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Hatchback

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

POLO

The Vokswagen Polo is classy and compact - a dependable car with plenty of cachet

Used Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 2005 - 2009

The Polo Bluemotion is head and shoulders above the others, with excellent economy, zero road tax and the best residual values. However, these do cost more to buy, so make sure your mileage justifies the extra outlay. Of the standard diesels, both 1.4s average around 60mpg, with the 1.9 returns 56mpg.

Petrol models are best for those who do a low annual mileage, because their lower purchase price offsets the diesels' better economy. Both 1.2-litre petrols manage 48.7mpg, despite the more powerful version having 10bhp more. The 1.4 petrols aren't far behind at 44.8mpg. The GTI averages just 36.2mpg, but drive it like a hot hatch was designed to be and that will quickly drop.

Servicing costs and insurance are higher than they are for many rivals, but you can save money by using one of the many cheaper independent Volkswagen specialist garages.

The Vokswagen Polo is classy and compact - a dependable car with plenty of cachet

With eight petrol and four diesel engines to choose from, you're spoilt for choice.

The 1.2-litre petrol comes with either 59bhp or 69bhp - the second is better thanks to the extra power, although neither is fast. The 75bhp 1.4 (80bhp after '06) is eager and economical, while the rarer 85bhp 1.4 FSI offers the best combination of power and economy. Next up is the 1.4-litre Sport with 100bhp, then the 104bhp 1.6. The GTI is fastest, with a turbocharged 148bhp 1.8-litre engine, plus honed suspension and brakes.

Diesel options are simpler: there's a 69bhp or 79bhp 1.4, or a 100bhp 1.9. In '07, the ultra-frugal Bluemotion version was launched, with its 79bhp 1.4-litre diesel engine delivering 74mpg on average and CO2 emissions of just 99g/km.

The entry-level E model is sparsely equipped, but the Match has alloys, air-con, electric front windows and a CD player. SE models add nice touches including driver's seat-height adjustment, and Sport models have fog lights and lowered suspension.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Spacious enough for four adults to sit comfortably</li> <li>Logically laid-out interior that doesn’t</li> <li>feel too cheap</li> <li>Mature driving manners </li> <li>Decent-sized boot</li> <li>Competitive buying and running costs</li></ul>

Small cars, or superminis as they’re also known, used to be bought almost exclusively as first cars or by people with no children – but the likes of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">Ford Fiesta</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo</a> have grown to the point where they can be considered all-round family transport, albeit with the odd compromise.

Small

Despite the Polo's solid nature, it's not without its problems.

Look for damaged paint - particularly stone chips and, in some cases, whole flakes peeling away. Bumpers and wheelarches are most vulnerable, so check these carefully.

A dramatic drop in performance and a warning light on the dashboard can be caused by an ignition coil failure on petrol models. It's not that expensive to fix, but parts can be hard to find. A decent test drive should expose this problem.

The interior generally feels durable, although the dashboard can rattle, especially around the centre console. Again, a thorough test drive should expose any problems. The anti-lock braking control module can fail (signified by a warning light on the dashboard). Don't drive the car - it should be taken to a garage for repairs.

The Volkswagen Polo is more about comfort than thrills, and the supple suspension provides a compliant ride in both town and on faster roads. The steering and controls are light and help make low-speed manoeuvring easy. If there is a hole in the Polo's repertoire, then it's the poor body control.

You'll need to work the smaller petrol engines hard to make decent progress, and the diesel engines can sound gruff when pushed. The GTI is a revelation compared with the standard cars, with greatly improved steering, tighter body control and more grip.

There's space for four adults inside, and the boot is a decent size and shape. Access in the three-door model isn't as bad as you'd think, although the five-door is much better for small families. Most of the cabin feels solid, although some of the materials could be better quality.

Used Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 2005 - 2009 reliability

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Used Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 2005 - 2009 review

Despite the Polo's solid nature, it's not without its problems.,Look for damaged paint - particularly stone chips and, in some cases, whole flakes peeling away. Bumpers and wheelarches are most vulnerable, so check these carefully.,A dramatic drop in performance and a warning light on the dashboard can be caused by an ignition coil failure on petrol models. It's not that expensive to fix, but parts can be hard to find. A decent test drive should expose this problem.The interior generally feels durable, although the dashboard can rattle, especially around the centre console. Again, a thorough test drive should expose any problems. The anti-lock braking control module can fail (signified by a warning light on the dashboard). Don't drive the car - it should be taken to a garage for repairs.

What to look for when buying a Volkswagen Polo 2005 - 2009, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

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Used Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 2005 - 2009 reliability

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