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VolkswagenPolo GTI (2010-2018)

Small
Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
Used only

£5,493Typical price

Test score

where to buy or sell

The version of this car that we've reviewed might not be available to buy through all listed retailer links. For more options, see our guides on where to buy a car and how to sell a car.

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The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a standard bearer among hot hatchbacks. VW aimed to repeat the success of the Golf GTI with its smaller sibling, the VW Polo GTI, launched in 2010. Find out if it can hold its own against other small hot hatchbacks in our full road test review.

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cons

What's included?

What is it?
What's it great at?
What's it like to drive?
How reliable are Volkswagen's cars?
How comfortable and spacious is it?
How economical is it to run?
How safe is it?
Is there anything I should look out for?
Should I buy it?

KEY TEST RESULTS
Comfort and practicality
Brand reliability 0-4 years

May 2025Last checked by Which?
May 2010First reviewed by Which?
May 2010Released

The overall Which? test score is made up of the following star ratings, all determined by our rigorous lab tests.

How we test cars

6 Jun 2025

Ease of driving

Overall
Visibility
Smoothness of power delivery
Driving stability
Cabin layout

How we test ease of driving

To find out how easy a car is to drive, we assess cars across a number of areas from visibility and handling to the layout of the cabin and how smoothly the engine delivers its power.

Performance

Overall
In-gear acceleration
Brakes

How we test performance

We test braking distances and whether the effectivess of the brakes fade with repeat use. Performanc is based on in-gear acceleration.

Comfort and practicality

Overall
Entry and exit
Seat comfort
Ride quality
Quietness
Seat space
Boot space (small and sports cars)

How we test comfort and practicality

Comfort and practicality includes how easy it is, or not, to get in and out of the car and the maximum height of occupants. We also measure road, wind and engine noise and assess how well the car deals with bumps from large potholes to jittery surfaces like cobble stones.

Safety kit

How we test safety kit

We factor in the safety equipment that’s factory-fitted or optional, along with how well the car protects its occupants and pedestrians in the event of an accident. We also test how easy it is to fit a variety of child car seats.

Brand reliability 0-4 years

Overall
Electric car reliability
Plug-in hybrid reliability
Petrol reliability
Diesel reliability

How we test brand reliability 0-4 years

Our reliability ratings are based on the feedback from tens of thousands of UK motorists, as collected in our annual Which? car survey. We divide all reliability feedback into three age groups: cars aged up to four years, five to nine years, and 10 to 15 years.

Brand reliability 5-9 years

Overall
Plug-in hybrid reliability
Diesel reliability

Brand reliability 10-15 years

Overall
Petrol reliability
Diesel reliability

General
Class	Small
Luxury	No
Convertible	No
Availability	Used only
Used price	£5,493 - £13,630
Fuel type	Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
Tested fuel efficiency	42.3mpg
Length	3,976mm
Width (excluding wing mirrors)	1,682mm
Width (including wing mirrors)	1,910mm
Height	1,452mm
Driver max height
Second-row passenger max height
Boot space with seats up
Number of seats	5
Folding rear seats	Yes
Isofix attachments	Yes
Turning circle	10.5 m
On sale date	15 May 2010
Lowest pence-per-mile cost	£14.40

Latest tested engine
Engine and trim name	GTI 1.4TSI 180 hp 3-door
Fuel type	Petrol
Capacity and power	1.4-litre (180hp)
Transmission	7-speed dual-clutch automatic
Driven wheels	Front-wheel-drive (FWD)
Fuel tank capacity	45 litres
Tested fuel economy: Combined (mpg)
Cost per mile	14.4p per mile
Cost of filling tank	£60
Monthly fuel cost
Annual fuel cost
Braked tow load (KG)	1200kg
Unbraked tow load (KG)	630kg
Engine test date	17 September 2010
Test programme	2001-2012

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VolkswagenPolo GTI (2010-2018)

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pros

cons

What's included?

How we test cars

Ease of driving

Performance

Comfort and practicality

Safety kit

Brand reliability 0-4 years

Brand reliability 5-9 years

Brand reliability 10-15 years

How this product's score compares with other new and used cars we've tested

Suggested Alternatives

Audi

Mini

Volkswagen

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VolkswagenPolo GTI (2010-2018)

where to buy or sell

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cons

What's included?

Test results

Specifications

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Suggested Alternatives

Audi

Mini

Volkswagen

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