Differences between 2012, 2013, 2014 VW Golf?

fiveub

fiveub

fiveub

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The main difference in features it appears the 2012 does not have Daytime Running Lights. Am I missing anything, or are they all pretty much the same? - The prices are very similar so I was tempted to look at the 2013/2014 models.

Is there anything in a Golf I should look out for?

These are the boxes I want to tick before I purchase:

Petrol
Manual
Bluetooth Phone
Cruise Control (Not sure if these are on all Golfs as standard?)

As regards to engine size, I currently have a T Reg 1.6 Focus. Will a 1.2 TSI feel pretty similar?

Sorry for the bombardment of questions. :D
 
A while back I hired a 1.2 TSI Golf, and I was thoroughly impressed with its performance, given its size. Soooo much nicer than the 1.6 TDI. It felt at least as quick as a bog standard 1.6 hatchback would, and I achieved nearly 55mpg on a run.

I can't help you with the rest, but this was a fairly base model (I forget which trim level), and it did have bluetooth, but no cruise control.
 
I have heard only good things about the Golf. I've not drove one yet, I'm just wanting to understand which one I would like to go for. It is confusing with the amount of different Golfs there are out there. I want to ensure I spend my money on the right one. :)

Cruise control is not a must have, it is just something I would like included if possible, more of a luxury than anything.
 
Cruise is normally an easy retrofit on VW group cars - not sure about the latest generation but it's worth checking. On my car which is based on a mk5, you just need to replace the indicator stalk (£30 on fleabay) and have it enabled in the ECU (5 Min job for someone with the VCDS system). Main dealers used to charge £199 to retrofit it which is obviously more expensive than DIY but not exactly a lot of cash in the scale of buying a newish car

Do some googling to check it's the same on the newer ones, that way you can almost forget about whether it has it fitted when you're looking.
 
iaind said:
Cruise is normally an easy retrofit on VW group cars - not sure about the latest generation but it's worth checking. On my car which is based on a mk5, you just need to replace the indicator stalk (£30 on fleabay) and have it enabled in the ECU (5 Min job for someone with the VCDS system). Main dealers used to charge £199 to retrofit it which is obviously more expensive than DIY but not exactly a lot of cash in the scale of buying a newish car

Do some googling to check it's the same on the newer ones, that way you can almost forget about whether it has it fitted when you're looking.
Click to expand...

That's handy to know, thank you. I will have to look into this.
 
I had a 2012 TFSI (1.2 it think) and I was really very impressed with the car, quick enough, comfortable on a long run and looks nice enough.

I have since bought a Mazda 3 as a run around and to be honest its a better car for the same money you get a much newer car with better spec.
 
All golfs from 2010 onward have DRL's (usually main headlamps active)

There are differences between the engines, mainly the TSI. <2013 models are fitted with a faulty timing chain tensioner which can fail causing a slack chain and major engine damage. VW re-designed the tensioner and fitted them to 2013> models.

Other differences will be slight changes in the radio, some have a rcd210 (basic) and some 510 (touch screen)

You will need to search mk 6 & 7 differences and what the standard spec's are. Mk 6 model being 2008 - 2012, Mk 7 model being 2013-2015

Cruise control is fitted on 'match' + (i.e. GT, GTD)

Avoid the basic 'S' , 'SE' models, these are very basic in terms of kit,
 
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I will look at the Mk7s thank you. And will avoid the basic spec.

As for wheel rims, I have seem some that look nice on some models. I assume this is easy to do after purchase. I want the official ones though.
 
Kit on the SE isn't that basic - certainly covers the cruise control requirement. Unless you go for a GT, how would you get higher spec?
 
SE trim isn't bad.
There will be loads of S trim models on the market probably with around ~10-15k miles as these will mostly be ex-fleet vehicles that are being disposed of.
As for original question make sure you are looking at mk7 which will typically be 2013+ but double check as I would imagine there are some mk6 floating bout on 62 plates etc.
 
usually when Volkswagen release a new car model update, for the initiall introduction period they have s and se models, further into the production run, they replace the se model for the match, and update it with a few more options. You will find the se models the earlier registrations of the production run, and the match the mid-end of the production run.
 
5UB said:
The main difference in features it appears the 2012 does not have Daytime Running Lights. Am I missing anything, or are they all pretty much the same? - The prices are very similar so I was tempted to look at the 2013/2014 models.

Is there anything in a Golf I should look out for?

These are the boxes I want to tick before I purchase:

Petrol
Manual
Bluetooth Phone
Cruise Control (Not sure if these are on all Golfs as standard?)

As regards to engine size, I currently have a T Reg 1.6 Focus. Will a 1.2 TSI feel pretty similar?

Sorry for the bombardment of questions. :D
Click to expand...

golfmk6.com
 
I would definitely suggest looking at the latest gen leon as an alternative, the FR is very well specced for a lower price (watch out for the larger wheels though as the ride can get a touch harsh)
Don't think they do a 1.2 but the 1.4 is pretty nippy and the 1.6 derv is supposed to be uber economical.

Really impressed with our one :)
 
The only gripe I have with my MK7 1.4 TSI DSG is the ride quality which is quite stiff and noisy compared to other cars in its category despite it having independent rear suspension and 16inch wheels. The engine and transmission are buttery smooth and silent.
 
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