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Volkswagen Polo Buyer’s Guide - Everything From Price, Reliability, Models & More

Volkswagen Polo Buyer’s Guide - Everything From Price, Reliability, Models & More

When it comes to the new Volkswagen Polo, you get a car that has enjoyed a long-standing reputation for its practicality, reliability, and efficient performance.

So, in this guide, we will delve into the key aspects of each model, including interior comfort, technology features, and equipment, highlighting what makes each model stand out in the competitive world of compact cars.

Top Features

☑ The Polo especially is known for its excellent fuel economy, making it a cost-effective option for daily commuting and long drives.

☑ Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the Polo offers a surprisingly spacious interior. It comfortably provides a decent boot space for luggage of its size, making it an ideal choice for city driving and parking in tight spots while still being practical for longer journeys.

☑ It boasts a solid construction with high-quality materials used both inside and out, contributing to its good reliability and durability over time.

☑ The Polo tends to hold its value well over time, thanks to its popularity and reliability. This makes it a good investment for those looking to sell or trade in in the future.

☑ Over the years, the VW Polo has received numerous awards for its design, safety, and overall performance, further confirming its status as a reliable and desirable small car.

VW Polo white

Table of Contents

Volkswagen Polo History

The Volkswagen Polo embarked on its journey in the automotive world in the 1970s - marking the beginning of what would become a significant chapter in compact car history.

Originally conceived as a smaller companion to the Volkswagen Golf, the Polo quickly established its place by combining practicality with a distinctive style.

Transformations

Over the decades, the Polo has undergone several transformations, each reflecting advancements in automotive technology and changing consumer preferences.

Generations

From its first-generation model, known more for its simplicity and efficiency, to the latest versions that give you state-of-the-art features and improved performance, the Polo's evolution has been impressive.

First Generation - Mk1 - 1975 - 1981

The Polo was introduced as a practical and economical car for everyday use in 1975. Initially available as a hatchback, it was VW's answer at the time to the compact car market, competing with the likes of the Ford Fiesta during this period.

Second Generation - Mk2 - 1981 - 1994

With a longer wheelbase, the Mk2 offered consumers more interior space and came in both hatchback and saloon versions. It was during this generation that the Polo began to gain a reputation for reliability and efficiency, which would hold up well in its preceding revisions in the years to come.

Third Generation - Mk3 - 1994 - 2000

This generation saw the Polo receive a more significant makeover, with improved styling, better safety features, and a wider range of engines available, including diesel options.

Fourth Generation - Mk4 - 2002 - 2009

The Polo underwent modernisation with improved interiors, better build quality and the introduction of new technologies.

This generation also saw the introduction of the Polo GTI for the first time, as the Polo started to appeal to drivers looking for performance in a small package.

Fifth Generation - Mk5 - 2009 - 2017

The Polo then received a major design overhaul in 2009, moving more upscale with higher quality materials, more advanced technology, and enhanced safety features.

It was awarded the World Car of the Year in 2010 as well.

Sixth Generation - Mk6 - 2018 - Present

The latest generation of the Polo further showcases to you a further refined design, cutting-edge technology, and a focus on safety and comfort.

It also continues to offer a range of engine options, including more efficient and environmentally friendly choices.

Interior

The interior of the Volkswagen Polo has been designed to cater to a wide range of needs of drivers and passengers.

VW Polo interior

Across its range of available models, from the standard edition to the more luxurious models, the Polo's cabin offers a thoughtful balance of functionality, comfort, and aesthetic appeal.

Base Model

The standard model, for instance, sets a solid foundation with its well-equipped interior with key features, including:

  • A user-friendly touch-screen infotainment system
  • Air conditioning
  • Comprehensive connectivity options, such as Bluetooth
  • USB ports and lots more - full list further down the guide in the how to the models differ section

All of which ensures your passengers stay connected and entertained while on the move.

Moving up the Models

Moving up the range, other models enhance the interior further by introducing upgraded materials for seating, automatic climate control - for maintaining the perfect cabin temperature - and additional storage solutions to keep personal items organised, to name but a few.

Controls

When it comes to the car's controls, these are all within easy reach and very intuitive to use.

Higher Models

The higher models further refine the Polo's interior even more by adding higher quality materials and finishes.

These can also include more advanced infotainment features, such as smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto®, and a digital cockpit that offers you customisable displays for driving information and navigation.

GTI Trim

For those with a passion for performance, the GTI model then stands out with its sports-oriented interior.

It features sport seats that offer you further enhanced support for more spirited driving, a GTI-specific steering wheel, and distinctive decorative inserts that underscore its more sportier character.

The GTI also benefits from the most comprehensive set of infotainment and connectivity features in the lineup, ensuring both you and your passengers enjoy a highly engaging and connected ride at all times.

Exterior

The Volkswagen Polo's exterior is refined, combining classic design elements with more modern aesthetics.

VW Polo controls

VW Polo GTI exterior

Exterior Silhouette

For instance, its exterior silhouette is characterised by clean lines and balanced proportions that convey a sense of beauty with a responsive drive.

Front

At the front, the Polo further features a distinctive grille and headlight design that integrates LED technology for both nighttime functionality and a contemporary look.

Side Profile

The side profile is also very sleek, with aerodynamic contours that enhance your car's visual appeal and contribute to its very efficient performance by making it more aerodynamic.

Rear

Moving to the rear, the rear lights mirror the design of the front, providing you with a cohesive and polished overall appearance.

Specific Design Touches

Each model, from the base S model through to the sporty GTI, introduces specific design touches that underline their unique positioning within the Polo's range.

Whether it is the elegant simplicity of the standard model or the assertive stance and styling cues of the GTI, the Polo's exterior design makes a lasting impression, ensuring it stands out in the compact car segment.

Comfort Features

When it comes to comfort, the Volkswagen Polo has clearly been engineered to create a comfortable and relaxing driving environment.

Inside the Cabin

For instance, inside the cabin, you and your passengers are greeted with seats designed for support and comfort during both short drives and those longer journeys.

Vehicle Suspension

The car's suspension system has also been finely tuned to balance responsiveness with a smooth ride. It effectively absorbs bumps in the road and provides you with the best driving experience possible.

Noise Insulation

Noise insulation is another area where the Polo excels. Measures are in place to minimise both road and wind noise, thereby enhancing the sense of being inside the car without the distractions of the outside.

Climate Control

Climate control is also available across the range, with higher-end models featuring more automatic settings to maintain the ideal cabin temperature without manual adjustment.

Adjustable Seating & Steering Wheel Adjustments

For added convenience, the Polo also includes features like adjustable seating and steering wheel positions, ensuring that drivers of all sizes can find their optimal and most comfortable driving posture and position.

Controls

The car's controls throughout the cabin have all been well placed and give you easy access to an intuitive and responsive infotainment system, allowing you to focus on the road while your passengers enjoy the journey.

VW Polo side on

Speed and Acceleration

When it comes to speed, the Volkswagen Polo gives you a range of powertrains that have been engineered to provide a satisfying combination of efficiency and performance.

The standard models come equipped with engines that offer you a very responsive ride - more than suitable for daily commuting and town and city driving alike.

With a top speed of up to 148 miles an hour and with a top acceleration speed of around 6 seconds with the GTI model, you can get a car that is more than suitable to your needs.

What are the Engine Options Available for the Volkswagen Polo?

The Volkswagen Polo engines typically give you the following:

Engine Notes: This table is a general guide and may only include some of the available engine options. Some of the abbreviations standing for:

  • HP (horsepower) and acceleration figures may vary slightly depending on model year and specification.
  • MPI - Multi-Point Injection
  • TSI - Turbo Stratified Injection
  • TDI - Turbocharged Direct Injection
  • DSG - Direct Shift Gearbox (automatic)
Engine Type Power (HP) Transmission Acceleration (0-62 mph) Availability (approx.)
1.0 L MPI I3 Petrol (naturally aspirated) 80 5-speed manual 15.5 seconds Not widely available (older models)
1.0 L TSI I3 Petrol (turbocharged) 95 5-speed manual or 7-speed DSG automatic 10.8 seconds Most common engine option
1.0 L TSI I3 Petrol (turbocharged) 110 7-speed DSG automatic 10.4 seconds Higher trim levels
1.4 L TSI I4 Petrol (turbocharged) Not available in latest models May vary May vary Older generations
1.5 L TSI I4 Petrol (turbocharged) Not available globally May vary May vary India and some other markets
1.6 L MSI I4 Petrol Not available in latest models May vary May vary Older generations
2.0 L TSI I4 (GTI) Petrol (turbocharged) 204 6-speed manual 6.5 seconds Performance variant (GTI)
1.0 L TGI I3 Petrol/CNG Not common May vary May vary Limited markets
1.6 L TDI I4 Diesel (turbocharged) Not available in latest models May vary May vary Older generations or some markets

Does the Volkswagen Polo Come with a Manual or Automatic Gearbox?

The Polo is available with both manual and automatic transmissions / gearboxes, depending on the model and engine you decide to choose to suit your driving preferences.

Is There a Performance Model of the Volkswagen Polo?

Yes, the Polo GTI is the performance-oriented variant, featuring a more powerful engine and sportier handling characteristics, to name but a few features. Please see the model comparison section further down this guide for more differences.

What is the Fuel Efficiency Like Across Polo Models?

Fuel efficiency varies by model and engine, with the Polo offering you a range of options to balance both your performance and mileage.

However, across the range, you are looking at around 42 - 54 MPG combined.

VW Polo Boot

Boot Space

When it comes to the Volkswagen Polo boot space being a compact car, you would think the boot would not be that big; however, it surprisingly offers you a generous amount of boot space, making it a practical choice for shoppers prioritising capacity in their next small car.

Boot design

The design of the Polo cleverly maximises the available space available, providing you with a boot that can accommodate a variety of luggage, shopping bags, and just everyday items with ease.

As a result, the standard boot space is very competitive within the compact car market, and it ensures that it meets the needs of most drivers and passengers easily.

Foldable Rear Seats

For those requiring additional space, the rear seats can also be folded down, drastically expanding the luggage area while offering more options for larger items or more substantial loads.

Boot Sizes

Configuration Measurement Notes
Rear Seats Up 351 litres (12.4 cubic feet) This is the standard cargo space with the rear seats in their upright position.
Rear Seats Folded Down 1,125 litres (39.7 cubic feet) Folding down the rear seats creates a significantly larger cargo area for bulkier items.

Technology

The Volkswagen Polo can come fully equipped with a selection of advanced technological features aimed at enhancing your driving experience, providing greater comfort and a more convenient drive.

Infotainment

Central to this is the infotainment system, which offers you seamless integration with you phone phone through Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto®, allowing for easy access to your music, navigation, and in-car apps.

Voice Control

Voice control functionality can also enable you to stay connected while keeping your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

Driver Assistance Features

Driver assistance technologies in the Polo can include Adaptive Cruise Control - a feature that automatically adjusts the car's speed to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead, and a Parking Assist system that simplifies getting into tight spots.

Additionally, safety is augmented by innovative systems such as Front Assist with City Emergency Braking, which can also detect potential collisions before they occur and apply the brakes if necessary for you to help to prevent them from happening as well.

VW Interior
VW Polo

Digital Cockpit

The digital cockpit is another highlight, offering you a customisable, high-resolution display that replaces traditional dials.

You can then tailor the information shown to your preferences, whether it's full-screen navigation maps or other more valuable bits of driving data that are good to know.

Reliability

If you are wondering if the Volkswagen Polo is reliable and has a good safety rating, then this section is for you.

The Polo comes equipped with various safety features and systems, contributing to the commendable safety ratings it has achieved in several areas around the world.

Furthermore, based on its long production cycle going back to the 1970s, this car would only be in production today if its long history of being a reliable small car had been realised.

Consequently, over time, Polo has managed to pick up many awards, which were also given to it due to its reliability. A sample of which, for instance, includes:

  • World Car of the Year
  • World Urban Car of the Year
  • What Car? Best Small Car
  • What Car? Best Small Car for a specific price range
  • Company Car Today - Supermini of the Year
  • First Car Awards - Safe Car of the Year
  • UK Car of the Year - Small Car of the Year
  • Auto Express Supermini of the Year
  • Autocar Best Small Car
  • Top Gear City Car of the Year
  • Fifth Gear Car of the Year
  • Auto Bild Small Car of the Year (Germany)
  • Auto Zeitung Best Small Car (Germany)
  • Auto Award Small Car of the Year (Ireland)
  • News of the World Car of the Year (Ireland)
  • The Sunday Times Best Small Car
  • The Telegraph Small Car of the Year

Exterior Paint Colours

The Volkswagen Polo is available in a range of beautiful exterior paint colours. These offer you the ability to personalise your car to suit your style.

The colour options you can tend to get, for instance, include:

  • Urano Grey
  • Flash Red
  • Pure White
  • Flash Red
  • Reflex Silver, Energetic Orange
  • Limestone Grey, Reef Blue
  • White Silver
  • Deep Black

Alloy Wheels

The Volkswagen polo also offers you a choice of alloy wheel designs - enhancing its sporty appeal.

The available options can include the following:

VW Polo white led front lights

VW Polo alloy wheels

  • 15" 'Sassari' Smokey Aurora Grey
  • 15" 'Salou'
  • 15" 'Seyne' Black diamond-turned
  • 16" 'Torsby' Black diamond-turned
  • 16" 'Las Minas'
  • 16" 'Las Minas' Dark Adamantium
  • 17" 'Pamplona'
  • 17" 'Pamplona' Dark Adamantium
  • 17" 'Bonneville' Black diamond-turned
  • 18" 'Brescia' Black diamond-turned

VW Polo Models

The Volkswagen Polo is available in 8 models, each offering you a unique combination of features and styling.

The main models, for instance, include:

  • Volkswagen Polo S
  • Volkswagen Polo SE
  • Volkswagen Polo Match
  • Volkswagen Polo beats
  • Volkswagen Polo SEL
  • Volkswagen Polo R-Line
  • Volkswagen Polo GTI
  • Volkswagen Polo GTI+

How do the Different Models Compare Against Each Other?

Each of the Polo's models differs in a number of ways. With some of the highlights being around:

VW Polo S Main Features

When it comes to the Polo S, its main features tend to include:

  • 5J x 14" steel wheels with 185/70 R14 tyres and full size wheel trims
  • Full size steel spare wheel (not beats)
  • Tool kit and jack
  • Black door mirrors with integrated indicators
  • Black radiator grille
  • Body-coloured bumpers and side sills
  • Door handles, black
  • Front windscreen washers and wipers with 4 speed intermittent delay
  • Galvanised body
  • Halogen clear headlights, range adjustable, with separate LED daytime running lights including automatic headlights on
  • Heat insulating tinted glass
  • LED rear number plate lights
  • Rear windscreen washer and wiper with interval delay, reverse activated
  • Air vents with ‘High Gloss Black’ trim
  • Bag hooks in luggage compartment x 2
  • Centre console with open storage compartment
  • Cup holders, front x 2 and 12V socket with cover
  • Driver’s and front passenger’s sun visors, with passenger’s vanity mirror
  • Gear lever gaiter in ‘Black’ trim surround
  • Glovebox
  • Handbrake grip button in chrome effect
  • Height and reach adjustable steering wheel
  • Instrument lighting adjustable panel illumination
  • Interior lighting with delayed switch off ‘Limestone Grey’ decorative inserts
  • Luggage compartment cover, removable
  • Luggage compartment light
  • Seating
  • Upholstery ‘Basket’ cloth
  • Driver’s and front passenger's seat height adjustment
  • Folding rear seat backrest
  • Storage compartments in front and rear doors
  • 8.0" colour touch-screen
  • Bluetooth telephone and audio connection for compatible devices
  • Car information display
  • DAB digital radio receiver
  • MDI (Multi Device Interface), via USB connection compatible products only
  • Music playback from MP3, WMA and AAC files
  • SD card reader
  • Simultaneous pairing of 2 compatible mobile devices
  • Single CD player
  • SMS functionality read, compose and send SMS messages using touch-screen display (when stationary, compatible Android smartphones only)
  • Title and cover art display
  • ‘Think Blue. Trainer.‘
  • Driver tips and journey analysis
  • 1 x USB connection, USB charging socket (compatible products only)
  • 4 x 20 watt output
  • 6 speakers, front and rear
  • Premium USB cable (choice of either Apple or Android smartphone compatibility)
  • ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with HBA(Hydraulic Brake Assist)
  • Airbags
  • Driver’s and front passenger’s airbags with passenger’s airbag deactivation switch
  • Curtain airbag system, for front and rear passengers
  • Front seat side impact airbags
  • Automatic Post-Collision Braking System
  • Disc brakes, front and drum brakes, rear
  • Driver’s and front passenger’s safety optimised head restraints
  • Electronic engine immobiliser
  • ESC (Electronic Stability Control) including
  • EDL (Electronic Differential Lock) and ASR (Traction Control)
  • Height-adjustable front three-point seat belts with tensioners
  • High level 3rd brake light
  • Isofix child seat preparation (for 2 outer rear child seats)
  • Rear head restraints x 3
  • Rear three-point seat belts x 3 with tensioners
  • Remote central locking with 2 remote folding keys
  • Tyre pressure monitoring system
  • Warning buzzer and light for front seat belts if unfastened
  • Air conditioning, manual
  • Dust and pollen filter
  • Electric windows, front
  • Heated rear windscreen, automatically switches off
  • Internally adjustable door mirrors
  • Manually dimmable interior rear-view mirror
  • Driver Alert system
  • Front Assist, radar sensor controlled distance monitoring system, City emergency braking system and Predictive Pedestrian Protection
  • Hill hold function
  • Multifunction computer
  • Power-assisted steering, speed-sensitive
  • Speedo and rev counter, electronic odometer, trip, service interval display, digital clock and fuel gauge
  • Warning ‘lights on’ buzzer
  • Battery regeneration (recuperation – energy recovery during braking)
  • Start/Stop function

VW Polo SE Main Features

When it comes to the Polo SE, its main features tend to include:

  • Alloy wheels, four 5½J x 15" ‘Sassari’ with 185/65 R15 low rolling resistance tyres and anti-theft wheel bolts
  • Body-coloured door handles
  • Body-coloured door mirrors with integrated indicators
  • Black radiator grille with chrome trimmed louvre
  • Driver’s and front passenger’s sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors
  • Front passenger’s under seat drawer
  • Luggage compartment with variable load floor (not beats or GTI)
  • Reading lights, front x 2, rear x 2
  • Upholstery – ‘Millie’ cloth
  • Front seat back storage pockets
  • Front seats with lumbar adjustment (not beats or SEL)
  • Split folding rear seat backrest 60:40
  • Leather trimmed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake grip

VW Polo Match Main Features

When it comes to the Polo Match, its main features over the SE tend to include:

  • Alloy wheels, four 5½J x 15" ’Seyne’ Black diamond-turned with 185/65 R15 low rolling resistance tyres and anti-theft wheel bolts
  • Body-coloured door handles
  • Body-coloured door mirrors with integrated indicators
  • Black radiator grille with chrome trimmed louvre
  • Front fog lights with static cornering function
  • Rear tinted glass from B-pillar backwards, approx. 65% tinted
  • Driver’s and front passenger’s sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors
  • Front passenger’s under seat drawer
  • Luggage compartment with variable load floor (not beats or GTI)
  • Reading lights, front x 2, rear x 2
  • Upholstery – ‘Millie’ cloth
  • Front seat back storage pockets
  • Front seats with lumbar adjustment (not beats or SEL)
  • Split folding rear seat backrest 60:40
  • Leather trimmed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake grip
  • Electric windows, rear
  • Electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors
  • Alarm with interior protection, with deactivation via infotainment system
  • Driver assistance (where applicable)
  • Driving data
  • Telephone operation and phone book
  • Navigation instructions (where applicable)
  • Parking sensors, front and rear – ultrasonic, audible with audio volume reduction when activated and optical parking display via vehicle’s infotainment system

VW Polo beats Main Features

When it comes to the Polo Beats, its main features over the SE tend to include:

  • Alloy wheels, four 6½J x 16" ‘Torsby’ Black diamond-turned with 195/55 R16 tyres and anti-theft wheel bolts
  • Tyre mobility kit and compressor
  • Black door mirrors with integrated indicators
  • Front fog lights with static cornering function
  • Rear tinted glass from B-pillar backwards, approx. 65% tinted
  • Unique ‘beats’ badging on B-pillar
  • Unique ‘beats’ decals on bonnet and roof
  • beats audio™
  • 8 channel amplifier
  • Digital Sound Processor (DSP)
  • 2 x tweeters in A-pillars
  • 2 x woofers in front doors
  • 2 x broadband speakers in rear
  • 1 x subwoofer below luggage compartment cover
  • 300 watt output
  • Carpet mats, front and rear
  • Leatherette door panels
  • Paddle shift on steering wheel (auto DSG only)
  • Tracks 2’ cloth seat centre section and leatherette/‘Tracks 2’ side bolsters
  • Front sports seats with height adjustment and ‘beats’ logo on rear seat backrest
  • Unique ‘beats’ door sill protectors
  • ‘Velvet Red’ trim in dash and centre console

VW Polo SEL Main Features

When it comes to the Polo SEL, its main features over the SE tend to include:

  • Alloy wheels, four 6½J x 16" ‘Las Minas’ with 195/55 R16 tyres and anti-theft wheel bolts
  • Steel space saver spare wheel
  • Chrome trimmed strip on lower bumper
  • Front fog lights with static cornering function
  • Carpet mats, front and rear
  • ‘Deep Iron’ decorative inserts
  • Chrome-plated air vent surround
  • Chrome-plated electric mirror adjustment switch surround
  • Chrome-plated electric window button surround
  • Chrome-plated instrument surrounds
  • Front centre armrest with storage compartment, longitudinal adjustable (not GTI)
  • LED interior lighting: 2 reading lights front and rear with interior delay and dimming function
  • Upholstery ‘Tracks 2’ cloth
  • Front sports seats with height adjustment
  • Split folding rear seat backrest 60:40
  • Disc brakes, front and rear (1.0 ltr TSI 115 PS engine only)
  • Discover Navigation infotainment system (SEL only)
  • 8.0" colour touch-screen
  • Bluetooth telephone and audio connection for compatible devices
  • Branded points of interest
  • Car information display
  • DAB digital radio receiver
  • Dynamic navigation based on TMC+, three route options (Fast, Short, Eco)
  • MDI (Multi Device Interface), via USB connection compatible products only
  • Music playback from MP3, WMA and AAC files
  • Preloaded European navigation data
  • SD card reader
  • Single CD player
  • Simultaneous pairing of 2 compatible mobile devices
  • SMS functionality read, compose and send SMS messages using touch-screen display (when stationary, compatible Android smartphones only)
  • Speed Limit Display 2
  • Title and cover art display
  • ‘Think Blue. Trainer.‘
  • Driver tips and journey analysis
  • Volkswagen Media Control 3 allows remote control of the infotainment system via smartphone or tablet
  • Car-Net ‘Guide and Inform’ 4 3-year subscriptions (SEL only)
  • Providing online access to a range of useful information such as traffic, fuel pricing, weather and news feeds
  • Ambient lighting in the front footwell, light strips below trim in front and rear doors and dashboard
  • Climate control 2Zone electronic air conditioning with automatic air recirculation (SEL only)
  • Manual coming/automatic leaving home lighting function
  • Rain sensor and automatic dimming interior rear-view mirror (not GTI)
  • Parking sensors, front and rear ultrasonic, audible with audio volume reduction when activated and optical parking display via the car’s infotainment system

VW Polo R-Line Main Features

When it comes to the Polo R-Line, its main features over the SEL tend to include:

  • Alloy wheels, four 6½J x 16" ‘Sebring’
  • Galvano Grey with 195/55 R16 tyres and anti-theft wheel bolts
  • Chrome effect trapezoid fascia exhaust tailpipe surrounds, left and right LED tinted rear light clusters
  • Rear diffuser
  • Rear tinted glass from B-pillar backwards, approx. 65% tinted
  • ‘R-Line’ styling pack – ‘R-Line’ design front and rear bumpers with unique ‘C’ signature
  • ‘Gloss Black’ front air intakes, rear roof spoiler, radiator grille and side skirts
  • Unique ‘R-Line’ badging
  • Leather trimmed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with aluminium inserts and ‘R-Line’ logo
  • Paddle shift on steering wheel (auto DSG only)
  • Upholstery – ‘Carbon Flag’ cloth
  • Front sports seats with lumbar adjustment and ‘R-Line’ logo on seat backrest
  • ‘Shadow Steel’ decorative inserts
  • Stainless steel pedals
  • Titanium Black rooflining and sun visors
  • Unique ‘R-Line’ door sill protectors
  • Electrically heated, adjustable and foldable door mirrors and reverse activated kerb view adjustment on passenger’s side

VW Polo GTI Main Features

When it comes to the Polo GTI, its main features over the SEL tend to include:

  • Alloy wheels, four 7½J x 17" ‘Parker’ with
  • 215/45 R17 tyres and anti-theft wheel bolts
  • Sports suspension, lowered by approx.
  • 15mm, including Sports select adaptive shock absorption – allows choice of two preset modes: Normal and Sport
  • Chrome exhaust twin tailpipe
  • Extended sill strips, flared in black
  • ‘Gloss Black’ rear spoiler
  • ‘GTI’ styling pack – uniquely shaped front and rear bumpers and ‘Black’ honeycomb front air intake
  • Honeycomb radiator grille with red stripe
  • LED darkened rear light clusters
  • Red brake callipers
  • Unique ‘GTI’ badging
  • LED dipped and main beam headlights including separate LED daytime running lights and automatic range adjustment
  • Rear tinted glass from B-pillar backwards,
  • approx. 65% tinted
  • Dusk sensor, automatic driving lights
  • Front centre armrest, with storage compartment
  • Manual coming/automatic leaving home lighting function
  • Rain sensor and automatic dimming interior rear-view mirror
  • Electrically heated, adjustable and foldable door mirrors and reverse activated kerb-view adjustment on passenger’s side
  • Keyless entry with Start/Stop button on centre console
  • Active Info Display , 10.3" high resolution TFT
  • dash display screen with customisable menus and information
  • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), including
  • Front Assist, radar sensor controlled distance monitoring system, City emergency braking system, cruise control and speed limiter
  • Aluminium-look pedals
  • Black gloss instrument surrounds
  • Black rooflining and sun visors
  • Carpet mats, front and rear with red stitching
  • Door sill protectors in stainless steel with ‘GTI’ logo
  • Leather trimmed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with GTI logo and red stitching
  • Paddle shift on steering wheel
  • Upholstery – ‘Jacara’ cloth
  • Front sports seats with height and lumbar adjustment
  • ‘Velvet Red’ trim in dash and centre console
  • Disc brakes, front and rear
  • Driving profile selection – choice of four preset modes: Eco, Normal, Sport or
  • Individual modes. Individual mode allows manual settings for steering, drive, dynamic cornering lights and air conditioning settings
  • XDS electronic differential lock for improved traction and handling

VW Polo GTI

Price and Warranty

Due to prices changing over time, please see the Volkswagen Polo product page for the latest pricing.

Related Latest News, Car Reviews, and Buying Guides

If you've enjoyed our VW Polo Buyers Guide, then you may like some of our other Volkswagen themed news articles, such as for instance:

VW Polo Final Thoughts

The Volkswagen Polo has long stood as a reliable, comfortable, and efficient supermini car.

Revered for its affordable driving experience and high-quality for its class interior, the Polo appeals to those seeking a good-looking, compact city car with the durability and engineering that Volkswagen is well known for.

Offering a range of engines, the Polo balances performance with impressive fuel economy well, making it a very cost-effective choice for both new and experienced drivers alike.

Book a Test Drive

Like the options in front of you, then why not book a test drive at one of our local Volkswagen car dealerships near you to experience the VW Polo first hand?

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Is the VW Taigo right for you? Read our expert buyer's guide covering 440L boot space, MPG, R-Line specs, and interior tech. Book a test drive today & find out.

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Sinclair Group is one of the UKs leading automotive retail groups, delivering exceptional vehicle sales, finance, and aftersales service across Wales and the West of England.

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