The Volkswagen Polo V (Typ 6R) debuted at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, capturing both European Car of the Year and World Car of the Year honors for 2010. Styled by Walter de Silva on the PQ25 platform, its exterior highlighted sharp geometric body creases. In 2010, Volkswagen introduced a long-wheelbase notchback Polo Sedan specially engineered for emerging markets.

Engine upgrades brought turbocharged 1.2 and 1.4 TSI engines mated to 7-speed DSG transmissions. The performance Polo GTI featured a 180 hp 1.4 TSI, later replaced during the 2014 facelift (6C) by a 1.8 TSI delivering 192 hp. Diesel lines centered on 1.2 and 1.6-liter Common Rail TDI units.