Used Volkswagen Polo cars for sale

Volkswagen released the Polo in 1975 based on the Audi 50, and it remains a mainstay on UK roads today. It’s a compact supermini that packs the practicality of the popular Golf into a slightly smaller size. As a reliable all-rounder, the Polo has picked up several awards over the years. The model is commended for its smart styling, decent performance, generous boot and well-appointed interior.  The Polo comes with a choice of petrol and diesel engines. Both manual and automatic transmission are available.

The supermini class incorporates a wide range of well-known and popular cars. Models include the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa and Renault Clio. Also encompassing premium hatchbacks like the Audi A1. Volkswagen Polo cars rival all of these options, sitting at the upper end of the supermini market. The polo stands up well against the more luxurious options while delivering the value for money you expect of Ford or Vauxhall. Over the years, it has grown into its older brother’s shoes, the Golf, becoming a larger model with more power. You can also find faster, sportier Polos that feature the GTI trim, along with pared back yet refined options that come with a raft of technology.

Volkswagen Polo updates and facelifts

Volkswagen introduced the Mk1 Volkswagen Polo to the UK in 1976. It launched as a rebadged version of the Audi 50. The two models were initially produced alongside each other. However, it was the Polo that proved to be a much more popular vehicle. As a result, the Audi 50 was discontinued in 1978. A saloon version of the Polo was released in 1977. Offering more cabin space and an increase in boot capacity of 340 litres thanks to its increased length of 356mm.

Volkswagen released the Mk2 in 1981, with the saloon version being badged as the Wagon. Volkswagen dropped the Derby name in 1984 when it became the VW Polo Classic. The Mk2 Polo was one of the first vehicles to use a stop-start ignition system, cutting the engine when the car idled in traffic. The popularity of the Polo continued to grow, with 2 million sold by 1986. A facelift in 1990 updated the bodywork, bringing square headlights and larger taillights. The interior also received an overhaul.

In 1994, VW released the Mk3. It was built on a new chassis, and three- and five-door variants were available for the first time. Volkswagen also added new petrol and diesel engines. This included a 1.9-litre diesel with an optional turbocharger. 2001 saw the introduction of the Mk4 Polo with its iconic quadruple headlights. Volkswagen also produced a rally version of the model. The rally model proved successful, winning the Turkish round of the Junior World Rally Championships.

Volkswagen released the Mk5 in 2009 at the Geneva Motorshow. The Mk5 went on to pick up accolades including the European Car of the Year and the World Car of the Year. The model received a facelift in 2014. This generation included a saloon option, but most used Polo cars for sale are superminis. The fifth generation of the model shared its platform with the Audi A1 and Seat Ibiza Mk4.

The Mk6 Polo was released in 2017 and was the first model released as a five-door variant only. The Mk6 is 81mm longer, 69mm-wider and has a 94 mm longer wheelbase than the Mk5. It also offers 25% more boot space than previous generations. The Mk6 makes the most of modern technology. Models have an 11.7-inch Active Info Digital Display cockpit and a series of driving aids. A facelift in 2021 included a fresh bumper design, IQ.LIGHT Matrix LED headlights and the IQ.DRIVE semi-autonomous driver assistance programme.

Practicality and style of the car

One of the reasons the Polo has remained popular across its six generations is its practicality. It has a typical supermini set-up, with two full-sized front seats and a rear bench. Upfront, there is more head and leg room than offered in the Renault Clio and Toyota Yaris. The rear is most comfortable for up to three children or two tall adults on longer journeys. Three adults can still sit comfortably in the back for a shorter trip. A large glovebox, generous side cubbies and a helpful cubby in front of the gearstick will help you keep the interior clutter-free.  The model is 4,053 long, 1,751mm wide and 1,461mm tall, making it larger than the Mk7 Ford Fiesta. This additional width means the interior feels roomy.

It has a generous 351-litre boot, which is larger than the later generations of the Ford Fiesta and the Peugeot 208. It’s only 50 litres smaller than the larger Volkswagen Golf and plenty big enough for a weekly shop, buggy or a couple of suitcases. A low lip on the boot also makes loading easier. You can fold down the rear seats to extend capacity to 1,125 litres for bulkier items. The rear seats fold with a 60:40 split, leaving room for a passenger or two. Additionally, if you want to tow a small trailer, the Volkswagen Polo can tow up to 1,200kg.

Running costs

A used VW Polo falls into insurance groups 1 to 12, with the sportier trims sitting in the higher groups. For comparison, the Vauxhall Corsa ranges from group 10 to 23. Road tax matches the competition at £180 a year, the same as the Vauxhall Corsa and the Ford Fiesta. This is the same across all the trims.

How a used VW Polo drives

Industry experts praise the Volkswagen Polo for its comfortable, safe and reliable driving experience. It’s offered in a range of petrol engines, beginning with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit that puts out 79bhp. This version returns an mpg figure of 60.1 and reaches 0-62mph in 15.5 seconds.

Stepping up to a turbocharged 96bhp or 109bhp powertrain takes the 0-62mph time down from 15.5 seconds to under 11 seconds. The 96 bhp version is available across all trim levels apart from the GTI. You will also find some models with seven-speed automatic transmission. It returns between 50.4 and 51.8mpg. The 109bhp powertrain has automatic transmission and is available in the R-Line trim. It achieves between 57.6mpg and 60.1mpg depending on the transmission type.

The sportiest engine in the range is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit with 204bhp, found in the GTI trim. With maximum torque of 320Nm at 1,500 to 4,500rpm, it reaches 0-62mpg in 6.5 seconds and returns 47.9mpg. It comes with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox as standard.

Engines and official MPG

Please refer to the table below for a comprehensive list of engines and their official MPG figures.

2009 - 2017

2017 - onwards

Features you can expect in a Volkswagen Polo

Interior

Inside, you’ll find a neatly designed cabin finished with high-quality materials. Leather features on the steering wheel and soft touch materials are used across the dashboard. Air conditioning is standard, and it reaches both front and rear passengers in the Style trim and upwards. The VW Polo also has USB ports in both the front so occupants can charge their phones on the move.

Entry-level variants come with an eight-inch touchscreen in the dashboard. The model has Apple and Android connectivity for listening to your choice of music and displaying maps. Inbuilt sat nav also comes with all iterations except in the entry level trim. An eight-inch digital instrument panel comes as standard on most models. Some versions may have a larger 10.25-inch display.  Six speakers around the cabin enhance audio quality, ensuring all passengers can hear music clearly.

Technology

In Mk5 and Mk6 models, technology includes electric folding heated mirrors, LED headlights and automatic wipers. All enhancing driver convenience. In Style trims and upwards, the LED headlights have matrix functionality which cast light away from oncoming cars. Hill start assist is standard, helping you avoid rolling backwards when you need to set off on a hill. As is lane assist, a driver fatigue detection warning and controlled emergency braking system. The Style trim and upwards also come with dynamic road sign assist to flag the speed information on the digital instrument display.

For help with parking, step up from the entry-level trim and you will get front and rear sensors. Some models have an added rear-view camera, making it even easier to get into small spaces.

Safety

The Volkswagen Polo achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating. Scoring 96% for adult occupancy and 85% for child occupancy. This bests the Ford Fiesta’s 87% and 84% for adult and child scores respectively. It closely rivals the Renault Clio’s adult score of 96% and child protection score of 89%.

Airbags along the front and side help to keep everyone protected. Automatic emergency braking comes as standard, which applies the brakes if it detects an imminent collision. ISOFIX fittings in the seat will enable you to transport children safely in car seats.

Trims available on the VW Polo

Volkswagen Polo S

Polo S is the entry-level trim model from 2009. It comes with electric front windows. There are also side and head/thorax airbags for both drivers and passengers as well as whiplash-optimised head restraints. This entry-level Polo comes with all the features you’d expect from a car of this trim level.

Volkswagen Polo SE

Looking for an entry-level trim but with a little more? The Polo SE could be the answer. This trim comes with some additional luxuries that aren’t available on the S. These include air conditioning, front and rear electric windows and a leather steering wheel. There is a wider variety of engine choices with the SE, including TSI and TDI options. The diesel option provides even better fuel efficiency than the BlueMotion model.

Volkswagen Polo Match

The VW Polo Match trim launched in 2011. It offers a wide range of technology, safety and driver assistance features. The Match provides the driver with radio, CD player and aux-connectivity for in-car entertainment. There are also heat-insulating, tinted windows in the rear. Technology features include electrically adjustable exterior mirrors and remote central locking. The VW Polo Match sits on 15-inch alloy wheels. The Polo Match trim replaced the SE in 2016.

Volkswagen Polo R-Line

Fancy something a little sportier from your typical run-around? The R-Line brings a higher level of excitement with its own styling. economicalThe R-Line sits on 16-inch alloy wheels. R-Line front and rear bumpers characterise this sporty stylish hatchback.

Volkswagen Polo Bluemotion

The BlueMotion provides a fuel-efficient, economical choice without being a diesel. Designed with money saving in mind, its low emissions avoid road tax. The model is complete with a media system that includes a touchscreen, DAB radio, CD player and Bluetooth. The BlueMotion provides features you would expect from an upper-end trim level.

Volkswagen Polo SEL

The Polo SEL provides a level of functionality that’s higher than the Match. The SEL offers a wide range of optional extras. These include an auto-dimming and rain-sensing interior rearview mirror. The SEL also has ambient lighting in the cabin. These added extras contribute to a level of luxury and driving experience that stand out for a supermini hatchback. It includes sports features as well as navigation and communication features.

Volkswagen Polo Beats

The Polo Beats, as the name suggests, is the Polo we all know and love but partnered with Dr Dre Beats. This special edition trim provides a high-performance audio system. Six high-performance speakers and subwoofer powered by a 300-watt amplifier are included. This trim sits on stylish 16-inch allow wheels. With stylish urban design and high-end sports seats, the VW Polo Beats is popular with younger drivers. Although this trim is a limited edition, you may still find some used VW Polo Beats cars for sale.

Volkswagen Polo BlueGT

Interested in a performance hatchback that is dialled back a touch? Then the fun and efficient BlueGT might be the car you’re looking for. The BlueGT Polo was introduced on the MK5 edition in 2012. A smart, efficient GT engine provides the thrill of performance without having to compromise on fuel economy. The BlueGT is equipped with Volkswagen’s BlueMotion technology and smart engineering. The BlueGT delivers great performance, fantastic features and great value for money.

Volkswagen Polo GTI

The VW Polo GTI is Volkswagen’s flagship trim and needs little introduction. The GTI trim turns the Polo into a hot hatch. Loved by thrill-seekers and petrolheads for decades, this turbo-charged performance supermini delivers on brand. This trim was launched on the Mk4 Polo with the first facelift in 2005. The trim features the GTI badging and iconic GTI-red styling and stitching throughout. It's the 300+bhp turbo-charged GTI engine that sets this trim apart from its counterparts in the hierarchy.

Volkswagen Polo GTI+

The Polo GTI Plus (+) offers everything that the GTI does but adds the ‘Active Info Display’. This provides the driver with a 10.3-inch display in place of the standard dial. Along with LED headlights, keyless entry and a couple of other tweaks like a centre armrest, the GTI+ provides some added extras to the flagship trim.

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