Used Volkswagen Golf TDi cars available

Why buy a Golf TDi?Back to top

The TDi is the most efficient model in the VW Golf range.

First introduced to the third generation Golf in 1991, the TDi engine is one of the leading options in the entire Golf range. While it offers the most economical of run costs in the range, it does come with the compromise of reducing performance slightly. Relative to other Golfs, that might offer a problem, but in comparison to its rival diesel hatches, it stands as arguably the best in its class.

In terms of specifications, the TDi succeeds in providing a balance between all aspects the Golf excels at - generally considered to be all of them. In the most recent Mk7 Golf, engine options are either a 1.6 litre or the ubiquitous 2.0 litre 148bhp, which between them offer the best all-round specifications in the range.

The main advantage the TDi variant holds over its competent Golf siblings, is that it offers the best efficiency. Fuel consumption ranges over the TDi generations from an impressive 56mpg in the Mk3, to a very impressive 68mpg in the latest Mk7. CO2 emissions are also reduced, which on the 1.6 TDi sit at 99g/km, crucially placing in under the road tax exempt threshold.

What the excellent efficiency and low run costs do result in however, is a slight loss of performance compared to rest of the range. This is only relative though, as the 10.7 seconds it takes the Mk7 TDi to hit 62mph is not exactly lethargic, nor is the 8.6 seconds it takes with the larger 2.0 engine.

As it is a Golf, handling and ride is second to none, being both refined and calm at high speeds, and willing and able once you put a bit more into it on trickier roads. The petrol engine Golfs might have the slight edge by being better weighted as a result of their lighter engines, but put up against any in its class, its ability to ride like a car far bigger and more luxurious than it actually is, while maintaining an enthusiasm for vigorous driving places it well ahead.

There are cars which offer a more exciting design and those which offer more luxury and perhaps more power, but few excel in all areas like the Golf does. Of those, none are as cost efficient as the TDi, which means it really does sit at the pinnacle of its hotly competitive market.