Volkswagen Polo 2002-2009 used car review

The Volkswagen Polo is a light hatchback that offers a spacious interior and healthy levels of safety equipment.

Richard Edwards
Richard Edwards
Expert Reviewer | Auto Media Group
Exterior , 3.5 out of 5 Drive , 1.5 out of 5 Safety , 4 out of 5 Value , 2 out of 5 Interior , 3.5 out of 5

Overall score , 2.9 out of 5

The good
  • Very spacious interior with excellent visibility for all passengers
  • A high level of safety equipment, even on base models
  • Stylish European looks at a budget price
The not-so-good
  • Feels underpowered and unrefined
  • Worrying reliability issues with older versions
  • Thirsty for fuel

Inside and out

On the road

Safety

Reliability

Cost of ownership

Buyers’ guide

Variants

Timeline

Details

Review vehicle

2005 Volkswagen Polo Comfortline

Price

$4,000 to $12,000 for models which have travelled 70,000 to 120,000km

Engine

1.4-litre four-cylinder, 55kW and 126NM

Transmission

Four-speed automatic, front-wheel drive

Safety rating

Four-star Used Car Safety Rating

Servicing

15,000km or twelve months

Spare wheel

Space saver

Fuel economy

7.3-litres per 100km (claimed)

Fuel type

Regular

Length

3926mm

Width

1650mm

Height

1465mm

Towing capacity

500kg (unbraked), 1200kg (braked)

Turning circle

10.6m

Image gallery

Richard Edwards Richard Edwards
Expert Reviewer | Auto Media Group