Used 2016 Volkswagen Golf SEL for sale 

The Volkswagen Golf is available in four trims namely the base, S, SE, and SEL. Furthermore, it is available either as a 2-door or 4-door hatchback. The base Volkswagen Golf is priced at $18,495 for the base variant and goes up to $27,425. As standard, some basic features that the Volkswagen Golf is equipped with include keyless entry, heated mirrors, and power steering. Apart from the basic trims, the Golf is also available as a GTI and R-line which are sport and performance-focused trims respectively.

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Considering that car buying decisions are long-lasting and non-recurring, the SEL seems to be the best bet in the lot and has a maximum capacity to stand the test of time. Its additional features like a navigation system, keyless start, and dual-zone climate control, make the SEL an alluring option and an investment that may seem costly but is worth every dollar spent.

The engine powering your Volkswagen Golf is a 1.8L inline-4 unit that is good for 170hp of power and 200lb.-ft of torque. The hatchback comes attached to either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed shiftable automatic.

While the manual transmission is easy-going, the automatic transmission does lack some response when shifting through gears. As standard, the Golf is channeled to a front-wheel-drivetrain. The Volkswagen Golf boosts from a still to 60 MPH in 7.8 seconds and is one of the quicker cars in the segment. While the performance figures are not known, the Volkswagen Golf has a legacy of delivering impeccable performance.

While all three hatchbacks make use of an inline-4 engine, the Mazda 3 hatchback is the most powerful car having power and torque outputs of 184hp and 185lb.-ft respectively. It is consequently the fastest car in the segment taking 7.5 seconds to the 60 MPH mark. The Ford Focus clocks 8.5 and 16.5 seconds in the acceleration test and quarter-mile run respectively, while recording a top speed of 121 MPH.

The Volkswagen is highly fuel-efficient managing a combined average of 29 miles per gallon of fuel. However, it does not assert dominance in the segment by virtue of its economical figures. The Volkswagen Golf averages 25 MPG in the city and 36 MPG when sprinting on the highway. Its fuel tank is the largest in the segment and has a total capacity of 13.2 gallons and can average 330 and 475.2 miles in the city and on the highway respectively.

In comparison, the Ford Focus and Mazda 3 Hatchback manage higher efficiencies of 31 MPG. The Mazda has a similar-sized tank as the Volkswagen Golf, while the Ford Focus lurks at the bottom of the table in terms of fuel capacity. While the distance covered by each car is almost similar, there are minute differences and it is difficult to declare a certain winner.

Whether you are looking at the 2-door or the 4-door hatchback, there is nothing about the cabin build and design you would find irksome. The Volkswagen Golf scores highly on practicality and usability without compromising on comfort and luxury. The seats are comfortable and as standard, the Golf can accommodate five occupants. The central console that houses the infotainment system is striking in appearance and response. The ride quality remains decent, courtesy of a responsive steering system.

The front seats of the Volkswagen Golf are not just appropriately positioned but also accord maximum comfort. Even the rear seats of the hatchback are a delight. The Volkswagen Golf’s practicality is further strengthened by its abundant cargo capacity that is one of the best in the segment. The Golf offers a total of 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space, which can be further increased to 52.7 cubic feet. The maximum cargo capacity is enough to fit a bicycle, and thus, the Golf also has you covered on your adventure trips.

In comparison, all three cars have a seating capacity of five passengers only. While legroom on offer for front-seat passengers is highest in the Ford Focus, the Mazda 3 leads the segment with maximum rear-seat space. In terms of cargo capacity, the Focus’ 23.8 cubic feet trunk is the highest in the segment, whereas the Mazda 3 does remain considerably behind its competitors. Some salient interior features of the Volkswagen Golf include:

• Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel
• Electric Power Steering
• Cargo Net
• Single/Dual Zone Front Air Conditioning
• Front and Rear Cupholders
• Cruise Control

How intuitive is Volkswagen Golf’s infotainment system?

Perhaps, the 2016 iteration of the Volkswagen Golf gets its element of rejuvenation with the introduction of a standard touchscreen system, that makes the infotainment system easier to use. As standard, the Volkswagen Golf comes equipped with features like AM/FM Stereo, auxiliary audio input, and CD player.

Except for the base variant, the Golf also features a rearview camera that gets connected to the new touchscreen. As standard, the Volkswagen Golf comes connected to an 8-speaker sound system, which gets replaced by a 9-speaker unit with the higher trims. Some other salient features include:

• Memory Card Slot
• Satellite Radio
• MP3 Player
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• USB Connection
• 8/9-speaker sound system

If you’re wondering what a sight for the sore eyes is, the Volkswagen Golf is probably the answer to your question. By commingling an element of subtleness to the aggressive stance and design elements, the Volkswagen Golf is German designing redefined. Its hatchback design does not compromise spaciousness or rearward visibility. The head and tail lights are gracefully designed and feel robust with a hint of dynamism. The front grill though small in size does feel strappy and the chrome embellishments are upmarket and plush.

The Volkswagen Golf has a total curb weight of 3,023 lbs, only 5 lbs lighter than the heaviest hatchback in the segment. It is 167.5 inches long, 70.8 inches wide, and 57.2 inches wide. Its ground clearance is 5.4 inches and sports the shortest wheelbase of 103.8 inches.

In comparison, the Mazda 3 is the heaviest hatchback in the segment, while the Ford Focus is the lightest weighing 3028 and 2956 lbs respectively. The Mazda 3 is the longest hatchback, both in terms of overall length and wheelbase measuring 175.6 and 106.3 inches respectively. Whereas, the Ford Focus is the widest and tallest.

Some standout exterior features of the Volkswagen Golf include:

• Wheel Locks
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Rear Bumper Guard
• Sun/moonroof (available with the top-rack variant)
• Optional Rear Spoiler

The Volkswagen Golf manages to secure a five-star rating in the crash tests conducted by the NHTSA making it one of the safest and reliable cars in the segment. It makes use of a 4-wheel disc brake system that bestows upon the hatchback a halting distance of around 120ft, which is decent for a car in its segment. As standard, the Volkswagen Golf comes equipped with features like brake assist, traction control, and electronic stability control. Some other safety specifications include:

• Daytime Running Lights
• Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors
• Optional Blind Spot Monitor and Lane Departure Warning (available with higher trims only)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Child Seat Anchors
• Engine Immobilizer

There are no second thoughts we would have when recommending the Volkswagen Golf. While it may fall short on some performance parameters when compared to competitors, the Golf’s actual strength lies in its legacy and heritage. Just like every other generation or facelift, the current iteration is supremely talented with a large number of standard features. Its engine is adequately powerful and with safety and other hi-tech specifications that the car comes equipped with, it does prove to be a stiff competitor in a fierce segment.