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4.0/5· Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf Estate (2013 - 2020)

2013 – 2020· 5 owner Q&As

Diesel5 Door
Motoring.Today Verdict
8.0/10

Excellent

The Volkswagen Golf Estate (2013-2020) is a retro icon reborn, now electrified and ready to take on the modern commuter's needs. With its blend of practicality, comfort, and tech-savvy features, this estate car is not just a family hauler but a stylish statement on the road.

At a glance

113

hp · Power

633

miles · Range / tank

10.5s

0–60 mph

£

Running costs

From £391/mo

Typical finance

Motoring.Today. verdict

Best for

  • Spacious and versatile interior
  • Advanced technology and safety features
  • Strong performance across petrol, diesel, and electric variants

Consider alternatives if

  • Limited rear visibility due to design
  • Higher price point compared to some rivals
  • Electric variant may have limited range for some users

Finance snapshot

Typical monthly payment

£391/month

Based on PCP · 48 months · £2,400 deposit

Best suited for

  • Company Car Drivers
  • Petrol/Diesel Buyers
  • High Mileage Drivers
  • Families

Affordability

Very affordable

Great fit for most budgets.

Ratings breakdown

performance42/10
practicality42/10
running costs35/10
behind the wheel43/10
comfort40/10
equipment41/10
green credentials30/10
handling40/10
reliability45/10
safety44/10

Theo's AI summary

The Volkswagen Golf Estate (2013 - 2020) is a versatile and practical choice for those in need of a reliable estate car. With its spacious interior, advanced technology, and the option of an electric variant, it caters to a wide range of drivers. The combination of comfort, performance, and efficiency makes it a top recommendation for families and individuals seeking a modern vehicle that meets their everyday needs.

Best match for

  • Performance enthusiasts
  • Practical families
  • Budget-conscious buyers

Estimated ownership costs

Based on 10,000 miles per year

Fuel

£102/month

Insurance

£85/month

Road Tax

£1683/month

Servicing

£60/month

Estimated total

£1930/month

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Safe, secure and confidential

Handling is one of the standout features of the Volkswagen Golf Estate. The vehicle exhibits excellent stability and poise through corners, thanks to its low centre of gravity and precise steering. Whether navigating tight city streets or winding country roads, the Golf Estate ma

External voices

What the experts say

Parkers

The Volkswagen Golf Estate (2013-2020) is praised for its spacious interior, high-quality materials, and practicality. Owners appreciate the comfortable ride and efficient engines, though some note that the infotainment system can be less intuitive. Overall, it’s a solid choice for families and those needing extra boot space.

Read full review
Autocar

The Golf Estate boasts a sleek design that combines functionality with style. Reviewers commend its well-proportioned exterior and refined interior layout. However, some critics mention that it lacks the sporty edge of rivals. Overall, it’s a visually appealing estate that doesn’t compromise on practicality.

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WhatCar

Reliability ratings for the Golf Estate are generally positive, with many owners reporting few issues. The build quality is high, contributing to its dependability. However, some users have experienced minor electrical faults. Overall, it’s considered a reliable choice in the estate segment.

Ownership intelligence

The real cost of owning one

Finance & affordability

Financing options for the Volkswagen Golf Estate are flexible, with various plans available to suit different budgets. Whether opting for a personal contract purchase (PCP) or a hire purchase agreement, potential buyers can find a solution that fits their financial needs.

Day-to-day running costs

The running costs of the Volkswagen Golf Estate are competitive within its class, particularly with the introduction of the electric variant, which significantly reduces fuel expenses. Regular maintenance is straightforward, and the car's reliability contributes to lower long-term ownership costs. Insurance premiums are also reasonable, making it an economical choice for families and individuals alike.

Charging & fuel

For the electric variant, charging is convenient with various options available, including home charging stations and public charging points. The petrol and diesel models offer excellent fuel economy, ensuring that drivers can enjoy long distances without frequent refuelling stops.

Heritage

Milestones & history

  1. 2013

    Launch of the Volkswagen Golf Estate (Mk7)

  2. 2017

    Facelift introduced with updated technology and design

  3. 2020

    Introduction of the Retro Icon Reborn electric variant

Read full launch story

The Volkswagen Golf Estate was designed to provide a practical and spacious alternative to the standard Golf hatchback, catering to families and those requiring additional cargo space. Since its inception, the Golf Estate has evolved through various generations, incorporating advancements in technology, safety, and efficiency, culminating in the latest models that offer both traditional and electric powertrains.

Compare with alternatives

The Volkswagen Golf Estate (2013 - 2020) competes strongly with its rivals by offering a blend of quality, practicality, and driving enjoyment, though alternatives may provide better value or specific advantages.

Ford Focus Estate

Reference only

Popular for driving dynamics and practicality, often seen as a sporty alternative in the compact segment.

vs features
The Focus Estate offers a more engaging driving experience with sharper handling compared to the Golf. However, the Golf typically has a more refined interior with higher-quality materials and a more user-friendly infotainment system.
vs price
The Focus Estate is generally priced similarly to the Golf, but can be slightly less expensive depending on the trim and options chosen.
No Motoring.Today review

Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer

Reference only

Positioned as a value-oriented option with a focus on practicality and comfort.

vs features
The Astra Sports Tourer provides a spacious interior and a comfortable ride, but it lacks the premium feel and advanced tech features found in the Golf. The driving experience is more subdued compared to the Golf's sporty character.
vs price
Typically, the Astra Sports Tourer is less expensive than the Golf, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
No Motoring.Today review

Skoda Octavia Estate

Reference only

Known for offering excellent value for money with a spacious interior and practicality.

vs features
The Octavia Estate shares many components with the Golf, providing a similar driving experience but with more interior space. However, the Golf often has a more upscale interior and better tech features.
vs price
The Octavia Estate is usually priced lower than the Golf, making it a strong contender for those seeking value.
No Motoring.Today review

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Volkswagen Golf Estate (2013 - 2020) for sale on Motoring.Today

Specs by trim

1.2 TSI (105bhp) S 5dPetrol Manual · 2013–2016
Power
103 bhp
0–60 mph
10.4 s
Top speed
120 mph
Torque
175 Nm
Economy
56 mpg
Range
616 mi
CO₂
117 g/km
Insurance group
12
Road tax
£35
New price
£19,955
1.2 TSI (105bhp) S 5d DSGPetrol Automatic · 2013–2016
Power
103 bhp
0–60 mph
10.4 s
Top speed
120 mph
Torque
175 Nm
Economy
56 mpg
Range
616 mi
CO₂
115 g/km
Insurance group
12
Road tax
£35
New price
£21,370
1.2 TSI S 5dPetrol Manual · 2013–2016
Power
83 bhp
0–60 mph
12.2 s
Top speed
112 mph
Torque
160 Nm
Economy
56 mpg
Range
616 mi
CO₂
115 g/km
Insurance group
7
Road tax
£35
New price
£18,980
1.6 TDI S 5dDiesel Manual · 2013–2016
Power
88 bhp
0–60 mph
11.5 s
Top speed
115 mph
Torque
230 Nm
Economy
70 mpg
Range
770 mi
CO₂
103 g/km
Insurance group
10
Road tax
£20
New price
£20,800
2.0 TDI SE 5dDiesel Manual · 2013–2016
Power
147 bhp
0–60 mph
8.6 s
Top speed
135 mph
Torque
320 Nm
Economy
67 mpg
Range
737 mi
CO₂
110 g/km
Insurance group
17
Road tax
£20
New price
£24,315
2.0 TDI SE 5d DSGDiesel Automatic · 2013–2016
Power
147 bhp
0–60 mph
8.6 s
Top speed
134 mph
Torque
320 Nm
Economy
62 mpg
Range
682 mi
CO₂
119 g/km
Insurance group
17
Road tax
£35
New price
£25,730

+ 98 more trim variants

FAQs

What makes the Volkswagen Golf Estate (2013-2020) a reliable choice?
The Volkswagen Golf Estate is known for its 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, impressive fuel efficiency, and strong resale value, making it a reliable option for budget-conscious commuters.
How does the electric variant of the Golf Estate perform?
The electric variant of the Golf Estate offers instant torque for responsive urban driving, low running costs, and a seamless motorway experience, making it an eco-friendly choice without sacrificing performance.
What are the financing options for the Volkswagen Golf Estate?
Financing options through Volkswagen Finance start at £299 per month with a £3,000 deposit at an APR of 5.9%. Terms and conditions apply.
Is the Volkswagen Golf Estate suitable for families?
Yes, the Golf Estate features a spacious interior with high-quality materials, making it a comfortable and practical choice for families needing extra cargo space.
What advancements were made in the 2013-2020 Golf Estate models?
The 2013-2020 Golf Estate models saw significant improvements in technology, efficiency, and safety, including the introduction of an electric variant as part of Volkswagen's commitment to sustainability.

Volkswagen Golf Estate (2013 - 2020) (2013–2020)

From £391/month