VW Polo buyer’s guide

Supermini is now a used bargain with new car on the way

VOLKSWAGEN has just revealed an all-new Polo that will be in showrooms next January. It’s a far cry from the original model that arrived in 1974 as the Audi 50; within a year it had been rebadged as a Volkswagen and was on sale across Europe.

Those first cars were well made but spartan and mediocre in most ways. Until the Mk5 appeared in 2009, that was pretty much what we expected of the Polo – a supermini that was solid, dependable, costly and devoid of flair.

But the fifth-generation version was much better to drive, generally well equipped and came with some superb engines. Now that it’s about to be replaced in dealers, the outgoing model makes a fantastic second-hand buy.

History

THE five-door Polo Mk5 hatch arrived in October 2009; a three-door option came four months later. Initially there were 1.2 and 1.4-litre petrol engines, as well as a 1.6 TDI diesel; the 1.2 TDI and DSG automatic-only 1.4 TSI GTI were added in February 2010, the former in 104bhp or 74bhp Bluemotion forms.

The high-value Polo Match replaced the SE and Moda in July 2011; the sportylooking R-line appeared in April 2012, six months before the 1.4-litre 138bhp Polo GT.

Most Polos got extra standard kit from June 2013, a year before a facelifted car hit dealers, with more efficient engines and additional equipment included.

From March 2015 the GTI featured a 1.8 TSI engine with a manual gearbox option.

What to look for

HOME in on the TSI or TDI models because these combine plenty of punch with decent fuel economy. The other engines are okay but the 1.2-litre isn’t especially perky; the 1.4 is noticeably better.

There’s a lot more demand for fivedoor cars, which are much easier to get in and out of, but the three-door looks more stylish and in theory is slightly cheaper. Entry-level Polo S models are spartan; they get a DAB radio and central locking, but unless you buy the S A/C edition, there’s no air-conditioning. Bluemotion trim adds alloy wheels, as well as air-con, cruise control and electrically adjustable door mirrors.

The SE comes with powered rear windows and climate control, while the SEL has an upgraded interior and multimedia system.

Alternatives

THE Ford Fiesta is all the supermini you need as it looks smart, is superb to drive and comes with plenty of kit if you avoid base models – plus you get a lot more car for your money than if you buy a Polo.

But the Fiesta isn’t a premium choice; if that’s a priority you need to look at the Audi A1, which shares much with the Polo and is a true high-quality product. So, too, is the MINI; although it’s not the most practical car, there are plenty for sale. The DS 3 – initially badged as a Citroen – strikes a good balance between premium feel and value for money. It comes in cabrio form, unlike the Polo, but has no five-door option.

Verdict

THE fifth generation was, at last, a Polo that felt like a baby Golf, rather than a slightly posh supermini. It came with a big-car feel, big-car equipment if you bought a higherspec model and, while it wasn’t classleading to drive, you could have some fun in one if you got a sportier model.

What matters to most owners is that the Polo is as easy to drive as it is to own. A worthy winner of the 2010 World Car of the Year award, the Mk5 is still very desirable.

Buying cars “At last, here was a Volkswagen Polo that felt like a baby Golf, rather than a slightly posh supermini”

DESPITE its premium status, the Polo has never excelled in our Driver Power satisfaction surveys. Last year it failed to get into the top 150; in 2017 it managed 59th. The only impressive rating was for fuel economy and running costs, with infotainment close behind. Everything else failed to hit the spot.

YOUR VIEW

MAHMOUD Eiwadi from Birmingham owns a Polo 1.2 TSI. He said: “The Polo is really grown-up; it feels so much stronger than the Clio it replaced.

“It’s refined on the motorway and quick enough, yet doesn’t use much fuel. It will easily accommodate four adults, but despite its small size, I think the boot space is still good.”

NEED TO KNOW Some 1.4-litre petrol cars need an ECU update, but there’s no official recall for this. Check it’s been done. NEED TO KNOW From June 2012, all Polos above S spec came with Bluetooth as standard. It was a £245 option until then.

Exhaust PARTICULATE filters in the exhaust can get clogged on diesels that aren’t driven often, so consider buying a petrol-powered model if you don’t cover that many miles a year.

Airbag NOT all models have a front passenger airbag that can be switched off, so if you carry small children in the front of the car, make sure you find a Polo with this feature.

Headlamps SOME owners have found the headlight lenses on their cars have been heatdamaged by the daytime running lights being on for long periods of time.

Brake discs CHECK that the brake discs aren’t worn or warped by feeling for juddering under braking. Some owners have found that the discs wear quickly on their Polos.