Search by colour

Which used Volkswagen Polo should you buy?

The Volkswagen Polo is long established as one of Britain’s favourite small cars. It’s available exclusively as a five-door version these days, but there’s a trim level to suit every taste and pocket.

It’s bang up-to-date as far as safety is concerned, and you can’t really go wrong regardless of which version you opt for. Volkswagen Polo SE models provide a good balance between price and spec, and the Volkswagen Polo GTI is ideal for those who want a junior hot hatch.

Read our full Volkswagen Polo review

 

What used Volkswagen Polo trim levels are available?

As befits such a big-seller, the Volkswagen Polo is available in a wide variety of trim levels. Read on as we guide you through the range, from the most affordable Volkswagen Polo S to the fast and fun Volkswagen Polo GTI+.

Volkswagen Polo S

The Volkswagen Polo S is the entry-level model that looks anything but basic, and its appeal is underpinned by a comprehensive safety package. The only engine is a 1.0-litre petrol with 81PS, which means a sluggish 15.5-second 0-62mph time, but insurance and running costs don’t come cheaper than this in the range. Key kit includes:

  • Eight-inch touchscreen media display
  • Bluetooth
  • USB socket
  • Digital radio
  • CD player with six speakers
  • Manual air-conditioning
  • Forward collision warning
  • Autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian monitoring
  • Speed limiter
  • Driver alert system
  • Automatic headlights
  • Stability control 
  • Tyre pressure monitoring
  • Triple rear seatbelts
  • Twin rear Isofix mounts
  • 14-inch steel wheels

Volkswagen Polo SE

Moving up to the Volkswagen Polo SE is an attractive option for anyone who wants to stay connected, thanks to more advanced in-car tech, while engine choices include a punchier 96PS 1.0-litre option. SE trim provides the best balance of affordability and comfort, and includes the following features:

  • 15-inch alloy wheels
  • Painted door mirrors
  • DSG automatic gearbox available
  • All-round electric windows
  • Electrically adjustable mirrors
  • Leather-trimmed steering wheel
  • Eight-inch colour touchscreen
  • Volkswagen’s Car-Net App-Connect for smartphone mirroring

Volkswagen Polo Beats

The Volkswagen Polo Beats is considered a special edition rather than a trim level, but whatever you call it, the model turns heads – and ears - thanks to the thumping Beats audio system, which consists of an eight-channel amplifier, digital sound processor and a subwoofer in the boot for added bass. Among the additional features are:

  • 16-inch alloy wheels
  • Dark tinted glass
  • Bonnet and roof stripes 
  • Front sport seats 
  • Beats logo on door sills

Volkswagen Polo R-Line

The Volkswagen Polo R-Line trim level switches the focus to sporty styling. It’s also a chance to get your hands on one of the more powerful engines available within the Volkswagen Polo range, as R-Line models come with a 117PS turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol unit, which is also available in a less powerful 96PS format. 

  • R-Line styling pack
  • 16-inch grey alloy wheels
  • LED rear light clusters

Volkswagen Polo SEL

If cruising in luxury is what you seek from your small car, then the Volkswagen Polo SEL should provide everything you could ask for. It offers enhanced technology and comfort features, including:

  • Discover Navigation system
  • Volkswagen Car-Net ‘Guide and Inform’ tech
  • Dual-zone climate control system
  • Front foglights
  • Automatic rain-sensing windscreen wipers

Volkswagen Polo GTI

Thanks to a properly punchy 2.0-litre 203PS engine coupled with the German company’s six-gear automatic DSG gearbox, there’s plenty of fun to be had with the Volkswagen Polo GTI. It takes just 6.7 seconds to sprint from 0-62mph, and is extremely agile, sitting 15mm closer to the ground on lowered sports suspension than the standard car. Highlights include:

  • Tartan interior fabrics
  • Leather-trimmed steering wheel with red stitching
  • Four selectable driving modes
  • GTI bodykit with honeycomb grille

 

Volkswagen Polo GTI+

Want the fastest, glitziest model in the range? This is it. The Volkswagen Polo GTI+ adds some more high-end features to the standard Volkswagen Polo GTI to deliver an even more desirable package, which can be good value as a used car.

  • Adaptive cruise control
  • LED headlamps
  • Keyless entry with a start/stop button
  • 10.3-inch Active Info Display digital dashboard

 

Is a used Volkswagen Polo a good buy?

The Volkswagen Polo is a massively popular small car, and for good reason. It’s built a formidable reputation for great build quality, reliability and practicality, and been a model that other brands have measured their own offerings against for years.

That said, there are many rivals that are household names in their own right, including the Ford Fiesta, and another huge seller, the Vauxhall Corsa. There are also plenty of less established alternatives available, too, offering potential Volkswagen Polo buyers even more food for thought. 

What’s clear, though, is that despite the fierce competition in this area of the market, the Volkswagen Polo remains a model you can buy with great confidence.