Used Volkswagen Polo GTI for sale: everything you need to know 

The Volkswagen Polo GTI is a stylish and fun small hatchback that aims to recreate the appeal of its larger stablemate, the VW Golf GTI, in a package that’s smaller and more affordable to buy and run.

It’s a car that could appeal if you’re looking for a small hatchback that’s usable everyday but can also put a smile on your face with an exciting, fun driving experience.

The Polo GTI is a rival for several small “warm hatchbacks”, including the Ford Fiesta ST, Hyundai i20N and the MINI Cooper S, as well as various sporty versions of the Renault Clio. It delivers a refined alternative to those rivals, keeping a dose of fun behind the wheel but with a more understated look and feel, with a high-quality interior.

The latest version of the Polo GTI is based on the mk6 Volkswagen Polo, and was introduced in 2018. The previous version was sold from 2010.

Should you buy a Volkswagen Polo GTI?

There are lots of choices when it comes to small, fun hatchbacks. The Volkswagen Polo isn’t the best in any one area, but it’s a very solid all-rounder that’s good at just about everything, and that gives it lots of appeal.

If you’re after a well-made and comfortable hatchback, with a mature feel streaked through with a hefty dose of performance and fun, then the Polo GTI could be for you.

The latest model has a feature-packed interior that’s very well put together, with top quality materials comparable to more premium brands like Audi and BMW. It’s sensible and understated, but features like red stitching and, on some models, VW’s signature GTI tartan upholstery on the supportive sports seats, give it a racier vibe. There’s also a comprehensive infotainment system with DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included. It’s not the easiest system to use compared to some rivals, as it’s broadly touchscreen only, but it does look great and it’s intuitive in the way it works.

Space is very decent, with more room for passengers than a Fiesta ST. The boot is smaller in absolute size, but it’s a good shape to carry larger items, and the rear seats fold down in a 60/40 split.

The Polo GTI is not as outright nimble as the Ford Fiesta ST, nor as quirky as the MINI Cooper S, nor as sporty to look at as the Hyundai i20N. The lack of a manual gearbox option in the latest generation could be off putting for some that like maximum involvement in their driving. For plenty of people, however, the idea of something easy to drive, well-equipped and comfortable that can turn into a sporty, smile-inducing performance car on the right road, will sound very appealing. It’s quick to accelerate and very composed, whether nipping around town, cruising on the motorway or zipping through corners on a country road.

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What’s the best used Volkswagen Polo GTI model to buy?

If you’re looking at the latest generation Volkswagen Polo GTI, sold new since 2017, then there’s not a huge amount of choice. You can pick the standard GTI, the GTI+, which adds extras like automatic LED headlights, electric door mirrors and adaptive cruise control, or the GTI Edition 25. This special edition model came out in 2023 to mark 25 years since the first Polo GTI and comes with extras like a black roof and 18-inch alloy wheels.

When it comes to engines, the same 2.0-litre unit is used in every model, although  it got a fraction more horsepower in the facelifted models from 2022 – 207PS versus 200PS – as well as a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox in place of the regular six-speed unit.

All the extra niceties are great if you want to pay a bit more, but the standard car has everything you need.

Used Volkswagen Polo GTI fuel economy and performance

• Volkswagen Polo GTI: The 2.0-litre TSI engine in the Polo developed 200PS when it was first released, and came attached to a six-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. A manual version was promised, but never arrived in the UK. A facelift to the car in 2022 upped the power to 207PS, and added a seven-speed automatic transmission. The official fuel economy is up to 47.9mpg with CO2 emissions of 134g/km. The 0-62mph benchmark sprint takes 6.7 seconds, or 6.5 seconds for the facelifted model.

What used Volkswagen Polo GTI trim levels are available?

There are only a small number of trim levels available with the Volkswagen Polo GTI. They are:

• Volkswagen Polo GTI: The basic Polo GTI gives you all the features you’ll need and comes with cloth seat upholstery, parking sensors and front fog lights. It rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and has sports suspension that’s 15mm lower than the standard Polo.
• Volkswagen Polo GTI+: The top-spec GTIs, sold until the 2021 facelift, gives you a different design of 17-inch wheels , LED headlights and adaptive cruise control as well as keyless entry and engine start.
• Volkswagen Polo GTI Edition 25: A limited edition Polo GTI, released in 2023 with just 350 sold in the UK, the Edition 25 has black 18-inch wheels, a black roof and black exterior mirrors, as well as leather upholstery and LED matrix headlights.

Used Volkswagen Polo GTI dimensions and boot size 

The Volkswagen Polo GTI’s exterior dimensions are: 

• Length: 4053mm
• Width: 1751mm
• Height: 1459mm

The Volkswagen Polo GTI’s boot size is:

• 351 litres
• 1,125 litres with rear seats folded

Used Volkswagen Polo GTI road tax

All Volkswagen Polo GTIs will cost you the annual flat rate Vehicle Excise Duty (tax), which at the time of writing is £190. That’s the same as any of its competitors.

How much is it to insure a Volkswagen Polo GTI? 

The Volkswagen Polo GTI falls into insurance groups 23 to 29 (of 50), depending on the model and age. That’s higher than a lot of standard hatchbacks, but reflects its performance focus, and is similar to most of its rivals.

Read our full Volkswagen Polo GTI review