CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 37.2%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.4 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 2,700
Average Price: Around £10,900

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 mature and well-built supermini that punches above its weight in terms of quality and refinement. Named European Car of the Year in 2010, it delivers a grown-up driving experience with excellent build quality, comfort in town, and impressive motorway refinement. Available in three and five-door body styles, the Polo received a mid-life refresh in 2014 that introduced new technology and engines whilst maintaining its understated styling. Despite modest exterior dimensions, it offers surprisingly spacious accommodation with a 280-litre boot expanding to 952 litres with rear seats folded.

The Polo prioritises comfort and practicality over driving excitement, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a relaxing, composed drive rather than engaging handling. A wide range of engines is available, from economical three-cylinder units to powerful GTI variants. Post-facelift petrol models achieve around 50mpg, whilst diesel versions deliver exceptional efficiency, with BlueMotion models returning up to 90mpg. Running costs are reasonable, with low insurance groups and competitive servicing costs at independent specialists. The GTI models, whilst quick and discreet, lack the dynamic appeal of rivals like the Ford Fiesta ST.

Best for: Drivers seeking a refined, comfortable, and well-built supermini with excellent fuel economy, those prioritising motorway comfort and practicality, and buyers wanting premium badge appeal without premium pricing.

Not ideal for: Keen drivers seeking engaging handling and fun-to-drive dynamics, those wanting extensive standard equipment on entry-level models, or buyers preferring distinctive, eye-catching styling.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Polo if: You seek a refined, comfortable, and well-built supermini with excellent fuel economy, prioritise motorway comfort and practicality, or want premium badge appeal without premium pricing.

Consider alternatives if: You are a keen driver seeking engaging handling and fun-to-drive dynamics, require extensive standard equipment on entry-level models, or prefer distinctive, eye-catching styling.

Competitive Position: The Volkswagen Polo Mk5 (2009-2017) is a strong contender in the used supermini market, offering refined comfort, excellent build quality, and a premium feel that rivals struggle to match at this price point. Whilst it lacks the driving engagement of the Ford Fiesta and the exceptional value of the Vauxhall Corsa, the Polo's maturity, refinement, and fuel efficiency make it an excellent choice for those prioritising comfort and practicality. The BlueMotion diesel variants offer remarkable fuel economy, whilst the GTI models provide discreet performance, though neither matches the dynamic appeal of competitors. For buyers seeking a grown-up, well-engineered supermini, the Polo remains a highly sensible and rewarding choice.

Read our full Volkswagen Polo Review

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