Volkswagen Polo (2014-2017)

By Jonathan Crouch

Models Covered

3DR/5DR HATCH (PETROL - 1.0 MPI 60/75PS, 1.2 TSI 90PS & 105PS, 1.4 TSI ACT 150PS, 1.8 TSI 180PS / DIESEL - 1.4 TDI 75 & 90PS)

Introduction

Cleverer, cleaner and classier, this improved fifth generation Volkswagen Polo supermini remains a quality used car choice. This revised model introduced in 2014 may look little different from the original MK5 design we first saw in 2009 but it featured important changes lie beneath the bonnet – and on the equipment list. Some fresh engines and a bit of extra hi-tech in the Golf-style cabin both aimed to please loyal buyers, while keeping this car class-competitive against more recent rivals. As a result, this model remained very viable as a carefully conservative choice in its class and will appeal on the used car market where it’s low key, but likeable.

The History

Supermini fashions can come and go but one model seems to remain impervious to fickle fancy. A Volkswagen Polo is somehow above all of that. And if you buy one, you’ll probably think yourself to be so too.

We’re looking here at a significantly revised version of the MK5 model that was first introduced in 2009, then upgraded the Spring of 2014 with the improvements we’re going to be discussing. And you might need our help here because you won’t appreciate many of the updates from a casual glance. In fact, there’s not a single sheet metal difference over the original model, all part of that subtlety we mentioned earlier.

Don’t be misled though. Instead of pointlessly wasting money on widespread changes to the front end as most manufacturers would with a mid-term update, Volkswagen instead blew its 2014 model year facelift budget on things of more importance, with a thorough engine update, extra high technology and reassuring safety. Plus buyers got a cabin properly reminiscent of the only slightly larger seventh generation Golf.

Could they have done more? Of course. Any brand capable of democratising new technology as it dd in this era in futuristic models like e-Up!, the hybrid Golf GTE and the extreme XL1 could certainly have brought us a Polo that would have raised a few more eyebrows. But then part of the appeal of this car lies precisely in the fact that it doesn’t do that. It doesn’t draw attention to itself in any way other than to subtly suggest a conservative cleverness on the part of its owner. This car sold until late 2017 when it was replaced by an all-new sixth generation Polo.

What To Look For

Most Polo MK5 owners we surveyed were very happy with their cars, but inevitably, there have been those who have had problems you’ll want to look out for. One buyer reported clunky gear changes with his DSG auto model. Another found he was having to have several goes at getting the vehicle to start. We came across some reported issues with the manual gear change and the brakes, plus also the headlamps and wipers, so check those on your test drive.

Keep a look out for cars that have been flogged by corporate users and ensure that servicing has been attended to diligently. Check the car's specification carefully, as some of the more desirable features, like air conditioning, weren't standard on lower spec cars. Check the servicing has been done on the button, especially for BlueMotion and GTI models. The GTI's wheels are hugely prone to kerbing damage, so if you see scuffs, factor those into the negotiation. And check the interior at the back for signs of unruly children. Otherwise, there's not a lot to look out for.

On The Road

There was once a time - and it wasn’t very long ago - when there was usually a penalty to pay if you wanted the slight but significant extra class of having a Polo on your driveway rather than a more mundane mainstream rival – say a Vauxhall Corsa, a Ford Fiesta or a Peugeot 208. You felt it beneath the bonnet with the old nail of an engine Volkswagen forced you into having if budgeting limits were not to be exceeded. And you felt it around the bends, with driving dynamics that distinctly discouraged any kind of enthusiastic progress.

Is this facelifted fifth generation model different? Well it depends upon your expectations. You feel that it’s different because in most models, there’s more of a willing engine beneath the bonnet. And the response also seems improved because, via a smarter three-spoke wheel, you control a more efficient fully-electric steering set-up, rather than the old electro-hydraulic system. The manual gearchange is also slick (five-speeds on the feebler entry-level models but six ratios on the more powerful ones) and the brakes deliver exactly the kind of strong retardation you’d want.

Almost as clever - is the flagship hot hatch GTI model, which in post-2014-era form was offered for the first time with manual transmission as well as a paddleshift DSG auto. You’ll find a 1.4-litre TSI engine beneath the bonnet, but this one uses both supercharging and turbocharging to achieve the 180PS needed for active participation in the supermini hot hatch segment. The supercharger helps fire you off the line to a 0-62mph time of under 7s before the turbo cuts in at around 3,000rpm and helps push the car on towards its 142mph top speed.

Overall

Overall, it’s true that there are certainly trendier choices you could make in this segment. And cars that offer up a more dynamic drive. But if you’re a typical Polo person, we reckon you might quickly tire of their charms. At the end of the day, there’s much to be said for an extra touch of quality and class. Seek those as your priorities and you’ll find the improved MK5 version of this little supermini more than happy to oblige.