Car

Volkswagen Golf specifications

The Volkswagen Golf is a car built by Volkswagen Group. European buyers can choose from 8 engine and power combinations, from 85 kW (114 hp) to 245 kW (329 hp). US versions are rated at 25–28 mpg combined. It measures 4,284 mm (169 in) long on a 2,619 mm wheelbase.

Volkswagen Golf
Photo: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
114–329 hp
Power (85–245 kW)
175–400 Nm
Torque (129–295 lb-ft)
6.7–11.9 s
0–100 km/h (fastest to slowest version)
8
Engines sold in Europe

Engines and performance

European versions registered in 2025, by engine size and power. Economy and CO₂ are WLTP averages.
EngineFuelPowerEconomyCO₂Weight
1.5 litrePetrol85 kW / 114 hp5.3 l/100 km (44 mpg)121 g/km1,304–1,588 kg
2.0 litreDiesel85 kW / 114 hp4.4 l/100 km (53 mpg)116 g/km1,367–1,535 kg
1.5 litrePetrol110 kW / 148 hp5.4 l/100 km (44 mpg)123 g/km1,341–1,701 kg
2.0 litreDiesel110 kW / 148 hp4.7 l/100 km (50 mpg)123 g/km1,411–1,671 kg
1.5 litrePlug-in hybrid130 kW / 174 hp0.4 l/100 km (588 mpg)9 g/km1,644–1,723 kg
2.0 litrePetrol195 kW / 261 hp7.2 l/100 km (33 mpg)162 g/km1,454–1,544 kg
2.0 litrePetrol221 kW / 296 hp7.5 l/100 km (31 mpg)170 g/km1,459–1,549 kg
2.0 litrePetrol245 kW / 329 hp8.2 l/100 km (29 mpg)186 g/km1,548–1,773 kg

US powertrains and fuel economy

EPA ratings for model years 2025, 2026, 2027, sold as GTI, Golf GTI, Golf R.
PowertrainDriveCombinedElectric range
2.0 litre 4-cylinder, petrolAll-Wheel Drive25–26 mpg—
2.0 litre 4-cylinder, petrolFront-Wheel Drive27–28 mpg—

Versions and performance

8th generation, 2019–2024: 38 versions (hatchback, wagon), from least to most powerful. Figures are manufacturer claims and vary by market.

Power, torque and performance for each version of the 8th generation.
VersionEnginePowerTorque0–100 km/hTop speedGearboxDrive
1.0 MT Hatchback 5 doors1.0 litre gasoline89 hp 66 kW175 Nm11.9 s188 km/hManual, 5-speedFront wheel drive
1.0 AMT wagon 5 doors1.0 litre gasoline109 hp 81 kW200 Nm10.6 s202 km/hautomated manual, 7-speedFront wheel drive
1.0 AMT Hatchback 5 doors1.0 litre gasoline109 hp 81 kW200 Nm10.2 s202 km/hautomated manual, 7-speedFront wheel drive
1.0 MT wagon 5 doors1.0 litre gasoline109 hp 81 kW200 Nm10.5 s202 km/hManual, 6-speedFront wheel drive
1.0 MT Hatchback 5 doors1.0 litre gasoline109 hp 81 kW200 Nm10.2 s202 km/hManual, 6-speedFront wheel drive
2.0 AMT wagon 5 doors2.0 litre diesel114 hp 85 kW300 Nm10.7 s202 km/hautomated manual, 7-speedFront wheel drive
2.0 MT wagon 5 doors2.0 litre diesel114 hp 85 kW300 Nm10.5 s202 km/hManual, 6-speedFront wheel drive
2.0 MT Hatchback 5 doors2.0 litre diesel114 hp 85 kW300 Nm10.2 s202 km/hManual, 6-speedFront wheel drive
1.5 AMT wagon 5 doors1.5 litre gas balloon equipment129 hp 96 kW200 Nm9.8 s211 km/hautomated manual, 7-speedFront wheel drive
1.5 MT wagon 5 doors1.5 litre gasoline129 hp 96 kW200 Nm9.4 s214 km/hManual, 6-speedFront wheel drive
1.4 AMT Hatchback 5 doors1.4 litre gasoline148 hp 110 kW250 Nm8.2 s200 km/hautomated manual, 7-speedFront wheel drive
1.4 AT Hatchback 5 doors1.4 litre gasoline148 hp 110 kW250 Nm8.5 s216 km/hAutomatic, 8-speedFront wheel drive

Dimensions and weight

Typical values for the 8th generation, estate and hatchback.
Length4,284 mm169 in
Width1,789 mm70 in
Height1,491 mm59 in
Wheelbase2,619 mm103 in
Ground clearance142 mm6 in
Kerb weight1,255–1,624 kg2,767–3,580 lb
Boot space381–1,237 litres13–44 cu ft
Seats5
Fuel tank45 litres12 US gal

Where it's sold, and what it's called

MarketSold as2025 sales rank
EuropeVolkswagen Golf#9

Ranked by 2025 new-car registrations in the EU, Norway and Iceland (EEA provisional data).

Generations

  1. 1st generation 1974–1993
  2. 2nd generation 1983–1992
  3. 3rd generation 1991–2000
  4. 4th generation 1997–2006
  5. 5th generation 2003–2009
  6. 6th generation 2008–2012
  7. 7th generation 2012–2017
  8. 7th generation, facelift 2017–2020
  9. 8th generation 2019–2024
  10. 8th generation, facelift 2024–present

Questions about the Volkswagen Golf

How much horsepower does the Volkswagen Golf have?

The most powerful Volkswagen Golf sold in Europe produces 245 kW (329 hp) from a 2-litre petrol engine. The least powerful version makes 85 kW (114 hp).

How much torque does the Volkswagen Golf have?

Between 175 and 400 Nm (129–295 lb-ft) for the 8th generation, depending on the engine.

How fast is the Volkswagen Golf from 0 to 100 km/h (0–60 mph)?

The quickest version takes 6.7 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h (about 6.4 s to 60 mph); the slowest takes 11.9 seconds.

What is the top speed of the Volkswagen Golf?

Up to 245 km/h (152 mph) for the fastest version; the slowest tops out at 188 km/h (117 mph).

How big is the Volkswagen Golf?

It is 4,284 mm (169 in) long, 1,789 mm (70 in) wide and 1,491 mm (59 in) tall. A typical kerb weight is 1,255 kg (2,767 lb).

What fuel economy does the Volkswagen Golf get?

The most economical European version uses 4.4 l/100 km on the WLTP cycle. In the US, EPA combined ratings range from 25–28 mpg.

Is the Volkswagen Golf a best seller?

It ranked number 9 in Europe in 2025.

Compare the Volkswagen Golf

Similar hatchbacks and small cars

Sources: EEA CO₂ monitoring 2025 (engines), RDW open data and manufacturer data (dimensions, versions), FuelEconomy.gov (US ratings), Wikidata Q247, Wikipedia. Figures are typical values and vary by trim and year.