Review
/5
- Pros:
- Excellent build quality and VW’s image
- Spacious interior
- Incredible economy from BlueMotion model
- Cons:
- Noisy, underpowered entry-level engines
- Rivals are more fun to drive
- Standard equipment is poor on base models
reviewed by Carbuyer
"The Volkswagen Polo is a cut above its supermini rivals, as it offers good looks, a high quality interior, plenty of space and sensible pricing."
At a glance
- The greenest
- BlueMotion 1.2 TDI 5spd 5dr
£15,615 - The cheapest
- 1.2 60 PS S 3dr
£10,085 - The fastest
- 1.2 TSI 105PS SEL 5dr
£15,925 - Top of the range
- 1.6 TDI 90 PS SEL 5dr
£16,370
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Drivers looking for a classy supermini look no further. The Volkswagen Polo seems to have it all: good looks, a high quality interior, plenty of space and sensible pricing. If it falls down in one area it's the driving experience, which just isn’t as much fun as with some of its supermini rivals. Economy in all versions is good, but for maximum fuel efficiency the BlueMotion is a highlight - it manages 80.7 miles on just one gallon of diesel, beating the cheaper Hyundai i20 for fuel economy. With its shrunken Volkswagen Golf looks and plentiful space you might want to try the Polo before opting for the Golf – unless you regularly carry four passengers, there really is very little to choose between them.
Drive
Suspension smooths out bumps in the road
The smaller entry-level engines do struggle to give the Polo the performance to match its big-car feel. The best petrol engine is the 104bhp 1.2 TSI turbo, which offers decent pace and great economy. The diesels are smooth, even if they don’t have quite the muscle we’d expect - at least drivers are offered excellent economy. With the suspension tuned to smooth out bumps and light steering, the Polo is an effortless drive, although Ford's Fiesta provides a sharper, more exciting driving experience.
Comfort
Expect lots of space front and rear
Comfort is excellent, with lots of space front and rear - allowing four adults to stretch out more than they could in rivals. The entry level three-cylinder engine and sometimes gruff diesels do detract from its otherwise low noise levels, but overall the Polo offers a relaxing driving environment.
Reliability
The Polo scored five stars in the Euro NCAP crash test
The new Polo hasn’t been around long enough to register on any of the customer satisfaction surveys, but if the Golf's recent strong showing in satisfaction surveys like Driver Power and J.D Power are anything to go by, the Polo should do very well indeed. The Polo scored an impressive five stars in the Euro NCAP crash test
Practicality
The boot is large and the access to it good
Both three and five-door models offer near-identical space inside, although access to the rear seats is a bit trickier in the three-door version. The boot is large and the access to it good, while a false floor hides extra depth and offers secure storage. A large glovebox and plenty of oddment stowage space around the cabin means you’ll never be short of places to lose things!
Value for money
Moda A/C cars are well equipped
No other supermini feels so upmarket, yet that's not reflected on the price lists. With a wide range of models on offer, from entry-level run-arounds to the range-topping GTI, there's a Polo to suit every budget. For a well-equipped car, choose the Moda A/C trim level; which adds alloy wheels, electric windows all-round, an MP3-compatible stereo and air-conditioning. Entry level S provides only the basics.
Running costs
The Polo isn’t going to bankrupt you at the dealers
With fixed servicing costs for three years the Polo isn’t going to bankrupt you at the dealers. Nor will it hit you hard at the pumps, especially if you’ve gone for the super-frugal BlueMotion model. Being a VW, it's popular among used buyers, which means it’ll retain its value better than other superminis.
*Our monthly finance prices are updated on a regular basis, but due to the dynamic nature of the market are not guaranteed accurate. You can always confirm the monthly finance price with FinanceAcar.
