Volkswagen Golf LIFE cars

What is the Volkswagen Golf Life?

Life is a fairly new trim level that’s being widely used across the Volkswagen range – it’s used to denote the most affordable models, but it’s far from stingy when it comes to standard equipment.

You could easily compare a Volkswagen Golf Life to a mid-spec models from previous generations, because it’s just so well-equipped.

While some manufacturers limit the engine options in basic models, the Golf Life has plenty of choice, including mild hybrids.

– Read our Volkswagen Golf review

What are the Volkswagen Golf Life specs?

Engine choice is pretty generous, and starts with an economical 1.0-litre petrol engine with 110hp. Pick the automatic model and you get mild hybrid technology to help cut emissions, too.

There’s also a 2.0-litre diesel model that’s great on the motorway, but with 115hp, it doesn’t feel as quick as some of the other 2.0-litre diesels you can get across the VW range.

The most powerful option is the 150hp 1.5-litre petrol, which, like the other petrol engine, comes with a manual gearbox. Upgrade to the smooth-shifting DSG automatic for mild hybrid assistance.

Used Volkswagen Golf Life features and equipment

Standard equipment is very generous, and includes LED headlights, adaptive cruise control and front and rear parking sensors.

Inside, you get air-conditioning, ambient lighting, a large digital instrument cluster behind the wheel and a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.

The latest Golf got a facelift in 2024 (you may see it referred to as the Golf Mk8.5), but the changes are mostly stylistic. One notable change is that early models had touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons, but newer cars get physical buttons, because some drivers found the touch-sensitive buttons hard to get used to.

Where the Golf Life sits in the Volkswagen range

Life is the cheapest version of the eighth-generation Golf you can get, however as you can see from the standard equipment and engine options, it’s far from a poor choice.

If you want to upgrade, you can consider a Style model, but they’re generally a fair bit more expensive. There’s also the stylish R-Line model, and a newer Black Edition car.

Beyond those, you have performance models, like the GTE, GTD, GTI and R.