Volkswagen Golf hatchback - Reliability & safety

Unlike the entirely new Volkswagen ID.3, the Mk8 Golf is an evolution of the MQB-based Mk7, so reliability shouldn't change and safety promises to be even better.

Volkswagen Golf reliability

Sharing the same underpinnings as the Mk7, the latest Golf should in theory be similarly reliable. The only potential new problems would come from the new digital technology fitted inside and the eTSI mild-hybrid systems, both of which could throw up minor faults. If they do, hopefully Volkswagen will be able to remedy them with software updates.

The Mk8 Golf came 73rd out of the top 75 cars in our 2021 Driver Power survey, which is behind the 50th place of the outgoing model in 2020's results. It's not a great first sign, as newer cars typically perform better and then slip down the rankings. While running costs were praised, reliability, build quality and infotainment were not.

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Safety

The latest Volkswagen Golf achieved a resounding five-star Euro NCAP crash-test score, thanks to its impressive roster of safety technology. Highlights include lane keeping assist, Car2X communications that share hazard warnings between cars, LED Matrix headlights and driving aids that can help drive the car at speeds of up to 130mph.