For It's a cheap way to own a Polo, and you still get a plush interior and good looks, plus all the image that goes with Polo ownership. Air-con is provided.

Against Despite having air-con, there are still some important items of kit missing from S trim. The three-cylinder 1.2 engine is best left alone – it's underpowered and it's very noisy.

Volkswagen Polo Hatchback

What Car? says

2 out of 5 stars

You have to put up with a lot of noise in the 1.2 Polo. If you can stretch to it, we'd recommend paying the extra for the 1.4 SE.

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Key facts

0–60mph
16.1 secs
Top speed
97 mph
Average mpg
51.4
Tank range
509 miles
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Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

There’s plenty of choice in the Volkswagen Polo range, but we wouldn't bother with the three-cylinder 1.2 petrols because they’re underpowered and noisy. The 1.4 is more like it – smooth, cheap to run and reasonably affordable – while the 1.2 turbo is even easier to live with, if a bit pricey, and the GTI uses a turbocharged and supercharged 1.4.

The 1.2- and 1.6-litre diesels both give good fuel economy, but they’re expensive to buy and noisy.

Entry-level S models miss out on some essentials such as remote locking and air-conditioning, but you get both if you go for the dearer Match trim, which is our favourite. SEL cars get a little more kit for a lot more money, so they’re not worth the extra, while the GTI comes with 17-inch alloys and sports suspension.

Reader test team says:

Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.4 85 Match 3dr

Bought the Polo new in October 2011. I used to own…

David Kiely

4 out of 5 stars

Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.2 60 S 5dr

Traded in my fox for a polo (1.2s), as I couldn't…

Roderick Mathison

5 out of 5 stars

Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.4 85 SE 5dr

The Polo is outstanding in almost every area. I’ve…

Michael Caffrey

5 out of 5 stars

Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.2 70 SE 5dr

I have owned the 1.2 SE 5 Door for just over 4…

Ben Lau

5 out of 5 stars
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