In partnership with Auto Trader
Used test: Volkswagen Golf vs Volkswagen T-Cross verdict
Comfy and practical, a used VW Golf is a great buy, but are you better off with a small SUV like the VW T-Cross?...
Our verdict
Whether you choose the VW Golf or VW T-Cross, you've got a good buy on your hands: both are easy to live with as day-to-day family cars.
The T-Cross, with its higher driving position, superior practicality (thanks largely to that sliding rear bench) and colourful interior, is very appealing. Mind you, we'd recommend making sure the example you're looking at has at least some parking sensors.
On the other hand, the Golf is better to drive. Its ride is smoother and more composed, while its handling on a twisty road is noticeably sharper. So, while the T-Cross surpasses the Golf in a few areas (which the Golf still scores well in), the Golf's ace driving experience pushes it over the finish line in first place.
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1st – Volkswagen Golf
For Better to drive; quieter cruiser; plusher interior; slightly more fuel efficient
Against Smaller boot; pricier to insure
What Car? says 5 stars out of 5
Used 2013-2020 Volkswagen Golf buying guide >>
Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale >>
2nd – Volkswagen T-Cross
For Flexible rear seats; brighter interior (with optional pack fitted from new); better reliability
Against Harsher deprecation; ride sometimes jiggly; rear parking sensors not standard from new
What Car? says 4 stars out of 5
Used 2019-present Volkswagen T-Cross buying guide >>
Used Volkswagen T-Cross cars for sale >>
Specifications: Volkswagen Golf 1.0 TSI 115 Match 5dr
Engine size 3cyl, 999cc, turbo, petrol
Power 113bhp
Torque 148lb ft
Gearbox 6-spd manual
0-60mph 9.8sec
Top speed 123mph
Official fuel economy 51.1mpg
CO2 emissions 109g/km
Specifications: Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0 TSI 115 SE
Engine size 3cyl, 999cc, turbo, petrol
Power 113bhp
Torque 148lb ft
Gearbox 6-spd manual
0-60mph 9.5sec
Top speed 120mph
Official fuel economy 44.1mpg
CO2 emissions 121g/km
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