VW Polo Hatchback – Petrol, starting at 17000 £

The VW Polo Hatchback impresses with a Petrol engine, 207 HP and an attractive starting price of 17000 £. Here are all the details at a glance.

from about £17,000
Polo @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

VW Polo

  • Engine Type : Petrol
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 80 - 207 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5.1 - 6.5 L
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Street Style that’s Unmistakably Polo

The Polo wears VW’s current design language with confidence: crisp lines, compact proportions and a face that looks slimmer than its predecessor, giving it a grown-up presence in the small‑car class. Up close the details—tightly folded panels and neat light signatures—make it look more expensive than the price tag suggests, yet it never tries to be flashy. Proportions are practical rather than showy, so the Polo reads as a modern urban hatch that still fits garages and tight parking spots without drama. Overall, the exterior feels purposeful and well judged for buyers who want understated class rather than attention‑seeking bling.

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Cabin Feel: Clean, Comfortable and Sensible

The interior follows VW’s mantra of functional quality: materials are mostly soft to the touch where they matter and controls are logically arranged, giving a reassuringly solid impression. Fit and finish are a strong point for the class, with quieter panels and a comfortable driving position that suits longer commutes as well as school runs. Optional upgrades add a sharper digital cluster and nicer trim, but even base Polograde outperforms many rivals in ergonomics and overall polish. In short, the Polo prioritises usability and modest luxury rather than gimmicks.

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Practical Space That Keeps Up with Real Life

Boot volume of 351 litres is competitive and swallows weekly shopping, a couple of small suitcases or a folded stroller without fuss, and folding the rear seats expands cargo capacity to a maximum of 1,125 litres for occasional larger loads. Rear seats are reasonably roomy for two adults on short to medium trips, though three across is a squeeze for longer journeys. With a length of 4,074 mm and tidy exterior dimensions the Polo combines easy city parking with genuinely usable interior space. Small storage cubbies and sensible door bins keep everyday clutter under control.

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Driving: Nimble Town Car, Composed on the Motorway

Handling is a strong suit—the Polo feels light and obedient in urban traffic, and the chassis settles confidently at speed with minimal roll, making it relaxed on long motorway stints. Engine choices range from economical 1.0‑litre three‑cylinders to the punchy GTI, with the mainstream 95–115 hp 1.0 TSI variants providing a good balance between flexibility and economy; the GTI’s 207 hp option transforms the Polo into a genuinely quick hot‑hatch. Acceleration spans from modest commuter pace (some 80 hp variants take around 15.6 s 0–100 km/h) to brisk performance (GTI does the sprint in about 6.5 s), so buyers can pick between relaxed or sporty characters. Steering is precise and communicative, offering confidence without being intimidating for less experienced drivers.

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Fuel Figures and Real‑World Range

Official consumption figures cluster between roughly 5.1–6.5 L/100 km depending on engine and gearbox, which translates into practical ranges from about 615 km to 785 km on a 40‑litre tank under mixed driving—enough for several days of commuting or a long motorway leg without constant stops. In daily urban use expect consumption to be higher than the best official numbers, while steady cruising on the motorway typically brings the Polo closer to its advertised economy. The choice of manual or dual‑clutch automatic also affects real consumption and responsiveness, with automatics offering convenience and manuals often returning slightly better figures. For most buyers the Polo hits a sensible sweet spot between low running costs and usable performance.

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Tech and Safety: Modern, Not Overbearing

Instrumentation and infotainment are contemporary and intuitive, with touchscreen systems, smartphone mirroring and an optional digital cluster that keeps important info directly in sight without clutter. Safety and assistance tech such as lane‑keep, automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise are available, adding helpful layers for everyday driving and motorway work, though more advanced hands‑off features remain the preserve of higher trims. The overall package focuses on functional tech that improves daily usability rather than flashy gimmicks. For buyers who value clear menus and proven systems, the Polo’s tech stack is sensible and largely frustration‑free.

Who Should Buy a Polo?

The Polo is aimed at buyers wanting a compact car that feels a class above typical city cars: practical boot space, comfortable cabin, and a range of engines from frugal commuters to the spirited GTI are all on offer. It suits young professionals, small families and anyone seeking an easy‑to‑live‑with hatch that doesn’t sacrifice refinement for economy. For those prioritising outright sportiness the GTI delivers, while the 95–115 hp TSI models are the best all‑round compromise for everyday driving. In short, the Polo remains a pragmatic, well‑executed small hatch for buyers who want sensible luxury without unnecessary flash.

Costs and Consumption

Price
17000 - 30400 £
Consumption L/100km
5.1 - 6.5 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
116 - 148 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
40 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1143 - 1378 kg
Trunk capacity
351 L
Length
4074 mm
Width
1751 mm
Height
1431 - 1451 mm
Max trunk capacity
1125 L
Payload
432 - 457 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
80 - 207 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 15.6 s
Max Speed
171 - 240 km/h
Torque
93 - 320 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
59 - 152 kW
Engine capacity
999 - 1984 cm3

General

Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
Brand
VW
What drivetrain options does the VW Polo have?

Available configurations include Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.