7 of the best Volkswagen cars

Top seven cars from Volkswagen

German car manufacturers have always had a rep for being safe and reliable, and Volkswagen are just that.

Originally founded in 1937, in a time when cars were considered a luxury, Volkswagen (VW) were on a mission to create a car that was affordable and accessible for everyone.

Today the German car brand has a diverse collection of petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric vehicles.

These cars range from nifty city cars to versatile hatchbacks, from to practical estates to family-orientated SUVs.

No matter what kind of car you’re in the market for, Volkswagen will be able to provide it.

1. Volkswagen Golf

The Volkswagen Golf isn’t just a family hatchback—it’s the family hatchback and has been since its release in 1974. Now in its eighth iteration, the Golf is as popular as ever and for good reason.

Key specifications: 

Price from: £28,895

Fuel types: Petrol, Plug-in Hybrid, Petrol mHEV, Diesel

Trims: Life, Match, Style, R-Line, Black Edition, GTE, GTI, GTI Clubsport, R, R Black Edition

Power: 113-328 bhp

0-60 mph: 4.6-10.2 seconds

Boot capacity: 381-1,237 litres

What makes it special

Described as the perfect companion for everyday life, the Volkswagen Golf is popular worldwide and continues Volkswagen’s tradition of quality.

The Golf has come a long way and is the first VW model to feature the e-TSI engine with mild hybrid technology, so if you want to enjoy a powerful engine along with the benefits of an electric car, the VW Golf is the one for you.

The sporty and stylish hatchback has been designed to make you feel at home, with ambient lighting and its smart, modern design. You’ll find handy storage around the car to keep bottles of water or your phone close by.

If you want something practical, the VW Golf has enough room for your weekly shopping or a small buggy. Like most hatchbacks, you can split and fold the rear seats 60:40, expanding your boot capacity when needed.

Why it made the list

Responsive, intuitive, a cult-classic, and good value for money, the Volkswagen Golf is a great option. It’s the hatchback of hatchbacks.

Available in a wide range of trims, you can unleash your inner rally car racer with the higher trims.

The verdict

If you want a car that can tackle the mundane A to B drives as well as pack a punch for the petrolheads – the Golf does it all.

2. Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer

The car that’s bringing back the estate in a sea of SUVs. The Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer delivers on boot capacity, range, and a refined drive.

Key specifications:

Price from: £51,830

Electric range combined (WLTP): 357-422 miles

Battery capacity: 77 kWh, 86 kWh

Trims: Pro Match Plus, Pro S Match Plus, GTX Plus

Power: 210-250 kW

0-60 mph: 5.5-6.7 seconds

Boot capacity: 605-1,714 litres

What makes it special

Whether you’re in need of a family wagon or wheels for your business, the Volkswagen ID. 7 Tourer can do it all. We reckon it could divert an SUV-crazed world back to the humble estate car, and for good reason – the ID genuinely stands for Intelligent Design.

The ID.7 Tourer is where electric meets estate practicality. Truly a killer combination. With a range of up to 422 miles (WLTP) from the 86kWh battery, running out of juice is not one of your 99 problems.

The boot is huge, at 605 litres with the seats up, and with the seats down expanding to a van-like 1,714 litres. There’s not much you can’t fit in the back of the ID.7 Tourer.

Despite its generous proportions, the ID.7 Tourer can sprint from 0-60mph in as little as 5.5 seconds in GTX Plus trim, proving that practicality doesn't mean sluggish performance.

Inside, you'll find the same high-quality materials and advanced technology that define the ID range, with ambient lighting to create the perfect atmosphere for long journeys. It's an estate car for the electric age, designed for families who refuse to compromise.

Why it made the list

The ID.7 Tourer solves the eternal family car dilemma: space versus sustainability. It delivers serious load-lugging capability without a drop of petrol, while the impressive range means you can tackle the school run, weekend adventures and everything in between on a single charge.

With multiple trim levels from Pro Match Plus to the performance-focused GTX Plus, there's an ID.7 Tourer to suit different family needs and budgets.

The verdict

If you want estate car space and want to embrace electric motoring, the ID.7 Tourer is the answer. Go electric with no compromise, on range, space or comfort.

3. Volkswagen ID.Buzz

An electrified VW classic, reviving the iconic camper – the Volkswagen ID. Buzz.

Key specifications:

Price from: £60,005

Electric range combined (WLTP): 277-293 miles

Battery capacity: 79 kWh, 86 kWh

Trims: Life Pro, Style Pro, GTX Pro

Power: 185-200 kW

0-60 mph: Up to 6.1 seconds

Boot capacity: 306-2,469 litres

What makes it special

This is the electric camper van revival we had all been waiting for – and it's absolutely brilliant.

Electric and retro style come together and make something great. With a range of up to 293 miles (WLTP) and an impressive acceleration of 0-60mph in 6.1 seconds for a vehicle of its size.

With three rows of seats to play with, the boot capacity can go from a humble 306 litres to a mammoth 2,469 litres when folded down. From surfboards to camping gear, you’ll struggle to think of things you can’t fit in the back of the ID.Buzz.

Why it made the list

Like the VW camper, it truly is a unique car. Similar to Coca Cola advertising, just seeing the vague outline is enough to identify this icon.

The ID.Buzz solves a problem many EVs can’t: being memorable.

It delivers serious family practicality and electric efficiency while looking absolutely nothing like every other SUV on the road. The impressive boot capacity and decent range mean you can tackle daily life and weekend adventures with ease.

The verdict

If you want electric vehicle practicality with bags of character, the ID.Buzz is the answer. Go electric with no compromise on space, style or fun factor.

4. Volkswagen Polo

We’re confident you know at least one person who’s been a Polo owner once in their life. It’s the perfect first car, and not as tiny as you’d expect a supermini to be.

Key specifications:

Price from: £22,040

Fuel types: Petrol

Trims: Life, Match, Style, R-Line, Black Edition, GTI

Power: 79-204 bhp

0-60 mph: 6.5-15.6 seconds

Boot capacity: 351-1,125 litres

What makes it special

One of the best superminis around, the Volkswagen Polo came out in 1975 and has been successful ever since.

Showcasing a sporty character, the small car has some big features. It’s well-built, smart, and easy to drive, making it an attractive option for a lot of drivers.

From air conditioning to a media system and a driver-friendly digital cockpit, the Polo’s slick interior comes fully equipped. Along with navigation, connectivity and an array of driver assistance systems, this compact car has all the intelligent gadgets you could possibly need.

Why it made the list

The Polo proves you don’t need to be a big spender to get Volkswagen quality.

It's affordable to buy, lease and run, yet doesn't feel like a budget compromise, thanks to its reputation for reliability and refusal to sacrifice style or substance.

The verdict

The Polo is proof that good things come in small packages — practical, reliable, and surprisingly spacious for a supermini that's perfect for city life and beyond.

5. Volkswagen Tiguan

When it comes to family cars, the Volkswagen Tiguan is the must-have family SUV. And it’s the German brand’s best-selling model globally too.

Key specifications:

Price from: £38,080

Fuel types: Petrol, Plug-in Hybrid, Petrol mHEV, Diesel

Trims: Life, Match, Elegance, R-Line, Black Edition

Power: 128-268 bhp

0-60 mph: 5.9-10.6 seconds

Boot capacity: 615-1,650 litres

What makes it special

The Volkswagen Tiguan is the PG Tips of family SUVs – simple, reliable, and rarely disappoints. Since its 2007 launch, this compact SUV has evolved into a refined family wagon with precise lines and an expressive silhouette that's smart without being showy.

Inside, you'll discover a practical cabin with exceptional storage space for its class. 

A 10.25-inch digital display and cutting-edge technology keep everyone entertained, while the Wi-Fi hotspot ensures passengers stay connected. The intuitive infotainment touchscreen delivers crisp, clear graphics, complemented by a premium digital instrument display that comes as standard.

The real star is the 652-litre boot – significantly larger than rival SUVs at this price point, comfortably accommodating prams and after-school sports kit in one go.

Why it made the list

The Tiguan has more accolades to its name than Leonardo DiCaprio has Oscars. 

It strikes the perfect balance: roomy yet easy to manoeuvre in town, beautifully finished yet family-friendly enough for sticky fingers, and loaded with safety features to protect everyone on board.

The verdict

If you're looking to lease a car that'll fit into family life as smoothly as possible, the Volkswagen Tiguan delivers exactly what you need. 

It's not trying to be the flashiest SUV on the road, but that's precisely its strength – it simply gets on with the job of being an excellent family car without any fuss.

6. Volkswagen ID.3

Volkswagens answer to an electric hatchback, the Volkswagen ID.3 is the first of their electric vehicles, setting the standard for the rest of the ID range.

Key specifications:

Price from: £30,860

Electric range combined (WLTP): 240-369 miles

Battery capacity: 52 kWh, 59 kWh, 79 kWh

Trims: Pure Essential, Pure Match, Pro Essential, Pro Match, Pro S Essential, Pro S Match, GTX Performance

Power: 125-240 kW

0-60 mph: 5.7-8.2 seconds

Boot capacity: 385-1,267 litres

What makes it special

The first from Volkswagen’s electric ID range – the Volkswagen ID.3.

The electric hatchback has an impressive range of up to 369 miles (WLTP Comb) when opting for the 79kWh battery, leaving rivals such as the CUPRA Born and BYD DOLPHIN in the dust.

In terms of technology, all ID.3s come with a 10-inch touchscreen, a sat nav, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. There’s also a voice command so you can access the tech features you need in just seconds.

There’s an optional panoramic glass roof that’s incredibly eye-catching, and the use of high-quality materials ensures you have a comfortable interior to spend long journeys in. Ambient lighting can be used to set the mood, which is a nice touch if you want to create a relaxing environment. 

Why it made the list

From being the first in the lineup from the ID range to its extensive driving assistance, such as travel assist, 360 birds-eye view camera, park assist plus and proactive passenger protection. 

It’s the perfect car to get your electric journey on the road.

And when you think it can’t get any better? The ID.3 is eligible for the Government Electric Car Grant on selected models, and these savings translate to your lease pricing.

The verdict

The perfect first car that can also tackle family life. It really does it all, without having to donate an arm and a leg.

7. Volkswagen ID.4

Have you been wanting an affordable German-made electric SUV? The Volkswagen ID.4 is here.

Key specifications:

Price from: £36,995

Electric range combined (WLTP): 222-351 miles

Battery capacity: 52 kWh, 77 kWh, 79 kWh

Trims: Pure Essential, Pure Match, Pro Essential, Pro Match, Pro Match 4MOTION, GTZ Edition

Power: 125-250 kW

0-60 mph: 5.4-9 seconds

Boot capacity: 543-1,575 litres

What makes it special

First launched in 2020, the ID.4 is the sibling to the electric ID.3 hatchback. This SUV is the family EV from Volkswagen.

The ID.4 is a smart piece of kit, with a turning circle of a small compact car. It’s packed with clever technology, and it looks great – both on the inside and out. It comes with all the driving assistance bells and whistles you can imagine, including a 360-degree camera with birds-eye view, lane assist, blind spot monitoring and many more as standard.

With two screens – including a central infotainment screen of 12.9 inches – keeping you informed on your drive, alongside an augmented reality head-up display, you’ll never need to take your eyes off the road.

There are three battery variants, the biggest can provide up to 351 miles of range (WLTP Comb) and the smallest is capable of up to 222 miles (WLTP Comb) which is still a pretty decent range. 

So, you’ll be able to comfortably drive to work, take the kids to school beforehand and get home again with no issues. 

Why it made the list

Nailing the electric family SUV brief – it’s nimble enough for tight car parks despite its size, offers flexible battery options to suit different budgets, and comes loaded with safety tech as standard.

And like the ID.3, the selected ID.4s are eligible for the Government Electric Car Grant, making it even more affordable.

The verdict

The ID.4 strikes the sweet spot between family SUV practicality and electric efficiency.

The range of battery options means there's an ID.4 for every budget and driving pattern – whether you need the 351-mile range for longer journeys or the more affordable 222-mile option for daily commutes.

From the iconic Golf hatchback to the retro-futuristic ID.Buzz, Volkswagen's lineup proves there's a German-engineered vehicle for every lifestyle and budget.

Whether you're after the compact practicality of the Polo for city life, the family-friendly space of the Tiguan SUV, or the cutting-edge electric technology of the ID range. Volkswagen delivers on quality, reliability and innovation.

The German manufacturer has successfully transitioned from affordable everyday motoring to leading the electric revolution, with the ID.3, ID.4, ID.7 Tourer and ID.Buzz showing that going electric doesn't mean compromising on range, space or driving enjoyment.

These are definitely seven of the finest motors to come out of Volkswagen so far.