Volkswagen Polo models and trim levels explained

It's earned a reputation as a solid, dependable hatchback – free from the fashionable frills you'll find in flashier rivals. Like the larger Golf, the Polo has a classless image and won't feel out of place whether you're at a Pizza Hut or a Pizza Express.

This guide will explain everything you need to know about the Volkswagen Polo. We'll look at the different trim levels available and how the model has evolved over time.

Volkswagen Polo models explained

There have been six separate generations of Polo sold in the UK, with a battery-powered seventh generation due on sale in 2026. Traditionally, the most popular body style on our shores has been the hatchback version with either three or five doors. However, earlier Polos came with more options including a three-door coupe, two and four-door saloons, and a five-door estate.

The Polo is a mass-market car, unlike its more premium Audi A1 cousin, but it's always tried to feel a cut above other mainstream rivals. Build quality and material quality is usually among the best in the small hatchback segment, and its refinement and driving manners are typically top-notch too.

There are several supermini competitors you should cross-shop the Polo against. Polo rivals include:

• Citroen C3
• Ford Fiesta
• Honda Jazz
• Hyundai i20
• Kia Rio
• Mazda 2
• MG3
• Mini Hatchback or Mini Cooper
• Nissan Micra
• Peugeot 208
• Renault Clio
• SEAT Ibiza
• Skoda Fabia
• Suzuki Swift
• Toyota Yaris
• Vauxhall Corsa

Volkswagen Polo GTI

Ever since the third-generation Polo in the '90s, Volkswagen's offered a range-topping GTI hot hatch version. These models get a powerful engine under the bonnet, plus a handful of chassis upgrades to make them faster and more fun to drive.

The most recent GTI is the quickest version ever made, with a meaty 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine and 207hp. It sprints from 0-62mph in just 6.5 seconds and will do nearly 150mph flat out. You can't get a manual gearbox anymore but the car's seven-speed DSG automatic swaps cogs in the blink of an eye.

Volkswagen Polo trim levels

• SE – affordable trim includes the basics like air conditioning and an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Life – newer entry-level model with similar equipment to SE
• Match – popular mid-range trim with 16-inch alloys, a reversing camera, wireless phone charging and tinted rear windows
• SEL – mid-range trim with similar equipment to Match cars
• Beats – tie-up trim with Beats Audio featuring an upgraded stereo system
• Active – adds heated seats, climate control and all-round parking sensors
• R-Line – sporty-looking model with a mean body kit, big alloy wheels and sports seats
• GTI – range-topping hot-hatch version with a powerful engine and chassis upgrades

Volkswagen Polo generations

Seventh generation – 2026-future

• The new Volkswagen ID. Polo is due on sale in 2026
• Model code – TBC
• Volkswagen has responded to customer feedback and added more physical dashboard buttons
• Fully electric car with either a 38kWh or 56kWh battery – max range appx. 260 miles

Sixth generation – 2017-2026

• The sixth-generation Polo was the first to be offered only as a five-door, dropping the three-door model
• Model code – AW
• Facelifted in 2021
• Over 8cm longer than its predecessor with boot space increased by 71 litres to 351 in total
• Choice of petrol, turbo petrol and diesel engines

Fifth generation – 2009-2017

• Fifth-generation Polos were larger than the car they replaced but 7.5% lighter
• Model code – 6R
• Facelifted in 2014
• Special BlueMotion trim had aerodynamic bodywork and a 1.2-litre diesel engine for a claimed 80mpg
• Choice of petrol, turbo petrol and diesel engines

Fourth generation – 2001-2009

• The fourth-gen Polo arrived in 2001 with a distinctive quad-headlight look
• Model code – 9N
• Facelifted in 2005
• Remained popular around the world – production continued in Brazil until 2015 and South Africa until 2017
• Choice of petrol, turbo petrol and diesel engines

Third generation – 1994-2001

• The third-generation Polo grew substantially, and was a similar size to the original Golf
• Model code – 6N
• Facelifted in 1999
• This was the first Polo offered as a five-door hatch, and the first with a sporty GTI version
• Choice of petrol and diesel engines

Second generation – 1981-1994

• The second-generation Polo had both three-door 'coupe' and 'estate' body styles
• Model code – 86C
• Facelifted in 1990
• Limited-edition G40 version had a supercharged 1.3-litre engine with 115hp
• Choice of petrol, supercharged petrol and diesel engines

First generation – 1975-1981

• The first Polo was actually a rebadged version of the Audi 50, but the Polo was much more popular
• Model code – 86
• Facelifted in 1979
• The most powerful version made just 59hp – less than today's entry-level Polo
• Petrol-only engine lineup

What's the best Volkswagen Polo model?

If you're considering buying a Polo, you'll most likely be shopping a choice of fifth and sixth-generation cars. These look and feel quite similar but the sixth-gen car is quite a bit larger than the older model. That means it's a better choice if you regularly carry rear-seat passengers, because they'll have more space to stretch out.

We'd suggest looking at a sixth-generation Polo if your budget is £10,000 or higher. The on-board tech feels much more modern and the extra practicality is always welcome. However, if you're spending less than £10,000, the fifth-generation car still has a similarly refined, easygoing experience as the newer car.

Our favourite Polo models lie at either end of the range. Those on a tight budget are well-served by entry-level SE or Life versions, which have all the kit you need plus an affordable price and low insurance groups. Alternatively, on a larger budget, we'd skip right past R-Line cars and get a proper Polo GTI as it's arguably the best hot hatch on sale if you want a fun car that can still calm down when you're not in the mood.

Search nearly new and used Volkswagen Polo cars for sale, or read our Volkswagen Polo review to see what it's like to live with.