Cars similar to the VW Golf
Take a look at some cars similar to the VW Golf for a worthy alternative
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By Tia Harrison-North
Last updated: 1 April 2025
Often the original is best, but there can be alternatives that come pretty close.
That’s how we feel about cars similar to the VW Golf – while they’re not quite as iconic, they can still be just as good.
If you like the classic hatchback, finding cars similar to the VW Golf is a good way to explore options. Especially if the Golf doesn’t suit your budget, or doesn’t quite tick all your boxes.
You can also get the Golf R and Golf GTI, which can be ideal if you want something spicier with a performance edge.
We’re fans of the VW Golf here at cinch. Our motoring journalist, Ben Welham, tested the MK8.5 Golf for himself and said: “The Mk8.5 VW Golf is the simplest way to do hatchback-ing.
“It’s a truly classless car, making everyone who drives them feel equal, and there aren’t many new cars today you can say that about”.
He rated it:
cinch rating: 4/5
Interior: 7/10
Performance: 9/10
Practicality: 8/10
Running costs: 9/10
Take a look at our favourite cars like the VW Golf in our guide below.
Our top 12 cars similar to the VW Golf
BMW 1 Series
Peugeot 308
Honda Civic
Toyota Corolla
Audi A3
Ford Focus
Skoda Octavia
SEAT Leon
Vauxhall Astra
Mazda 3
Volkswagen ID.3
Renault Megane
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Cars like the VW Golf
BMW 1 Series
 "BMW 1 Series (120) front three quarters")
The BMW 1 Series is a perfect first baby step into the world of premium cars, and easily matches the small car finesse of the VW Golf.
Both cars are compact and stylish, but some might be swayed by the temptation of the coveted BMW badge.
This does mean that you’ll likely end up paying more for a 1 Series than a Golf, but it does feel much more premium in terms of the interior.
They’re level on boot space as well, with the 1 Series offering 380 litres to the VW’s 381 litres.
cinch rating: 4/5
Interior: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Practicality: 6/10
Running costs: 8/10
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Peugeot 308
 "Peugeot 308 driving")
The VW Golf is known for its slightly cute and quirky appearance, coming over from the older models that almost resembled toy cars by today’s standards. If you want something with a bit more chunk to it, the Peugeot 308 is a fine option.
You’ll either love or hate the massive grille at the front, and its more angular styling makes it stand out from the Golf – so we think it’s the winner for style.
The 308 has a larger boot as well. It’s a 412-litre space that can extend to 1,323 litres with the rear seats folded down.
cinch rating: 3.5/5
Interior: 7/10
Performance: 7/10
Practicality: 7/10
Running costs: 7/10
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Honda Civic
 "Honda Civic driving")
If the Honda Civic and VW Golf are alike in any way, it’s how much the boy racers of the roads love them. They’ve been an essential for anyone after something small and spicy for many years.
That’s not the only thing they’re good for though, as they’re both practical with plenty of engine options. Both are now available as a hybrid offering, and you of course get the diesel and petrol options that have built up over the years.
They both get an extra hot option in the Civic Type R and Golf R – though the VW is slightly faster here.
The Civic has more aggressive styling, with rally influences that set it apart visually from the Golf.
cinch rating: 4/5
Interior: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Practicality: 7/10
Running costs: 8/10
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Toyota Corolla
 "Toyota Corolla front")
If you like the VW Golf but want something a bit more efficient, the Toyota Corolla is an obvious winner.
The 1.8-litre hybrid model can achieve up to 64.1mpg, while the 1.5-litre hybrid Golf claims up to 53.3mpg.
The boot is slightly smaller than the VW Golf at 361 litres, but that’s still more than enough for most small car owners.
Sam Sheehan, our motoring editor, road-tested the Corolla and said: “The Toyota Corolla is one of those cars that slots into your life, carries your family around quietly and inexpensively, and never causes a fuss.”
cinch rating: 4/5
Interior: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Practicality: 8/10
Running costs: 9/10
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Audi A3
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Just like the BMW 1 Series, the Audi A3 is ideal if you want a small car like the Golf but fancy something a bit more premium.
The A3 feels slightly posher than the Golf, but not by miles.
None of the plastics in either interior feel scratchy or cheap, and they’re both very plush – so maybe the posher feel is a placebo effect that comes with the Audi badge.
Both five-door hatchback models get the same 380-litre boot (even if the VW gets one more litre on paper), and they stay similar whether you fold down the rear seats or opt for a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) (as both cars offer this option).
Similarities continue with the matching five-star Euro NCAP safety ratings, so choosing between the two will really come down to your preference of VW or Audi.
Read our full Audi A3 vs. VW Golf review to see all the similarities and differences.
cinch rating: 4/5
Interior: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Practicality: 7/10
Running costs: 8/10
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Ford Focus
 "Ford Focus exterior")
When it comes to cars like the VW Golf, a Ford Focus is a worthy contender. On the quest for the best five-door hatchback, you’re likely to come across plenty of Focus praise as it’s a really solid offering.
You’d probably choose the Focus over the Golf if you’re looking for the best value for money. They measure up in more areas: there’s similar sized boots, flashy interiors, reliability that matches, and eye catching design.
Some people may be naturally swung by the VW badge, but the Golf is more expensive. The Focus is also now discontinued, so you can only grab a pre-owned model (still for cheaper – it's worth noting).
Both options also get performance variants, like the Golf R and GTI we mentioned earlier. The Focus offers up the ST – often compared to the GTI.
Read our full Ford Focus vs. VW Golf review to get all the details.
cinch rating: 4/5
Interior: 7/10
Performance: 9/10
Practicality: 7/10
Running costs: 8/10
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Skoda Octavia
 "Skoda Octavia Estate front three quarters")
Like a few other cars in Skoda’s line-up, the Octavia is often considered a budget alternative to the Golf.
The part that many people leave out is that it’s actually better than the Golf in lots of ways. Obviously, it’s much cheaper to buy and definitely more spacious inside. The Octavia hatchback offers a 600-litre boot that nearly doubles the Golf’s space.
It shines for efficiency as well, giving us a 68.9mpg from the 2.0 TDI SE model. The Golf 2.0 TDI gets around 61mpg, so slightly behind the Octavia.
Both have hybrid and petrol engines to choose from as well, with similar specs on offer.
cinch rating: 4/5
Interior: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Practicality: 8/10
Running costs: 8/10
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SEAT Leon
 "SEAT Leon front")
Out of all the models on this list, the SEAT Leon might be the one that looks most like the Golf.
They’re not identical, but if you like Golf vibes you’ll probably like the Leon also. It’s got the same flat and long front end with some angular details, squinty headlights, and minimal grille details.
Sam took the SEAT Leon for a drive and reckoned it’s a “reliable and fun mid-sized hatchback that comes with enough engine and body-shape variations to suit almost everyone”.
The Leon also uses VW engine tech, and it’s cheaper than the Golf. It’s pretty much a no-brainer if you’re looking for a solid alternative.
cinch rating: 4/5
Interior: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Practicality: 7/10
Running costs: 8/10
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Vauxhall Astra
 "Vauxhall Astra front three quarters")
The Vauxhall Astra is a coveted car that competes with the Golf for a spot as the peppiest mid-size hatchback.
As with most of these Golf alternatives, the Vauxhall Astra creeps ahead for those who want a more affordable option. It’s cheaper than the Golf for the same sort of statistics, depending on the model you choose.
If you want to keep things really similar, there’s a 1.5-litre TSI Golf engine that produces the same 145hp as the 1.4i Turbo Astra. That’s even tastier when you consider that Astra is a fraction cheaper.
They both have matching techy interiors as well, depending on the model you choose. More recent offerings both get a pair of infotainment and digital instrument cluster screens – which you might like if you were an iPad kid and recently got your licence.
cinch rating: 3.5/5
Interior: 7/10
Performance: 6/10
Practicality: 8/10
Running costs: 8/10
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Mazda 3
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The Mazda 3 is like the Golf’s refined and mature sibling. They're similar in size and engine offerings, but the Mazda 3 has a neat and elegant design that feels a step away from the VW.
Awarded a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating in 2019, the Mazda is a reliable hatchback that’s primed to keep you safe on the roads.
In general, Mazdas are considered more reliable than VWs all round – so this might be the choice if dependability is your big seller.
Sam reviewed the Mazda 3 on the roads and said: “The current-shape car is at its best with the Skyactiv-X 2.0-litre petrol engine in situ, because this blends diesel economy with petrol driving characteristics.
“Though, all of the engines sound decent when worked and avoid becoming raucous when revved hard.”
cinch rating: 3.5/5
Interior: 7/10
Performance: 7/10
Practicality: 6/10
Running costs: 8/10
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Volkswagen ID.3
 "Volkswagen ID.3 front three quarters")
If you love the VW Golf but want to move into the world of electric cars, the Volkswagen ID.3 is the obvious place to start.
The ID.3 is very similar to the Golf in many ways. They’re pretty similar, with the ID.3 standing at 1,562mm tall to the Golf’s 1,483mm, and the ID.3’s boot is only 5 litres bigger than the Golf.
Obviously, switching to electric driving is the efficient choice. The ID.3 can achieve between 258 and 357 miles on a full charge, depending on the model you choose – and it’s a quiet and smooth drive as well.
cinch rating: 4/5
Interior: 7/10
Performance: 8/10
Practicality: 9/10
Running costs: 9/10
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Renault Megane
 "Renault Megane driving")
The Renault Megane is often overlooked, and we think that’s an injustice. It’s an ideal contender for a family hatchback with a bit of aggression – so a perfect alternative to the VW Golf.
Just like it’s VW rival, the Megane has a sporty feel that’s backed by its engine range. There’s a 1.3-litre petrol that can get up to 140hp, or the E-Tech plug-in hybrid that offers 160hp. The Golf eHybrid is more powerful – but it’s also pricier.
Sam drove the Megane for himself and said: “While not the fastest among its competitors, the Megane delivers a refined drive.
“In a bit of a throwback to classic French cars, the ride is supple and more than capable of soaking up the bumps and potholes of typical UK roads.
“It’s equally as impressive on motorway journeys, with a nicely hushed cabin.”
cinch rating: 3.5/5
Interior: 7/10
Performance: 7/10
Practicality: 7/10
Running costs: 7/10
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Is the VW Golf right for you?
Still like the sound of a Volkswagen Golf? Take a look at our full range of used VW Golf cars for sale, or read our VW Golf review to get the details.