Used Volkswagen Polo Review (2009-2017) MK5
Independent review by Bruce Booth from Driving Force
5-minute read
Overview
- Refined
- Economical
- Sophisticated supermini
- More expensive than rivals
- Some engines lack punch
- Understated styling may not be for everyone
What's the VW Polo like?
It may be hard to believe, but the fifth generation Volkswagen Polo supermini first made its public debut at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. And what an instant success story it proved to be. European Car of the Year 2010, World Car of the Year at the New York International Auto Show the same year and Japanese Import Car of the Year 2010–2011.
However, during that time it has been given tweaks here and tucks there to keep it fresh, the last major facelift taking place in 2014.
Always playing second fiddle behind its larger Golf sibling, the chunky Polo did help narrow the gap between the two in the sales stakes.
Engines
The 74bhp turbo-diesel engine tops out at 107mph, which is pretty respectable for a car of this ilk, but it’s the fuel consumption figures that really set the car off.
How about 67.3mpg on the urban cycle, 91.1mpg on the extra urban cycle and 80.7mpg on the combined cycle? Pretty staggering in anyone’s book.
But, unlike many “official figures” that motor manufacturers are happy to give out but which turn out to be mostly way off track, those given out by VW for the Polo proved to be pretty accurate to say the least.
Even driving hard over hundreds of miles, the consumption figures are pretty much spot on.
Not only that, this little gem could accelerate to 62mph in 13.9 seconds, which is fast enough for most needs and comes with a CO2 emission rating of just 91g/km, making it free from road tax.
Driving Experience
Out on the road it’s a delight to drive. Simply a joy on dual carriageways and more than willing on fast motorways. In busy city traffic it’s also something of a breeze, being comfortable and spacious enough for four adults.
Bruce Booth
Practicality and Equipment
The Polo gained a couple of inches and in this version is only nine inches shorter than its big brother, making it a really great buy both new and used.
Even though it gained a little where it mattered, the Polo came in far lighter than the model it replaced and as a result proved more economical and environmental friendly.
In the latter half of 2012, VW added both 3 and 5-door BlueMotion models to the Polo range and should you be in the market for a used diesel supermini, then you won’t go far wrong.
In the comfort stakes the Polo was certainly not lacking with climatic semi-auto air conditioning, remote locking, start/stop and cruise control.
There’s also heated door mirrors, fog lamps and a host of other safety features built in as standard.
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If you're in the market for a refined and economical supermini, you can't go wrong with a VW Polo. It may be a touch more expensive than other superminis, but in this instance you really do get what you pay for.
