Volkswagen Polo Review

Repairs

As Volkswagen Polo models get older, the infotainment system can show some issues – laggy touchscreen, and stereo could sometimes lose sensitivity meaning stations and functions can’t be accessed. Having said that, it is a straightforward fix for an infotainment specialist.

On older Polo models, there were some teething problems with early parking sensors, but most modern versions are relatively trouble free. Lastly, in the Polo, the Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) sensors are normally mounted on the lower front grille, and this sometimes could become the victim of misjudged parking manoeuvres, resulting in a dislodged unit. So, make sure to check if the sensor unit is intact if the car is equipped with one.

Maintenance

Most models will have a service reminder built into the dash display.

Typical service schedule:

• 1st Service (Oil & Inspection): 10,000 miles or 12 months

• 2nd Service: 20,000 miles or 24 months

• Brake fluid change: Every 2 years

• Air filter & spark plugs: Every 40,000 miles

Timing chains and belts may also require replacement – some as early as 60,000 miles. Price of replacement starts from £400 and upwards. This is something to consider for long-term ownership and high mileage.

Is the Volkswagen Polo a reliable car?

Volkswagen has always been renowned for reliability and quality. Regular servicing and maintenance and some TLC around the bodywork should see hold up well over the years. We regularly see Polo models with more than 100,000 miles on the clock and still performing like new.

How much does it cost?

Prices for a new Volkswagen Polo kick off at £21,470, rising to £30,740 for a top-spec performance GTI model. However, you’ll also find a great range of used Polos available via AA Cars today, with 2019-model-year cars available for around £12,000, offering a considerable saving on a brand-new model. The Polo was refreshed in 2021, so look out for cars made after this period for the best-possible technology and equipment.

Engine and performance

Overview

There’s a good range of engines available with the Polo, but the bulk of them are smaller-capacity petrol units designed to offer a high level of efficiency. At the start of the range is a 1.0-litre petrol engine linked to a five-speed manual gearbox, while after that it’s a 1.0-litre turbocharged model available with 95hp and 115bhp, as well as the option of either a five-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearbox.

There’s then the range-topping GTI model which gets a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. It’s the most powerful setup in the range, bringing 207hp through a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

Out on the road

The Volkswagen Polo manages to deliver the kind of experience that you’d expect from a far larger car, but in a smaller package. The entry-level 1.0-litre naturally aspirated does need to be worked hard to make any meaningful progress, but for around town it’s more than peppy enough. The five-speed gearbox is smooth and easy to operate, too.

For drivers who often head onto dual carriageways or motorways, we’d definitely recommend one of the turbocharged models - there’s a little more performance on offer and, as a result, these cars are far happier getting up to higher speeds. The DSG automatic gearbox adds an extra level of refinement, too, though it can be a little hesitant to kick down when you need to accelerate hard.

Of course, the GTI model offers the top level of performance and with the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, it really is a lot of fun to drive. Naturally, this comes at the detriment of outright efficiency, but it’s still reasonably good in terms of fuel economy.

Ride and handling

Whereas rivals like the Ford Fiesta may focus on outright driver engagement, the Polo is a little more refined. Because of this, the Polo delivers a pleasantly comfortable ride which does a great job of ironing out the worst of the lumps and bumps in the road. Visibility is good, too, and because of the car’s small proportions, it’s a breeze to park. Many versions come with parking sensors or cameras, which takes the legwork out of positioning this car, too.

At greater speeds, the Polo is more hushed than you might expect, with relatively small levels of road and wind noise. Arrive at a twistier section of road and while the Polo might not offer the same level of excitement as the Fiesta, it still does admirably. There’s not too much body roll through the bends and the handling - though quite numb - still allows you to accurately place the car just where you need it to be.

Interior and features

Interiors

The interior of the Polo leans heavily on classic Volkswagen traits. While there are some scratchier plastics dotted about the cabin, everything is hard-wearing and well put together, making the Polo a solid option for those who are on-the-go. A refresh in 2021 introduced a more upmarket look and feel, while introducing features like digital dials which helped to make the Polo feel more current.

Thanks to the Polo’s boxy dimensions, there’s more interior headroom than you might expect. While taller passengers may find things a little snug, average-sized passengers will still be able to get comfortable. A five-door design means that access to the rear of the cabin is easy enough and you shouldn’t have too much trouble loading child seats as a result.

Boot space and practicality

The Polo offers one of the largest boots in the class, so it’s a great option for drivers who need plenty of space. In fact, the 351-litre boot dwarfs the 291-litre load area that you’ll get in the Ford Fiesta and it’s easy to access, too. A square shape means that the Polo’s boot easily accommodates all types of luggage and items, too. In fact, the Polo’s boot is only 29 litres smaller than the larger Golf’s.

There are plenty of storage options dotted throughout the cabin, too, with well-sized door bins and a useful central cubby ensuring that the interior of the Polo is kept as tidy as possible.

Features

There’s a good range of Polo specifications to choose from - Life, Match, R-Line, Edition 50, Black Edition and GTI all reside within the car’s current list of trim levels - but fortunately, all come very well equipped. All versions get 15-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and manually controlled air conditioning, so entry-level cars really do get all of the features you could need.

Popular R-Line trim is a great option for those who want a sporty-looking Polo. It brings a dynamic bodykit, 16-inch diamond-turned alloy wheels and rear tinted glass for a more performance-influenced look. Tech upgrades include a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system which puts a large display ahead of the driver. It looks great and packs all of the information you need, alongside high-definition navigation readouts.

Trim and colour options

As mentioned, Volkswagen currently offers the Polo in Life, Match, R-Line, Edition 50, Black Edition and GTI with each one bringing a different level of equipment. For most, Match trim will act as a sweet spot, adding touches such as 16-inch alloy wheels, a rear-view parking camera and wireless smartphone charging, among other features.

There’s also a good range of exterior colours to choose from, with the eye-catching Vibrant Violet Metallic being one of our favourites.

Safety and reliability

Tested by Euro NCAP back in 2022, the Volkswagen Polo achieved a full five-star rating, making it a very safe car within its class. A 94 per cent score for adult occupant safety is a highlight, alongside an 80 per cent score for child occupant safety.

All cars get curtain and side airbags up front, as well as a driver awareness monitor, lane keep assist and a dynamic road sign display system.

MPG, emissions and tax

Regardless of which Polo model you opt for, you’re going to get a decent level of fuel efficiency. The lower-powered 1.0-litre TSI turbocharged Polo is the most fuel-efficient, bringing a claimed MPG consumption figure of 56.4mpg. That said, even the high-performance GTI can manage just over 40mpg, so there shouldn’t be high fuel bills regardless of which model you go for.

Again, it’s the lowest-powered 1.0-litre turbo model with the lowest emissions at 116g/km, which would put a year’s tax in the region of £195.