfort is excellent, and its precise steering makes it easy to place on twistier routes.
The updated Golf also benefits from enhanced driver-assist tech and mild design tweaks, keeping it fresh and competitive. It might not be the flashiest choice, but for fleets seeking dependability, comfort and residual strength, it’s hard to fault.
“The Volkswagen Golf is an enjoyable car to drive. The steering is light but engaging and the body control is always composed, which makes it easy to build confidence behind the wheel” RAC Drive
Other media scores…
What Car? 4/5
Carbuyer 4.4/5
Auto Express 4/5
Autocar 4.5/5
Carwow 8/10
Parkers 4.1/5
Car 4/5
Top Gear 8/10
Select Car Leasing 4.1/5
Autotrader 4.5/5
RAC 8.8/10
Sample leasing deal
Lease Co leasing.com
Car VW Golf 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line DSG
Initial rental £2950
Term 24 months
Mileage per annum 8000
Monthly fee £279
Additional fees £200
(All prices excluding VAT)
In depth…
Brand Volkswagen
Model Golf 2.0TSI 150 R-Line DSG
Spec
Power source Petrol / Mild-Hybrid / Plug-in Hybrid / Diesel
Transmission Manual 6-speed / DSG 7-speed
Engine capacity 1498cc
Tax
CO2 118g/km (TSI) / 20g/km (eHybrid)
BIK 30% (eTSI) / 8% (eHybrid)
P11D £31,995
Performance
Max speed 139mph (eTSI)
0-62mph 8.4 seconds (eTSI)
Max bhp 150bhp
Max torque 184lb/ft
MPG 53.3mpg (eTSI WLTP) / 313mpg (eHybrid WLTP)
Size
5-door hatchback 5 seats
Length 4284mm
Width 1789mm
Height 1456mm
Kerbweight 1320kg (eTSI)
Also consider
Ford Focus
Toyota Corolla
Audi A3
*How we arrive at our aggregated score