CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.9%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 2,900
Average Price: Around £11,600

Volkswagen Polo Mk5 (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 refined and mature supermini that punches above its weight in terms of build quality and comfort. Named European Car of the Year in 2010, it delivers a grown-up driving experience with excellent refinement and composure, particularly on motorways. The spacious interior feels larger than the modest exterior dimensions suggest, with a 280-litre boot expanding to 952 litres with the rear seats folded. Available in three and five-door body styles, the Polo received a mid-life refresh in 2014 that introduced new engines and technology whilst maintaining its understated styling.

Running costs are impressively low, with early petrol models achieving close to 50mpg and later TSI variants returning significantly better figures. Diesel options, particularly the BlueMotion models, deliver exceptional efficiency of up to 90mpg. The GTI performance variants, whilst quick and discreet, lack the engagement of rivals like the Ford Fiesta ST. Post-facelift models benefit from improved equipment including touchscreen infotainment with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, plus optional autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. As a used car, the Polo represents excellent value for those prioritising comfort, refinement, and practicality over driving excitement.

Best for: Drivers seeking a refined, comfortable, and practical supermini with premium feel, those prioritising fuel efficiency (especially BlueMotion diesels), and buyers wanting a well-built car that feels more expensive than it is.

Not ideal for: Enthusiasts wanting engaging, fun-to-drive dynamics, those requiring extensive standard equipment, or buyers attracted to bold, distinctive styling.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Polo if: You're seeking a refined, comfortable, and practical supermini with premium feel, prioritising fuel efficiency (especially BlueMotion diesels), or wanting a well-built car that feels more expensive than it is.

Consider alternatives if: You want engaging, fun-to-drive dynamics, require extensive standard equipment, or are attracted to bold, distinctive styling.

Competitive Position: The Volkswagen Polo Mk5 (2009-2017) is a strong contender in the used supermini market, offering exceptional refinement, comfort, and build quality that rivals more expensive cars. Whilst it doesn't match the Ford Fiesta for driving engagement or the Peugeot 208 for user satisfaction, the Polo's mature approach, excellent fuel economy (particularly BlueMotion diesels), and premium feel make it an excellent choice for those prioritising comfort and practicality. It represents outstanding value for buyers seeking a well-engineered, dependable supermini that feels considerably more upmarket than its price suggests.

Read our full Volkswagen Polo Review

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