Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Volkswagen Polo review: a sensible and highly refined small car

The Volkswagen Polo remains an impressively capable supermini, offering plenty of comfort, refinement and big-car features

Overall Auto Express Rating

4.0 out of 5

Price
£20,945 to £26,755
  • High quality interior
  • Composed ride
  • Interior space
  • Not the most fun to drive
  • Expensive for a supermini
  • Disappointing GTI model
Find your Volkswagen Polo
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
9/10 sellers got the price they expected
Advertisement

The sixth-generation Volkswagen Polo builds on the strengths of its predecessors. It's more like a shrunken Golf than ever, and offers lots of space and tech when compared to its supermini rivals. Put simply, this is the quality option in the class, and nowadays, it straddles the gap between regular superminis and premium models such as the MINI.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Buy a Polo, and you’ll be getting into a small car that rides with a similar level of composure to a VW Golf, while the interior quality is impressive. However, it remains an expensive small car, perhaps so much so that it could put off potential buyers.

About the Volkswagen Polo

​No matter which Volkswagen Polo you choose, from entry-level Life to the rapid GTI, you're getting one of the classiest superminis for sale in the UK today. The sixth generation Polo arrived in 2018, bringing a step up in quality over the old car, as well as a range of efficient engines and some of the latest tech from the larger Golf.

The (five-door only) Polo is now nearly as long as a Mk3 Golf and almost as wide as the Mk5 version, which means it's one of the roomiest cars in the supermini class. It's a strong selling point in the face of a long list of rivals with their own talents. With the demise of the Ford Fiesta, the options for small car fun now boil down to the likes of the SEAT Ibiza, Mazda 2, or (if your budget can stretch to it) the MINI. The Citroen C3 adds personalisation and funky design to the mix, while the Vauxhall Corsa and Skoda Fabia are solid, practical choices. 

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Then there are premium offerings like the Audi A1 to consider, as well as a pair of fuel-efficient high-tech hybrids in the form of the Honda Jazz and Toyota Yaris that are available for similar money to the A1. If value for money is your main concern, the Hyundai i20 and highly-rated Renault Clio should fit the bill. Some may also wish to go electric and both the Peugeot 208 and aforementioned Corsa can be had in versions powered solely by volts.

To help the VW Polo compete with this raft of rivals, it comes with an array of up-to-the-minute turbocharged engines, which put power to the road through the front wheels. At the entry point to the range, there's a 79bhp, three-cylinder naturally aspirated unit, but we'd recommend going for the 1.0 TSI three-cylinder turbo petrol engine. It comes in 94bhp and 109bhp forms with power outputs, with the former getting a five-speed manual, while the latter has a seven-speed DSG auto 'box. The sporty GTI model delivers 204bhp from its 2.0-litre TSI petrol unit, and can only be had with that DSG auto.

Trim levels have been slimmed down to include Life, Style, R-Line, GTI and the limited GTI Edition 25. All cars come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 2 USB sockets, alloy wheels and a multifunction steering wheel. The Polo range starts just shy of £21,000, with the Style and R-Line versions coming in at a touch over £24,000. The performance GTI is priced at nearly £30,000, with the GTI Edition 25 costing over £32,000.

Used and nearly new

The history of the Volkswagen Polo dates back to 1975. Since then, it has grown from being a rebadged Audi into one of the best superminis you can buy. It’s not the cheapest supermini you can buy, but solid residuals mean you’ll lose less money when you sell it, while the latest versions feel like slightly smaller versions of the excellent Volkswagen Golf.

Volkswagen Polo history

Volkswagen Polo - best superminis

Volkswagen Polo Mk6: 2017-

The current Polo is one of the classiest superminis you can buy. It’s like owning a smaller Golf, although this means you’ll pay a premium for the privilege compared with the Polo’s immediate rivals. Buying a used version of this will be your only way of getting the short-lived diesel version because this engine choice disappeared with the 2021 facelift, which also ushered in some styling tweaks, and made the digital instrument display a standard feature. 

Used Volkswagen Polo Mk5 - front

Volkswagen Polo Mk5: 2009-2017

Launched in 2009, the Mk5 was the first Volkswagen Polo to be named European Car of the Year. It was also the 2010 World Car of the Year, completing a double of gongs for the impressive supermini. Only a lacklustre driving experience puts a blot in its copybook, although the Polo GTI offers grown-up thrills. Read our full Mk5 Volkswagen Polo buyer’s guide here…

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo Mk4: 2002-2009

Feeling every inch a ‘mini Golf’, the Mk4 Polo felt like a grown-up supermini. Excellent ride quality, superb build quality and economical engines are just some of the highlights, although a mediocre driving experience lets down the Polo. The 2005 facelift introduced Golf-style headlights and rear lights that wouldn’t look out of place on the VW Phaeton luxury car. Read our full Mk4 Volkswagen Polo buyer’s guide here...

Older Volkswagen Polo models

The Volkswagen Polo has come a long way since it arrived in 1975 as a rebadged version of the Audi 50. The Mk1 Polo lived on until 1981 when it was replaced by the Mk2, which included a now iconic ‘breadvan’ version. Things stepped up a gear in 1994 with the launch of the Polo Mk3, which was based on a new platform and came complete with new body and engines.

For an alternative review of the Volkswagen Polo, visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk...

Frequently Asked Questions
Despite not being the most fun to drive, the VW Polo is still a well-made small car that’ll easily cope with congested city streets and long motorway jaunts alike. It’s also big enough inside for most needs and has plenty of equipment.
Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    1.0 Life 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • Price
    £19,875

Most Economical

  • Name
    1.0 Life 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • Price
    £19,875

Fastest

  • Name
    2.0 TSI GTI Edition 25 5dr DSG
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £31,045
News reporter

As our news reporter, Ellis is responsible for covering everything new and exciting in the motoring world, from quirky quadricycles to luxury MPVs. He was previously the content editor for DrivingElectric and won the Newspress Automotive Journalist Rising Star award in 2022.

Skip advert
Advertisement

More on Polo

Cheapest cars to insure in the UK 2024
Cheapest cars to insure - header image
Best cars & vans
8 Mar 2024

Cheapest cars to insure in the UK 2024

Looking for a car that’s cheap to insure? We’ve listed the cars with the cheapest insurance group ratings on sale in the UK today
Car Deal of the Day: Volkswagen Polo offers a touch of class for £136 per month
Volkswagen Polo - front action
News
20 Jan 2024

Car Deal of the Day: Volkswagen Polo offers a touch of class for £136 per month

With solid build quality and a frugal engine, this cheap VW Polo is our Car Deal of the Day for 20 January
Top 10 best first cars for new drivers 2024
Best first cars - header image
Best cars & vans
19 Jan 2024

Top 10 best first cars for new drivers 2024

A new car for a first time driver should be cheap, easy to drive and safe. Here are the 10 best first cars
Skip advert
Advertisement
Top 10 best superminis to buy 2024
Best superminis 2023
Best cars & vans
15 Jan 2024

Top 10 best superminis to buy 2024

It's a hard-fought class, but these are the 10 best superminis on sale right now
New 2023 Volkswagen Polo GTI Edition 25 priced from £31,295
Volkswagen Polo GTI Edition 25 - front static
News
31 Jul 2023

New 2023 Volkswagen Polo GTI Edition 25 priced from £31,295

Upgraded sports suspension and equipment levels due for VW’s supermini hot hatchback
Skoda Fabia vs Volkswagen Polo: 2023 twin test review
Skoda Fabia and Volkswagen Polo - front tracking
Car group tests
15 Jun 2023

Skoda Fabia vs Volkswagen Polo: 2023 twin test review

Both these superminis pack great refinement, space and tech into a solid package – but which is best?
Volkswagen Polo GTI review
Fiesta ST vs Polo GTI vs i20 N - Volkswagen Polo front tracking
In-depth reviews
6 Jun 2022

Volkswagen Polo GTI review

The VW Polo GTI carries an illustrious badge but, although a highly polished all-rounder, it lacks a little excitement
Ford Fiesta ST vs Volkswagen Polo GTI vs Hyundai i20 N: 2022 group test review
Fiesta ST vs Polo GTI vs i20 N - three cars tracking 1
Car group tests
4 Jun 2022

Ford Fiesta ST vs Volkswagen Polo GTI vs Hyundai i20 N: 2022 group test review

Does the revised Ford Fiesta ST have the beating of the Hyundai i20 N? Or is the VW Polo GTI finally worthy of its famous badge?
Used Volkswagen Polo (Mk6, 2018-date) review
Volkswagen Polo Mk6
Used car tests
28 Dec 2021

Used Volkswagen Polo (Mk6, 2018-date) review

A used buyer's guide focusing on the Volkswagen Polo Mk6 (2018-date)
Skip advert
Advertisement
Volkswagen leasing deals 2022
Volkswagen ID.4
Best cars & vans
20 Dec 2021

Volkswagen leasing deals 2022

The best Volkswagen leasing deals available right now
Volkswagen Polo vs SEAT Ibiza vs Hyundai i20: 2021 group test review
Volkswagen Polo Hyundai i20 SEAT Ibiza - header
Car group tests
4 Dec 2021

Volkswagen Polo vs SEAT Ibiza vs Hyundai i20: 2021 group test review

The facelifted Volkswagen Polo goes up against the SEAT Ibiza and Hyundai i20 in this supermini showdown
Skip advert
Advertisement
Used Volkswagen Polo (Mk5, 2009-2017) review
Used Volkswagen Polo Mk5 - front
Used car tests
25 Nov 2021

Used Volkswagen Polo (Mk5, 2009-2017) review

The ageing Volkswagen Polo is still a front-runner in the supermini class, but rivals are cheaper
New Volkswagen Polo 2021 review
Volkswagen Polo - front cornering
Road tests
5 Nov 2021

New Volkswagen Polo 2021 review

The facelifted Volkswagen Polo supermini channels even more Golf DNA
New 2021 Volkswagen Polo facelift on sale from £17,885
Volkswagen Polo - front
News
10 Sep 2021

New 2021 Volkswagen Polo facelift on sale from £17,885

Revamped Mk6 Volkswagen Polo pricing and specs revealed, with new GTI hot hatch coming next year
New 2021 Volkswagen Polo GTI facelift unveiled with 204bhp
Volkswagen Polo GTI - front
News
30 Jun 2021

New 2021 Volkswagen Polo GTI facelift unveiled with 204bhp

The new Volkswagen Polo GTI hot hatch packs more power than key class rivals, including the Ford Fiesta ST and Hyundai i20 N
Skip advert
Advertisement
Volkswagen Polo - best superminis
Volkswagen Polo - best superminis
Best cars & vans
12 Nov 2020

Volkswagen Polo - best superminis

The sixth-generation Volkswagen Polo is more like a shrunken Golf than ever before.
Vauxhall Corsa vs Renault Clio vs Volkswagen Polo
Vauxhall Corsa Renault Clio VW Polo - group
Car group tests
27 Jan 2020

Vauxhall Corsa vs Renault Clio vs Volkswagen Polo

In a tough supermini contest, the all-new Vauxhall Corsa takes on the Renault Clio and Volkswagen Polo
Volkswagen Polo SE L 1.0 TSI: long-term test review
Long-term tests
21 May 2019

Volkswagen Polo SE L 1.0 TSI: long-term test review

Final report: Polo is bigger than ever, but we’re sad to see the sweet supermini go
Volkswagen Polo vs Volkswagen Golf
vw polo vs vw golf header
Car group tests
2 Feb 2019

Volkswagen Polo vs Volkswagen Golf

Our first intra-brand twin test pits the VW Polo supermini against the VW Golf family hatch
New Volkswagen Polo R-Line 2019 review
vw polo r-line front quarter driving
Road tests
8 Jan 2019

New Volkswagen Polo R-Line 2019 review

VW Polo R-Line mixes sporty looks with low running costs
New Volkswagen Polo GTI 2018 review
Volkswagen Polo GTI - front
Road tests
29 Nov 2018

New Volkswagen Polo GTI 2018 review

In the aftermath of the Ford Fiesta ST’s arrival, the latest VW Polo GTI lays its cards on the table
Skip advert
Advertisement
Ford Fiesta ST vs MINI Cooper S vs Volkswagen Polo GTI
Ford Fiesta ST vs MINI Cooper S vs Volkswagen Polo GTI - header
Car group tests
15 Aug 2018

Ford Fiesta ST vs MINI Cooper S vs Volkswagen Polo GTI

The new Ford Fiesta ST slugs it out with the MINI Cooper S and Volkswagen Polo GTI for the hot-hatch crown
Volkswagen Polo review
In-depth reviews
16 Mar 2018

Volkswagen Polo review

The Volkswagen Polo is getting old, but it's still a front-runner in the supermini class