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. The engine lacks power and smoothness and uses a lot of fuel for its size.

The fourth-generation Volkswagen Polo was launched in 2002 and was immediately noticeable for its bold quad headlights. These disappeared in a 2005 facelift. When launched, it featured a broad range of equipment not usually seen in its class, including electronic stability control, multiple airbags and climate control air-conditioning. 

Three and five-door hatchback versions made it to New Zealand, both new and used imports from Japan. An SUV-like version, the CrossPolo, was also sold. This looked as if had off-road abilities but was front-wheel drive like other variants.

Thanks to the big windows, the Polo feels very spacious. All the surfaces you touch are made of hard-wearing plastic which has a quality feel. The gauges are straightforward and easy to read. Between them is a blanking plate which leaves an odd space - it would be an information screen on higher models. In the centre of the dash are the controls for most of the car's features.

There are buttons for the demister and electronic stability control along the top, a CD player stereo (will require a band expander to receive most New Zealand frequencies) and controls for the air-conditioning. This system is semi-automatic - it keeps the temperature at a set level; the control of the fan and vents is up to the user. A huge storage tray runs underneath the dash for almost the full width of the car and a pop-out cup holder sits next to the stereo.

The front seats are firm yet comfortable. The driver’s seat is adjustable with a huge range back, forward, up and down. Tall drivers can sacrifice rear seat space to gain a huge amount of room. Rear seat space is very good. A high seating position means even tall passengers will find it reasonably comfortable, although the front seat might interfere with their knees. There is room for two adults; three will not find it comfortable.

The Polo’s boot is average for the class at 250 litres - it is enough for one medium and two small suitcases. Used import models have a space-saver tyre, which provides more space but means bags need to be lifted over the rear lip of the boot to get them in. The back seat folds 60/40 to provide additional storage space.

Load up a Polo with passengers and it needs to work hard, making a lot of noise and drinking a lot of fuel in the process.

That’s sad because the rest of the driving package is good. The ride is firm yet comfortable. The steering is light and gives good feel and feedback as to what the car is doing. The brakes feel firm and strong under foot.

We don’t see any need for a reversing camera or parking sensors in the Polo. Visibility is excellent all around and the large wing mirrors give a great view of what is behind you. The 10.6m turning circle is on the high side for a small car.

The Polo’s tow rating is impressive for such a small vehicle. The 1.4-litre version can pull 500kg (unbraked), a small to medium-sized trailer, and 1200kg (braked) a small boat.

This can lead to major engine repairs that could be uneconomic, considering the low value of the vehicle. Before buying a pre-2008 Polo we recommend having a ‘TeeKay’ test done by a qualified mechanic. It tests for the presence of exhaust gases in the radiator coolant, an early indicator of head gasket failure.

There have been cases of automatic transmission failure so be careful to look for any shudder, harsh shifting or holding back in gear while under moderate acceleration, or a thump when down-shifting. Avoid vehicles that show those characteristics. Having the transmission replaced with a used unit could cost up to $2,000 – almost half the price of early cars on the market.

Common electronic issues include airbag sensor, anti-lock brake wheel sensor and electric window regulator failures. All will cost $200-$300 to have units replaced and warning lights reset.

Carefully check the interior too because the glue holding the roof lining and door trim fabric in place can fail over time. The only solution is to have new head-lining installed by an automotive trimmer at the cost of several hundred dollars.

• Base grade or Comfort line – Features steel wheels, front, side and curtain airbags, electronic stability control, remote central locking, CD player stereo, height adjustable driver’s seat and semi-automatic air-conditioning. Powered by a 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine, paired to a five-speed manual or four and six-speed automatics.
• Trend line – Adds more colourful interior upholstery.
• Sport line – Import only. Adds alloy wheels. Powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
• CrossPolo – Adds raised suspension, seats with cleanable upholstery, alloy wheels, roof rails, off-road styled body kit.
• BlueMotion – On the base grade adds aerodynamic body cladding, lightweight alloy wheels and low-rolling resistance tyres. Powered by a 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine with a six-speed manual transmission.
• GTi – On the base grade adds sports seats, sports steering wheel, sports suspension, body kit, 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights and tyre pressure sensors. Powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engi

This review covers the Volkswagen Polo for model years 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Review vehicle supplied by Turners Cars.

*Our insurance estimates are based on a 35-year-old male with no accidents in the last two years, garaging the car in Mission Bay, Auckland. The car is not used for business and will cover 10,000km to 20,000km a year. We estimate with no option add-ons and $500 excess. Customise your estimate at Trade Me Insurance.