Used 2018 Volkswagen Golf SE for sale 

There are two trims available for the 2018 incarnation of Volkswagen Golf, namely S, and SE. Both the trims have a powerful 1.8L turbocharged engine capable of providing a sturdy power output of 170 hp. While the S trim comes with a big 6.5-inch infotainment screen, the SE trim offers an even bigger 8.0-inch display.

Both the 2018 Volkswagen Golf trims are customizable. Pricing options start at $20,910 and $23,655 for S and SE, respectively. For some basic modern options including the LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), the S trim is one to go for. While opting for the SE trim offers power tilting/sliding panoramic sunroof and a blind-spot monitor, and some other safety features.

We Recommend

Both the Golf S and SE trims are great to go for. When you're looking to squeeze in every possibility of the budget, then it's the S variant that you should go for. However, if you believe that the bigger is better than the SE trim might work perfectly for you as it has a bigger infotainment screen and the Blind Spot Monitor feature.

The base engine for the 2018 iteration of the Volkswagen Golf is a 1.8-liter TSI DOHC 16V Turbocharged 4-cylinder. Both S and SE trims feature the same engine. It is capable of generating 170 hp and a solid 184 lb.-ft. of torque. There is a choice of either a 6-speed automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual.

The Golf is outfitted with one of the best engines in the segment. Note that if you opt for the Automatic you get the torque heightened to 199 foot-pounds. The drivetrain is only a front-wheel drive, though the response is great and the car itself feels quite agile. Even the suspension is highly well made and offers a great ride quality.

The Volkswagen Golf competes with the Kia Forte5, Honda Civic Hatchback, and Mazda 3 in the Hatch segment. Only the Honda Civic comes close to the Golf in terms of performance, though the 199 pound-feet of max torque it has which comes in super low, makes the Golf faster and more responsive. The Kia Forte hatchback is only offered with a 6-speed automatic gearbox in its lower trim.

Moreover, both the Kia Forte5 and Mazda 3 feature a 2.0-liter engine, while Honda Civic Hatchback comes with a 1.5L I-4 DOHC turbocharged engine. The Volkswagen Golf’s engine seems to be the best engineered on the lineup, as it exceeds most others in performance.

2018 Volkswagen Golf Acceleration

The Volkswagen Golf’s engine truly packs a punch, and transfers drive to the front wheels efficiently. The powerful 1.8L turbocharged engine and a lightweight frame allow the Golf to overcome its competitors in terms of the 0-60 acceleration. Further, the engine is also the best option for the quarter-mile. However, being a naturally aspirated motor, it falls short in terms of CO2 emissions.

The 2018 Volkswagen Golf is capable of reaching 60MPH from nothing in 6.7 seconds. This is the quickest among its competitors. It is given close competition by the Kia Forte5, which takes about 6.9 seconds to accomplish the same feat. at the quarter-mile, the Civic and the Forte begin catching up, though the Golf would still come out on top in most situations.

2018 Volkswagen Golf Ride and Handling

As always, driving the Volkswagen Golf is a joy to have. In addition to offering stability at high speeds, the 2018 iteration of the classic hatch offers impressive steering. No matter whether it's strict traffic conditions or open countryside roads. The engine remains punchy throughout, and if you know how to operate the stick capably can be quite responsive on highways as well. The automatic gearbox is also quite reliable and efficient, with collected and calm succeeding gears with great down-shifting.

The ride quality in the hatchback is some of the best amongst the segment currently. Although VW does not offer any rear-wheel-drive or AWD. The suspension seems ready to take on smaller imperfections and the car remains planted around turns. Either of which makes it rather fun to drive the car.

2018 Volkswagen Golf Braking

One thing that Volkswagen Golf needs to work on is its braking system. The Golf comes with disk brakes on either axle and comes with a variety of tech as standard to improve the handling of the car. The brakes are soft to use in ideal conditions but not that powerful in extreme conditions. 

Compared to the Mazda 3, Volkswagen Golf takes 3 feet less to hit 0 MPH from 60 MPH i.e. 117 feet. However, it is 2 feet more than the economical Kia Forte5 (LX) and the powerful Honda Civic Hatchback (LX). The golf is also the heaviest car in the segment, which can be the reason for measly braking performance.

The 2018 Volkswagen Golf offers a decent fuel economy. The naturally aspirated and age-old motor does not return the best mpg figures, particularly compared to the turbocharged motors of the modern-day. May it is a city ride or a longer one on the highway, you will get good, if not great, mileage. It gives competition to its contemporaries, but falls short, of course, in terms of both individual and combined fuel economy. The Golf comes with a fuel tank of 13.2 gallons which allows it a range of about 380 miles with a full tank.

Having a combined fuel economy of 29 isn't bad. Yet, of course, it is less satisfying than that of 33 and 31 for Honda Civic Hatchback and Mazda 3, respectively. Nonetheless, the 29 combined fuel economy is 1 more than that offered by the Kia Forte5. Hence the car is pretty well made and frugal.

The Volkswagen Golf offers some well designed and supportive seats at the front. The car comes standard with cloth upholstery, which is quite comfortable. The SE trim gets leatherette seats. The interiors themselves are rather well made and offer a good amount of space at the rear as well a genuine upmarket feel. The styling has a timeless and well-made design that will never make your car feel old.

The front seats of Volkswagen Golf offer plenty of room to accommodate an average person. It has headroom and legroom of 38.4 inches and 41.2 inches, respectively. The legroom is enough but 1 inch less than the Mazda 3 and Kia Forte5. The headroom and shoulder-room are also less than that offered by the competition. 

Nonetheless, the front seats offer good support and comfort. The rear seats are a little smaller with 38.1 inches of headroom and 35.6 inches of legroom. Even though the legroom is the smallest among Golf, Civic, Kia Forte5, and Mazda 3, the headroom is bigger than that offered by Civic and Mazda 3.

2018 Volkswagen Golf Infotainment System

One of the leading highlights of the 2018 Volkswagen Golf is its stylish and superb infotainment system. While the S trim comes with a 6.5-inch infotainment screen, the SE trim offers bigger 8.0-inch screens. In addition to enjoying connectivity via means of Bluetooth, the smart infotainment system provides support for powerful features like intuitive proximity sensor display and voice control.

The infotainment features include:

• 6.5-inch touchscreen standard
• 8.0-inch touchscreen (optional)
• A 3-month free trial of SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• Bluetooth Compatibility
• Driver Assistance
• VW Car-Net Security and Services

2018 Volkswagen Golf Cargo Space

The Golf line excels at hauling. There are 16.5 cubic feet of space under the parcel shelf. If loaded from the ceiling, the car allows you to store items up to 23 cubic feet. The trunk is well given a squarish design with a low lip for ease of loading.

Probably the most celebrated highlight of the 2018 Volkswagen Golf is its cargo capacity. Unfortunately, it lags behind the competition in the capacity of space behind the 2nd row, which is 17.4 ft.-cube. However, it offers a gigantic 53.7 ft.-cube of 2nd row folded space, easily outlasting Kia Forte5, Honda Civic, and the Mazda 3 (Sport).

One of the best things that people like about Volkswagen Golf is its compact build, which is adhered to in the 2018 model. Golf models follow a traditional design with a well defined squarish design and a giant C-pillar. The design is highly recognizable and feels premium, even at this inexpensive price point. With a chrome exterior finishing with streamlined design, the Golf is one smooth car that feels comfy to ride as well as a joy to watch gliding on the streets.

The Golf has a length of 167.5-inch, which is the shortest among the competition. However, it is wider than the Kia Forte5 and Mazda 3 (Sport). Even though the car gives the impression of a sleeker look, it is heavy among the competition with a total curb weight of 2963 lbs. Some of the 2018 Volkswagen Golf’s key exterior features are:

• Panoramic Sunroof
• Two box recognizable design
• Full-LED headlights and taillights
• LED DRLs
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Redesigned front bumpers

The new Volkswagen Golf strictly adheres to safety and reliability, the build quality is well made and reliable. The NHTSA has granted the Golf a maximum score of 5-star OVerall. The IIHS on the other hand also gives the car a general positive safety rating. Ranging from ABS and Driveline Traction Control to Rear Child Safety Locks, the ride ensures you stay safe and enjoy your journey without any security issues. Some standout safety features offered in the car are:

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Side Impact Beams
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Rear Parking Sensors with Rearview camera
• Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Side Airbags

2018 Volkswagen Golf vs 2018 Kia Forte5

In terms of the price, Kia Forte5 Hatchback outshines the 2018 Volkswagen Golf. There are also several areas where the former emerges out to be a better option than the latter. For instance, it offers a 98.2 ft.-cube of passenger space. This is not only greater than that offered by the Golf but from all other options of the same segment. However, Golf stays ahead of Kia Forte5 and the rest with cargo volume, strong engine configuration, powerful infotainment system, and reliable safety options.

2018 Volkswagen Golf vs 2018 Honda Civic Hatchback

Priced at $20,050, the Honda Civic Hatchback remains less costly than the Volkswagen Golf. Moreover, it offers a little more cargo space. It has a powerful engine that is capable of delivering more power but less torque. It has lesser CO2 emissions too. The advantage that the Golf features over Honda Civic are several. Modern infotainment systems, better safety systems, shorter length, and faster acceleration are some of the many.

2018 Volkswagen Golf vs 2018 Mazda 3 

For those looking for a small family car with some nifty features and a speedy feel, the best option is the Mazda 3 Hatchback. Of course, it has lesser emissions than Golf. Moreover, it is the most inexpensive car in its league with Golf, Civic, and Kia Forte5 and about $3k, $2,815 to be precise, cheaper than the 2018 Volkswagen Golf Model S. Major setbacks of Mazda 3 are lesser cargo space, the lowest power of that of 155 hp among the competition, lowest torque. However, it has the most ground clearance of 6.1 inches.

The 2018 Volkswagen Golf is a powerful car to go for, no doubt about that. If you are seeking a car with a well-designed and responsive engine, sleek design, and good cargo capacity then there's no other better option than that of the Golf. Plus, it offers good fuel economy too. The classic look and the well designed and luxurious interiors seem to have stood the test of time, and the car is one of the relevant classics of the modern-day. Overall if you want a zippy compact car, the Golf is highly recommended.