Used Volkswagen Polo for sale near Barnstaple

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.2 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.5%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 2,800
Average Price: Around £12,100

Volkswagen Polo (2009-2017) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Feels like a bigger, more expensive car than it is	Unexciting to drive – sporty GTI is a particular disappointment
Fuel-efficient BlueMotion diesels	Not that well equipped
Refined and comfortable to drive	Understated styling could be seen as boring

Quick Summary

The Volkswagen Polo Mk5 (2009-2017) is a highly capable and dependable supermini, often described as a scaled-down Golf due to its mature feel, build quality, and refinement. Available in three and five-door body styles, it was named European Car of the Year in 2010. Despite its modest exterior, it offers surprising interior space, decent storage, and a 280-litre boot, making it practical for a small family car.

While not as engaging to drive as rivals like the Ford Fiesta, the Polo offers a safe, predictable, and comfortable experience, excelling in urban environments and on motorways. A wide range of engines was available, with later turbocharged TSI units offering good performance and efficiency. Running costs are generally low, especially for BlueMotion diesels which can achieve up to 90mpg. Equipment levels improved with the 2014 facelift, adding features like touchscreen infotainment, Bluetooth, and optional advanced driver assistance systems.

Best for: Buyers seeking a mature, refined, and comfortable small car; those prioritising fuel efficiency and low running costs; drivers who appreciate a "scaled-down Golf" feel and solid build quality.

Not ideal for: Drivers looking for an exciting and engaging driving experience (e.g., Ford Fiesta); buyers who require extensive standard equipment on entry-level models (pre-facelift); those expecting a standout hot hatch experience from the GTI variants.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Polo if: You're seeking a mature, refined, and comfortable small car; you prioritise fuel efficiency and low running costs; or you appreciate a "scaled-down Golf" feel and solid build quality.

Consider alternatives if: You're looking for an exciting and engaging driving experience; you require extensive standard equipment on entry-level models (pre-facelift); or you expect a standout hot hatch experience from the GTI variants.

Competitive Position: The Volkswagen Polo Mk5 (2009-2017) stands out in the supermini segment for its mature, refined feel, often likened to a smaller Volkswagen Golf. While it may not offer the most engaging driving experience compared to rivals like the Ford Fiesta, its strong build quality, comfortable ride, and excellent practicality make it a highly sensible and dependable choice. With a range of efficient engines and improving technology post-facelift, it represents great value, particularly for those seeking a grown-up small car with low running costs.

Volkswagen Polo Review

The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from January 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.