Volkswagen Polo (2009 – 2017) Review

Volkswagen Polo (2009 – 2017) At A Glance

3/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The Polo is also available in three- and five-door body styles, with the latter the more common and desirable as it makes the VW one of the most practical superminis of this period.

+Neatly styled and easy to drive. Room for five. Most come with full size spare. High quality interior. Double folding rear seats give flat load area. Frugal 1.2 TDI BlueMotion.

-Lacks the sparkle of other small hatches. Timing chain problems of 2009-2013 EA111 1.2 TSI increasingly common.

Insurance Groups are between 4–23
On average it achieves 81% of the official MPG figure

The Volkswagen Polo is a car that’s very hard to argue against. In this fifth-generation version, it’s lighter and more efficient than its predecessor, deliver a safe, undemanding drive and offers up plenty of cabin space when compared to most of its rivals.

There’s a good choice of engines and the option of an automatic gearbox, while the handling is safe and secure, even if it won’t inspire you in the way a Ford Fiesta will on a twisty road. More relevant to most Polo drivers will be the feeling of being in a car that is solidly built and decently equipped if you sidestep the entry-level models and go for SE trim or above.

 

Small cars don't have to be exciting to be successful as the Polo proves. It's been going since 1975 and has carved out a reputation as a well built and sensible small hatchback. There's certainly nothing wrong with that and more than 10 million people worldwide seem to agree as they've bought one. The latest version - which is now the fifth generation model - follows that trend. It's not radical or groundbreaking but it is attractive, well engineered and easy to live with.

This Polo is slightly bigger than the 2005-2009 model but actually weighs less which helps economy. And in terms of styling it's far more in line with its larger relation the Golf, than was the case with the previous model.

That's especially true at the front where it's easy to mistake the two from a quick glance. It's a huge improvement inside too with a far more appealing layout and a better impressions of quality. It's also roomier, especially noticeable in terms of elbow room for those in the front.

The standard Polo was available with a wide choice of engines. Most people choose the standard 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine which comes with either 60PS or 70PS. In 2014 the Polo was facelifted and this engine was replaced by a 1.0-litre from the Volkswagen Up. It's just as powerful with 60PS or 75PS versions, yet is more economical.

A Polo is an accomplished small car. It may not be as good to drive as a Ford Fiesta or as versatile as a Honda Jazz, but it remains a great all-rounder that's well built and thanks to the Volkswagen badge, holds its value well too. It was voted European Car of the Year in 2010.

Ask Honest John

What cars have the cheapest insurance for a young driver?

"Which would be the best used car for under £2k for a young driver to insure? I've looked at some 1.0L engines but some are over £3k for insurance and some are under £2k. Does it not just go on the engine size? "
Insurance groupings for cars do take into account the engine size, but also a number of other factors including repair costs, theft risk and initial purchase price. You can read our guide to the best cars for new drivers here https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/guides/cheapest-cars-to-insure-for-new-drivers/ but we would recommend looking at cars such as the Volkswagen Polo, Hyundai i10 and Kia Picanto, It is also worth mentioning that even choosing a car with the lowest possible insurance group could still result in an insurance premium into four figures.
Answered by David Ross

What's the best first car for a tall driver?

"I've recently past my test and I'm currently looking at cars but I'm 6ft10 and need good legroom. What do you suggest?"
As a new driver you will want a car that has low insurance costs and is cheap to run, unfortunately this usually means a small car which may not be ideal for your frame. It would be best to get behind the wheel of any car you are looking at to ensure you can get comfortable, but we would suggest looking at the Volkswagen Polo, Skoda Fabia, Honda Jazz and Citroen C3, as they offer good headroom for their size.
Answered by David Ross

Is the Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI a good car?

"I am thinking of buying a 2017 Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI, do you have a review of this model?"
Everything we have no this model is found here: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/volkswagen/polo-v-2009/ I would recommend spending a little bit extra on the latest version of the Volkswagen Polo with the excellent 1.0 TSI petrol engine. It's a far superior car: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/volkswagen/polo-vi-2017/
Answered by Dan Powell

Volkswagen Polo gear problem - what is causing it?

"I have brought my son his very first car - a 2009/59 Volkswagen Polo 1.6TDI SE Manual. We have not driven the car for a few months, but have started it to keep the battery going. I went to take the car for a drive but the gears felt really stiff and I couldn't select reverse gear, what is the problem?"
Most likely a problem with the clutch. If the car has been standing for a long period of time then I'd guess a leak has developed with the clutch master cylinder or release cylinder. If you are unlucky, it could be an issue with the synchronizer or the gearbox itself.
Answered by Dan Powell
More Questions

What does a Volkswagen Polo (2009 – 2017) cost?