Choosing the correct battery for the VW Polo V, manufactured from 2009 onward, requires careful attention to engine type and whether the vehicle is equipped with a start-stop system. This generation of the Polo features a broad range of petrol and diesel engines, each with its own electrical demands. Start-stop versions, in particular, require advanced battery technology to handle frequent engine restarts and regenerative charging, while traditional variants can rely on standard lead-acid batteries. Selecting the right battery ensures reliable performance, efficient cold starts, and a longer service life.
For Polo V models without start-stop systems, such as the 1.2, 1.2 TSI, 1.4, and even the sporty 2.0 R WRC, the battery requirements are relatively moderate. These engines typically need batteries with capacities between 50 and 54 Ah and cold cranking amps (CCA) from 420 to 540 A. Examples of compatible models include the Bosch S40 02, Exide EA530, Lucas LP079, and Varta C22. These batteries are compact, reliable, and suited for vehicles with moderate electrical consumption. They are especially effective in everyday driving conditions, including short city commutes and seasonal temperature variations.
A step up in power requirements is seen in models like the 1.4 GTI and 1.6 BiFuel versions, which need slightly larger batteries with capacities of 60 to 65 Ah and higher cranking power ranging from 540 to 640 A. These engines demand more due to additional performance features or dual-fuel configurations. Suitable examples here include the Bosch S50 05, Exide EB620, Lucas LS027, and Varta D24. These batteries not only provide stronger starting capabilities but also offer greater reserve capacity to support enhanced electronics or aftermarket upgrades, such as audio systems or navigation units.
Things change significantly when it comes to Polo models equipped with start-stop technology. These include the 1.2 TSI, 1.4 TSI, 1.2 TDI, and 1.6 TDI engines, which require batteries built using AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) technology. AGM batteries are specifically engineered to handle the constant cycling and quick recharging required by start-stop systems. For these versions, the recommended battery capacity is typically between 60 and 62 Ah, with a CCA of 640 to 680 A. Examples of matching AGM batteries include the Bosch S5A 05, Exide EK600, Lucas LF027, and Varta D52. These models provide excellent reliability and are crucial to maintaining proper system function, especially during frequent stop-and-go traffic.
Interestingly, the most demanding configuration appears in the 1.2 petrol start-stop model, which requires an AGM battery with even higher specifications: 70 to 72 Ah and 720 to 760 A of starting power. This setup calls for stronger batteries due to the high number of start cycles and the engine’s efficiency systems. Batteries such as the Exide EK720, Bosch S5A 08, and Varta E39 are ideal in this case. They ensure dependable cold starts and better endurance under heavy cycling, making them the right choice for urban drivers or those using their vehicle regularly in stop-and-go environments.
Diesel variants without start-stop, such as the 1.2 TDI and 1.6 TDI, fall somewhere in between. These engines require batteries with a capacity of 60 to 65 Ah and a CCA between 540 and 640 A. Options like the Exide EA640, Halfords HCB 027, or Lucas LS027 are all solid choices. Diesel engines naturally demand more starting power due to higher compression, and these batteries are built to handle that pressure consistently.
In summary, the VW Polo V offers a wide range of battery compatibility based on the engine configuration and presence of start-stop systems. From standard lead-acid batteries for the base petrol models to advanced AGM batteries for the efficient TDI and TSI engines with start-stop, there is a precise solution for every version. Models such as the Varta D52 or Lucas LP079 are great references depending on your engine type. Ensuring proper fitment and battery type not only improves starting reliability but also supports the overall electrical system, contributing to better long-term vehicle health.
VW Polo in version V is produced from 2009. We invite you to a list of batteries matching individual engine versions.
Basic parameters of batteries suitable for VW Polo (2009-):
| Layout | Terminal types | Base hold-down |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – positive on the right side | 1 | B13 |
VW Polo V – petrol engines:
- 1.2
- 1.2 TSI
- 1.4
- 2.0 R WRC
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 02 | 52 Ah 470 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 02 | 54 Ah 530 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB500 | 50 Ah 450 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA530 | 53 Ah 540 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 012 | 52 Ah 450 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP079 | 50 Ah 420 A | 210x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic C22 | 52 Ah 470 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic C30 | 54 Ah 530 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
VW Polo V – petrol engines:
- 1.4 GTI
- 1.6 BiFuel
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 05 | 60 Ah 540 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 05 | 63 Ah 610 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB620 | 62 Ah 540 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA640 | 64 Ah 640 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 027 | 62 Ah 550 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS027 | 65 Ah 640 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic D24 | 60 Ah 540 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic D15 | 63 Ah 610 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
VW Polo V – petrol engines:
- 1.2 TSI – with Start-Stop
- 1.4 TSI – with Start-Stop
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S5 AGM S5A 05 | 60 Ah 680 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide AGM EK600 | 60 Ah 680 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide AGM EK620 | 62 Ah 680 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Advanced AGM 027 | 60 Ah 640 A | 243x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Fusion AGM LF027 | 60 Ah 680 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic AGM D52 | 60 Ah 680 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
VW Polo V – petrol engines:
- 1.2 – with Start-Stop
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S5 AGM S5A 08 | 70 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide AGM EK700 | 70 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide AGM EK720 | 72 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Advanced AGM 096 | 70 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard AGM 096 | 70 Ah 720 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Fusion AGM LF096 | 70 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic AGM E39 | 70 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
VW Polo V – diesel engines:
- 1.2 TDI
- 1.6 TDI
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 05 | 60 Ah 540 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 05 | 63 Ah 610 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB620 | 62 Ah 540 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA640 | 64 Ah 640 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 027 | 62 Ah 550 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS027 | 65 Ah 640 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic D24 | 60 Ah 540 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic D15 | 63 Ah 610 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
VW Polo V – diesel engines:
- 1.2 TDI – with Start-Stop
- 1.6 TDI – with Start-Stop
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S5 AGM S5A 05 | 60 Ah 680 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide AGM EK600 | 60 Ah 680 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide AGM EK620 | 62 Ah 680 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Advanced AGM 027 | 60 Ah 640 A | 243x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Fusion AGM LF027 | 60 Ah 680 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic AGM D52 | 60 Ah 680 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
If you’re still unsure which battery fits your VW Polo , or if you want to help others in their selection, please send us a photo of your current battery in the comment section at the bottom of the page. You can also send the picture to contact@whatbattery.co.uk (we will place it in the comments to also help other users). Be sure to specify the car model, year, type, as well as the engine capacity and power. We’ll do our best to assist you!