Volkswagen Golf: Should I Choose Estate or Hatchback?

The Volkswagen Golf is one of the most popular cars on the market, with a reported 37 million Golf's sold since its introduction in 1974. 

Choosing between the Estate and Hatchback versions of the Golf is more than a matter of size; it's about aligning the car with your lifestyle, driving preferences, and aesthetics. 

In this blog, we'll delve into the nuances of both models to help you make an informed decision that best suits your needs. 

We talk about: 

The Golf celebrated 50 years in 2024, and Volkswagen is marking this by releasing its eighth generation. 

The reason for the Golf's success is that it provides brilliant bang for your book. Available at an affordable price, the Golf comes with a pleasant interior, decent practicality, and a good-looking exterior. 

Exterior 

Both versions of the Golf boast sleek lines and an aerodynamic body that embodies a sporty yet sophisticated aesthetic. The Hatchback is much more compact and is more of a city car, while the Estate has a longer profile with a more pronounced rear end. 

Interior 

The interior of the Golf is consistent across both models, featuring a clean and comfortable cabin that's user-friendly. 

On the eighth generation, the Golf will feature a 10-inch touchscreen, a digital instrument display, and a range of connectivity and driver assistance systems. 

Boot Space

The Volkswagen Golf Hatchback has a 380-litre boot, while the Estate increases this to 611-litres. 

The boot is one of the standout features of the Golf Estate and is more than enough for a set of Golf clubs or luggage for a week's holiday. 

All versions of the Golf come with a height-adjustable floor, and the rear seats can fold in a 60/40 split. 

Interior

As expected, there's more space in the Estate than the Hatchback. If you've got a family, the Estate is the Golf for you. 

Engine Options 

The engine options for the Estate and Hatchback are exactly the same, albeit for the absence of the plug-in hybrid on the Estate version. 

The engine range includes a 1.0-litre or 1.5-litre petrol, a 1.5-litre mild-hybrid, a 1.4-litre plug-in hybrid (Hatchback only), and a 2.0-litre diesel. 

Driving Dynamics 

The reason for the Golf's popularity is that it's one of the best cars to drive. Whether you've gone for the Estate or Hatchback, the Golf is comfortable to drive around town and more than capable at higher speeds. 

The Hatchback is more suited to urban driving, thanks to its smaller dimensions, tight turning circle and agile handling. 

The Estate is a bit more boring to drive thanks to less engaging handling at cruising speed. However, around town, it's fine, but it's worth considering its larger dimensions if you have a tight parking space. 

Fuel Efficiency 

All petrol versions of the Golf return decent fuel economy at around the mid-40s. 

The diesel engines increase fuel economy to an average of 65mpg, which is very good. 

Hatchback 

Pros: 

• Agile to drive 
• Pleasant interior 
• Reliable 

Cons: 

• Less spacious 
• Mediocre boot space

Estate 

Pros: 

• Although bigger, it remains good to drive 
• Comfortable interior 
• Generous boot space 

Cons: 

• Doesn't look as good as the Hatchback
• Slightly worse to drive 

Undeniably, the Golf is a fantastic car to drive, but whether you go for the Estate of Hatchback hinges on your lifestyle and driving needs. 

The Estate shines in practicality, offering ample space for families, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone requiring extra luggage space. Its extended profile doesn't reduce the Golf's enjoyable driving dynamics, which is handy. 

With its compact size, the Hatchback appeals to those seeking a classic, spirited driving experience. It's perfect for city dwellers or individuals who appreciate the ease of manoeuvrability and agile handling. 

Looking for more car advice? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts produces a range of motoring guides, such as Family Car Leasing and UK Road Law. 

We are also one of the UK's leading car leasing brokers, offering a range of leasing deals to suit your every need. For more information, check out our leasing deals or call us at 0345 811 9595.