VW Golf, the most popular import model in Romania: over half a million units in circulation

Record figures for Wolfsburg in Romania: 5.5% of registered cars are VW Golf

If you stop at any traffic light in Romania and look around, the chances of not seeing at least one Volkswagen Golf tend to zero. It is not just an empirical observation, but a crushing statistical reality. With over 510,000 units currently running on our roads, the compact model from Wolfsburg has earned the title of the most popular import model in the country.

Practically, approximately 5.5% of the national car fleet bears the “Golf” emblem. From the venerable fourth-generation examples (which seem immortal in the rural and urban landscape) to the avant-garde Golf 8, this car has become a standard of pragmatism for the Romanian driver.

A half-century of history, adapted to the present

Success is not accidental. In its over 50 years of existence, the Golf has managed to be the "good car for everything". In Romania, this versatility translates into a massive presence of all body styles: from the practical Variant (break) and the spacious Golf Plus, to the summery Cabriolet or the sporty GTI.

Generation 8: Between Diesel tradition and Hybrid revolution

Although the auto market is going through a period of radical transformation, Volkswagen has chosen to offer Romanians "everything for everyone." The current generation (Golf 8) remains one of the few bastions that still offers diesel propulsion, so loved by those who make long commutes or European roads.

Here's what the available configurations look like now:

• Petrol & Mild-Hybrid: 1.5-liter engine (115 HP or 150 HP), ideal for city and country roads.
• Diesel (TDI): The classic 2.0 liter (115 hp or 150 hp), renowned for its efficiency.
• Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): * eHybrid: 204 hp and an impressive electric range of 142 km.
• GTE: 272 hp and 132 km of electric range.

Both versions use a modern 19.7 kWh battery, making the Golf an electric car for daily commuting and a petrol one for holidays.

Uncompromising performance: 300+ HP League

For enthusiasts, the Golf has remained a benchmark "hot hatch". Romanians passionate about speed and control can choose variants that overcome the psychological barriers of power:

1. GTI Clubsport: 300 hp.
2. Edition 50: A brutal anniversary edition with 325 HP.
3. Golf R: The top of the range, with 333 HP and all-wheel drive, capable of humiliating cars with supercar pretensions on the circuit.

Volkswagen Golf Buying Guide: From 'budget' to 'pure performance'

In Romania, the Golf model's success is based on a rare mix: solid brand image, predictable maintenance costs and a resale value that defies the passage of time. Here's how the Golf "kingdom" is divided according to generations and budgets.

1. The new Volkswagen Golf 8 (Facelift 2024-2026)

The current generation, recently updated, is aimed at those who want cutting-edge technology and a manufacturer's warranty. In 2026, starting prices remained competitive for the premium compact segment.

Trim / Version	Engine / Powertrain	Starting Price (Estimated)
Golf Life (Base)	1.5 TSI, 115 HP (Manual)	~€23,400
Golf Style / R-Line	1.5 eTSI, 150 HP (DSG Mild-Hybrid)	~€28,500 – €31,000
Golf GTE (Plug-in)	1.5 eHybrid, 272 HP	~€48,000
Golf GTI	2.0 TSI, 265 HP	~€44,500
Golf R	2.0 TSI, 333 HP (4Motion)	~€55,000

2. Top most sought-after Second-Hand generations

The used car market is where the Gulf dominates. Romanians prefer German imports, "Highline" equipment and diesel engines.

1. Volkswagen Golf 7 (2013 - 2020) – The favorite of the SH market. It is considered by many to be the “best Golf ever built”. It perfectly balances technology with mechanical reliability. Prices: Between €8,500 (early models, >200,000 km) and €18,000 (facelift 7.5, year 2019-2020, premium features). The “golden” configuration: 1.6 TDI or 2.0 TDI with DSG transmission.
2. Volkswagen Golf 6 (2008 - 2012) – The rational choice. An evolution of the 5th generation, with a much higher quality interior and superior sound insulation. Prices: Between €4,500 and €7,000. The “golden” configuration: 2.0 TDI (engine code Common Rail) for long-distance reliability.
3. Volkswagen Golf 5 (2003 - 2008) – A living legend. Despite its considerable age, it remains extremely popular in rural areas and among young drivers thanks to the famous 1.9 TDI engine. Prices: Between €2,500 and €4,500. Why is it sought after? Independent rear suspension and very low repair costs.

3. Special and Performance Editions: Collectors' "Jewels"

For enthusiasts, certain Golf versions are not just cars, but investments.

1. Golf GTI "Edition 50": Launched to mark half a century of existence, this 325 HP edition has already become a collector's item in Romania, with prices that can exceed €50,000.
2. Golf R "Black Edition": The top-of-the-line all-wheel drive version is highly sought after in the performance SH market, maintaining its price above €35,000 even after 3-4 years of use.

Why do Romanians pay more for a Golf?

Although there are cheaper alternatives, the Golf holds its price better than its direct competitors (such as the Opel Astra or Ford Focus).

    Resale value: A Golf 7 bought today for €12,000 can be sold in two years with a minimal loss, which makes it considered a safe "bargaining currency" in the Romanian automotive universe.

What's next? "Full Hybrid" on the horizon

Looking ahead, Volkswagen shows no signs of slowing down. A major novelty for our market will appear in the second half of 2026, when the model will receive, for the first time, a conventional hybrid system (without plug-in charging). This move is strategic: it will offer an alternative to those who want low consumption without depending on the charging infrastructure, which is still deficient in certain areas of Romania.

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Bottom line: The Volkswagen Golf remains the benchmark in the compact segment. In a country where a car is often an extension of personality, but also a calculated investment, the Golf manages to tick both boxes: it's sober enough for the office, spacious enough for the family, and, in the R or GTI variants, aggressive enough for the weekend.