In-depth reviews

Volkswagen Polo hatchback (2009-2017): owner reviews

"The Volkswagen Polo is an upmarket supermini with a great interior and plenty of equipment. It’s not the most fun car to drive in its class, but it’s arguably the most grown-up."

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by Richard Ingram

20 Mar 2017

.polaris__post-meta--date { display: none; } .polaris__post-meta--date.no-script { display: block; padding-left: 45px } 20 Mar 2017

Carbuyer Rating

3.7 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.2 out of 5

Price

£21,210 - £27,710

Reviews

Owner Reviews

5 out of 5
4 out of 5
3 out of 5
2 out of 5
1 out of 5

62%of people would recommend this car to a friend

Common Problems

Other (6 cases)
Brakes, Engine, Other (1 case)
Gearbox / clutch (2 cases)
Electrics (5 cases)
Brakes (1 case)
Brakes, Engine, Gearbox / clutch (1 case)
Suspension (2 cases)
Engine (2 cases)
Brakes, Engine (1 case)
Electrics, Engine, Other (1 case)
Brakes, Electrics, Engine (1 case)
Electrics, Engine, Suspension (1 case)
Electrics, Gearbox / clutch (1 case)

Review 1 of 100

Tell us what you think about your car?

Great for driving to work each day. Also does the job for everything else in between. Trim is generous.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Lovely car. Well built, comfortable to drive even on long journeys and so smooth. I love the gearbox it just easily glides into gear so smoothly. Very light steering and spacious inside. Generous boot space with interior light. Reliable nippy and a good sound system. The nicest car I've ever owned. Stylish . I love it.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Had my car since April 2014 and it has been a pleasure to drive. Whether that be at 30 round town or 70+. The ride is quiet with no knocks or rattles and the stereo is high quality. Only problems I have had is with a resistor on the heater fan which was fixed under warranty and the fact I have had 5 punctures on my run flats but with the tyre insurance is has cost me £50 all in. All in all it's a VW and does what it says on the tin.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

While I've only owned the car for less than a year, it's been a fantastic car to own so far. Process of ordering the car was brilliant, and staff at Lancaster VW St Albans were particularly helpful and informative all the way along. The car one issue when I picked it up - the USB slot wasn't working, but that was remedied quickly and free of charge - they couldn't do enough for me. The car performs very well considering its engine size, and it's settled and refined on long motorway trips. It's got all the kit I need for what I use it for and feels very well put together. All-in-all I'm very happy with it and hope it continues this way until it's time to change it for something else!

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

After 40,000 miles needed new timing chain! Apparently not that uncommon for Polos (£500). Also needed new water coolant bottle because of leak. Always something needing done to brakes.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Bought as needed small motorway runner, had quite a budget so thought I would buy a brand new car for my first! Tried the Fiesta, Ibiza and a ton of of others, but the Polo wins by a mile on the Motorway side of things. Car is quiet, comfy, and refined. I've drove this from Manchester to Germany and no issues at all, maybe except the fact I didn't buy enough Red Bull! I have had a gearbox replacement, I have the DSG 7 Speed box in my Polo and it basically grinder itself to bits, took into VW and they were great about it, had my car back in two days and feels amazing, done another 25'000 miles and no issues at all, VW have since recalled all DQ200 (DSG7) cars to get these boxes checked. Engine is nice, peppy enough for 70+ on Motorway and gets me decent MPG for my 65mph work commutes. I normally average around 44-48 and that's a little urban driving too. One thing I must say if you put your foot down the milage rand will take a good few miles away from you as punishment! Admittedly not as fun as the fiesta, but that doesn't mean you can't chuck it around, grip is good, and predictable, and with the DSG is easy to power out and have a bit of fun with, the Polo can put a smile on your face when you/it wants. Another reason why I bought the Polo, quality, the interior is lovely, it's like a mini MK6 Golf! Touch points all feel soft, as does the upper dash, doorsills are soft, and overall, it's just a nice place to be, especially in jams, stereo sounds nice, not tinny, nor does it have too much bass. VW have concentrated on making a solid all rounder, not a good driving car, or something with supersoft suspension for comfort, they made a quality product, and it does everything well.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Never had a problem and the car is always reliable

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

car 3 weeks old and been in garage for 8-9 days total for problems pulling to the left

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

NEVER LETS US DOWN

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Ther was an engine management problem within 2 months of owning the car. Was a faulty sensor.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

no problems and dealer helpful

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Works well every time, all the time. It only goes the garage for the yearly service.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

ok

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Would not engage reverse once (Automatic gearbox)

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

rear brakes gone after first 11,000 miles other than that A1

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

I`m coming to the end of my 3 years with this car and wont be sad to see it go. The first 18 months this car was brilliant, it looks good in the Nimbus grey, boot space is excellent and the under boot shelf is handy for storage. The gearbox was smooth and was very nippy for a little 1.4 engine. But, even with its regular servicing the car feels older than it is. The powers dramatically gone and when slowing can hear the lower gears clunking. When I back out of the drive the brakes seize if I dont drive it for a week. The car has only done 14,000 miles in 3 years and serviced when the handbook tells me to, but the car just doesnt feel as good as it should. Which is a shame, so going for a Fiesta now, the wifes had 5 so far and each one has been problem free and she drives 10,000 miles a year.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Its a good runabout car, not designed for top performance but it gets you about town easily enough and can hold its own on the occasional long journey when required

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

I am satisfied - it is a cheaper car with lower running costs that the one i had previously but speed/performance is (obviously) reduced.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

A fun car

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Well built, reliable, economical and enjoyable to drive.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

I have owned many vw over the last 30 years but the tsi 1200cc engine make it a star! Its overall a better cat than the golf mk 5 it replace. Down sizing worked for me.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Typically reliable volkswagen. Build quality excellent.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

The car runs beautifully, the ride and comfort is excellent, build quality is excellent, feels like you are driving a much larger car. The interior is lovely and would recommend this car for sure, I am well pleased. It has put the fun back into driving for me,

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Good reliability

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Absolutely no problems in the six months or so that I have owned the car.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

all ways works, well made

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Never had a moment's trouble.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Has yet to let me down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Vw polo 6n, what can i say? Picked it up for less than 400, runs perfectly, and got nothing wrong to say about it. Practical and feels safe. Old but doesn't seem to want to stop running. A***!

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Practical, reliable and stylish for a good price; quite economical to run.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

A big improment on the previous model which i would never have bought, all the qualties of a golf but more afrodable

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Relibable

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Excellent small car, has the feel and quality of a much bigger car.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Brilliant

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

It is a concept car and i am delighted with it.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Tough, reliable, quiet-running small car-would buy another.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Does what i require

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

I am an unashamed vw addict and rate their cars as 1st class in every department.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

I believe that my car is a brilliant concept car. It is built for a purpose and that is to save fuel and to give out small emmissions. I believe that it meets those criteria and is great to drive and ride in.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Easy to drive,smooth and comfortable

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Great

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Very good car got the 3 door fuel consumption very good round the doors.had a diesel car before this one had on got problem with dpf went for this model because it got the power with it having a 150 bhp plus got act engine that drops in to 2 sillenders when your at the speed you need very smart car had 2 previous polos but this is far the best

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Bought this car for my son as he only liked the Volkswagen polo models 09 onwards, and didn't like Vauxhall corsas or the Ford Fiesta (which he learned in) . Bought outright, car under his name and insurance policy. The insurance quote at first was £870 now after 1 years no claims he then paid £520. This motor can get from 0-60 with no problems taking about 11 seconds which is fast for a small car compared to other competitors! And for a 17 year old it's a pretty nippy and stylish car for someone who has passed. However when changing into 3rd gear he's told me that the gear box can make an odd scrapping noise as if he hasn't dipped the clutch enough, although nothing drastic has happened it's just once in a while this happens. This car is also fitted with stop start and one day when commuting through the city centre, the car failed to start backup after a couple tries manually it finally did, but then proceeded to die out again at the next stop. When taken back to the dealer we were then told to switch stop start off everytime when entering the car as it drains the battery, which is what happened! Other than that he has never had a problem with the car and personally I think it's one of the best smart minis on the roads today!

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Use mostly for around town, but a few fairly long trips every few months or so. On motorway trips it gets fairly good economy in the high forties, around town it can get around low thirties depending on traffic. Lots of kit, A/C great, cruise control a real plus for motorways. Boot is a reasonable size, movable boot floor an excellent addition, as it means a flat load through with the rear seats down, though not great for long items. Comfortable and quiet for long distances, though seats can be a little tough after a really long way. Not had any problems to speak of in 18months, though have started to notice the odd suspension related knocking of late. Engine (1.4 petrol, 85bhp) is ok around town - it's quiet, but does need working to move quickly but handles motorway well. 5-speed manual is a little worked when doing 70mph, 6th gear would have been welcome. Overall a good little car, as long as you don't need to carry too much, too far, too often!

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

i have had zero problems with my vw

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

I have never had a problem

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Has broken down once. Manufacturer mod. to the turbo carried out by dealer.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Nothing wrong with it

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

its never let me down yet

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

start first time no matter the weather or time of year

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Great engineering from VW

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

couple of minor problems sorted under warantee