#1 of 50 · Hatchbacks & small cars
Volkswagen Golf: importing one from Japan to Ireland
Ireland's most-imported car from Japan in 2025.
Why Irish buyers choose it
The Golf is the default family hatchback in Ireland, and it is now the single most imported model from Japan: Cartell figures show 3,858 Golfs came in from Japan in the first nine months of 2025 alone. Japanese-market Golfs are right-hand drive, usually low-mileage and often come with a higher trim than equivalent UK cars, because Volkswagen positioned the Golf as a premium import in Japan. The Mk7 and Mk7.5 (2013–2020) are the sweet spot on price; the Mk8 is appearing at auction in growing numbers.
Real auction prices in Japan
| Year | Sold | Median price | Median km |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 18 | €13,968 | 4k km |
| 2024 | 31 | €12,410 | 15k km |
| 2023 | 71 | €11,491 | 19k km |
| 2022 | 49 | €10,696 | 31k km |
| 2021 | 118 | €9,096 | 37k km |
| 2020 | 57 | €7,596 | 60k km |
| 2019 | 209 | €7,040 | 59k km |
| 2018 | 168 | €6,177 | 69k km |
| 2017 | 226 | €4,936 | 73k km |
| 2016 | 189 | €3,645 | 77k km |
Auction hammer prices in Japan, before shipping, duty, VAT, VRT and fees.
Most compared with
Importing it to Ireland
Most Japanese Golfs are 1.2 or 1.4 TSI petrols with DSG gearboxes, which sit in sensible CO₂ bands for VRT. Diesel Golfs are rare in Japan. Because the Golf is built in Germany, it does not qualify for the EU–Japan 0% duty rate: expect 10% customs duty on the landed value.
European-built: 10% customs duty applies. Why? VAT at 23% and VRT apply to every import.
What to check
Check DSG service history where available, and the infotainment language: Japanese-market sat-nav is usually replaced or reset to English.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Volkswagen Golf cost at auction in Japan?
The median auction price over the last three months was €3,144, with most selling between €1,503 and €5,871, before shipping, taxes and fees.
Is there import duty on a Volkswagen Golf from Japan?
Yes. It is built in Europe, so 10% customs duty applies, plus 23% VAT and VRT.
What is the Volkswagen Golf most compared with?
Irish buyers most often compare it with the Toyota Corolla Sport, Mazda3, Audi A3 and Honda Civic.