For The Volkswagen Polo combines a comfortable ride with secure handling and it's one of the classiest superminis around. Most versions are well priced.

Against The entry-level VW Polo models get underpowered and noisy 1.2-litre petrol engines. A Ford Fiesta is much more fun to drive.

Volkswagen Polo Hatchback

What Car? says

4 out of 5 stars

The Volkswagen Polo isn't as much fun to drive as some supermini rivals, but few are as desirable. It's also affordable to buy and run, and should hold its value well.

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There are 24 Volkswagen Polo versions available

Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.2 60 S 3dr £10,085
What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.2 60 S 5dr £10,830
What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.2 70 S 3dr £10,885
What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.2 60 S AC 3dr £10,925
What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.2 60 Match 3dr £11,440
What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.2 70 S 5dr £11,505
What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.2 60 S AC 5dr £11,545
What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.2 70 S AC 3dr £11,600
What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.2 60 Match 5dr £12,060
What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.2 70 S AC 5dr £12,220
What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.4 85 Match 3dr £12,745
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.4 85 Match 5dr £13,365
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.2 TDI 75 Match 3dr £13,660
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.2 TDI 75 Match 5dr £14,280
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.4 85 SEL 3dr £14,305
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.4 85 SEL 5dr £14,925
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.2 TDI 75 Bluemotion 3dr £14,995
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.2 TSI 105 SEL 3dr £15,305
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.2 TDI 75 Bluemotion 5dr £15,615
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.6 TDI 90 SEL 3dr £15,750
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.2 TSI 105 SEL 5dr £15,925
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.6 TDI 90 SEL 5dr £16,370
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.4 TSI 180 GTI 3dr £18,935
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.4 TSI 180 GTI 5dr £19,555
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Polo Our pick

Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.4 85 Match 5dr

This is the Polo to go for. It has the best engine and you get all the kit you need at a fairly reasonable price.

What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
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Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

There’s plenty of choice in the Volkswagen Polo range, but we wouldn't bother with the three-cylinder 1.2 petrols because they’re underpowered and noisy. The 1.4 is more like it – smooth, cheap to run and reasonably affordable – while the 1.2 turbo is even easier to live with, if a bit pricey, and the GTI uses a turbocharged and supercharged 1.4.

The 1.2- and 1.6-litre diesels both give good fuel economy, but they’re expensive to buy and noisy.

Entry-level S models miss out on some essentials such as remote locking and air-conditioning, but you get both if you go for the dearer Match trim, which is our favourite. SEL cars get a little more kit for a lot more money, so they’re not worth the extra, while the GTI comes with 17-inch alloys and sports suspension.

Reader test team says:

Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.4 85 Match 3dr

Bought the Polo new in October 2011. I used to own…

David Kiely

4 out of 5 stars

Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.2 60 S 5dr

Traded in my fox for a polo (1.2s), as I couldn't…

Roderick Mathison

5 out of 5 stars

Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.4 85 SE 5dr

The Polo is outstanding in almost every area. I’ve…

Michael Caffrey

5 out of 5 stars

Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.2 70 SE 5dr

I have owned the 1.2 SE 5 Door for just over 4…

Ben Lau

5 out of 5 stars
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