Volkswagen Golf diesel or petrol: which is worth it more?

The eighth generation of the Volkswagen Golf is already on the brand’s configurator, so we asked ourselves a question: which is worth it more, the diesel or the petrol?

It was at the end of last year that we first met the eighth generation of the Volkswagen Golf, the definitive renewal of the iconic compact from the Wolfsburg brand. That is why we have already analysed its range in detail, compared it with the new Seat León and even gone for its most performance-oriented variant: the GTI, which for the first time will carry an ECO label.

Well, a few months later, the new generation of the compact has already appeared on the configurator of the brand. We can therefore now focus on its engines and its prices.

It is not final yet, as there are still quite a few mechanical options to come, but the ones listed do raise an interesting question: Which Volkswagen Golf is worth more, petrol or diesel?

For the moment, five engines are available

This dilemma arises after seeing that the configurator offers three petrol variants -1.5 TSI with 130 CV, 1.5 TSI with 150 CV and 1.5 TSI MHEV with 150 CV- and two diesel ones -2.0 TDI with 115 CV and 2.0 TDI with 150 CV-.

Therefore, the first engine in the petrol range to appear has been the 1.5 TSI unit, although in three different configurations: two without hybridisation and another with Mild Hybrid technology that will enjoy the benefits of the DGT’s ECO label.

For its part, the diesel engine range is based on the 2.0 TDI unit, although, as with the petrol engines, it comes in two available configurations: one with 115 CV and the most powerful with 150 CV.

In addition, the Volkswagen Golf is available with two trim levels: Life and Style. We will not analyse them today, although it is worth noting that the 150 CV 2.0 TDI engine is only available with the highest trim in the range.

Which Volkswagen Golf is more interesting, the diesel or the MHEV petrol?

While we will have to wait for the most basic diesel engine in the range to have a petrol counterpart – probably the 115 CV 1.0 TSI – the most logical thing is to compare the 150 CV engines.

The most logical question, and the one most buyers will ask, is which of the two variants is worth more: the 150 CV 2.0 TDI or the 150 CV 1.5 TSI MHEV.

In the first case, the well-known 1.5 TSI engine is used as a base and a 48V light hybrid system is added. We have already explained how a Mild Hybrid system works, so in the Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI MHEV it is able to power the car’s electrical components as well as assist the combustion engine when needed.

This powertrain is now an example of efficiency, as it also features a cylinder deactivation system to keep consumption in check. Furthermore, for now it can only be paired with the 7-speed DSG automatic transmission.

Meanwhile, the 2.0 TDI engine with 150 CV has no electrification system, so we have a four-cylinder unit capable of producing 320 Nm of torque. Like its petrol rival, it will be paired with the 7-speed DSG automatic transmission.

Which has better performance?

The first point we can compare between the two is performance. As expected, the 150 CV 2.0 TDI clearly wins when it comes to delivering power, as it produces 70 Nm more torque than its petrol rival.

As for outright performance, there are no major differences between the two, so it is not a decisive factor either. The 1.5 TSI can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds, while the 2.0 TDI does so in 8.6 seconds. If acceleration is very close, top speed is even more so, as both versions claim a top speed of 216 km/h.

Which uses more fuel?

Here is the first important point when choosing between the petrol mild-hybrid variant or the diesel:

The Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI MHEV has a homologated consumption of 5.9 l/100 km under the WLTP emissions cycle. Meanwhile, the Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI reduces this figure to a very appealing 4.4 l/100 km, the magic of diesel…

However, the petrol version offsets this difference of one and a half litres in consumption with its DGT ECO label, since thanks to it we will have a series of tax benefits that can compensate for this extra spending in the long run.

Which is cheaper?

Given that the most powerful diesel engine is only available with the highest trim level in the range -Style-, we will compare the prices associated with this trim.

The price of the Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI MHEV Style starts at 33,425 euros, while if we opt for the 150 CV 2.0 TDI version we will have to pay 35,885 euros. Therefore, the diesel version is 2,460 euros more expensive than the Mild Hybrid petrol.

Conclusion: is diesel or petrol worth more?

After analysing the two options that are most evenly matched in every respect, our recommendation is to choose the 150 CV Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI MHEV, that is, the petrol one. Only in very specific cases where very high mileage is driven each year might it be worth opting for diesel.

In addition, having the ECO environmental badge on the windscreen can be a real relief if we live in Spain’s most polluted cities, as we will be able to drive even when anti-pollution protocols are in force. With all this in mind, it is clear we would go for the petrol.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackVolkswagen Golf28 versions · from 24,450 €