We use cookies on whatcar.com to improve your browsing experience and to provide you with relevant content and advertising, by continuing to use our site you agree to this. Please see our privacy policy for more details. Continue

Explore every
Polo Hatchback

Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.2 TDI 75 Bluemotion 5dr Review

For You'll forget what fuel stations look like with the VW Polo 1.2 TDI 75 Bluemotion. The 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine emits a characterful thrum, but very little else – emissions are only 90g/km, so you pay no road tax

Against Heed the advice of the gearshift indicator and driveability suffers – because of the high gearing, you're left way off the point where the engine's pulling at its strongest

What Car? says

3 out of 5 stars

If you don't mind a leisurely rate of progress – and paying a hefty price for it – the VW Polo 1.2 TDI 75 Bluemotion is a good way to slash your fuel bills

What Car? readers say

4.285714

Key facts

0–60mph: 13.9 secs
Top speed: 107 mph
Average mpg: 80.7
Tank range: 799 miles

See all running costs

Features

See all equipment

Size

See all measurements

View the whole Volkswagen Polo Hatchback range

Cheaper

More expensive

Read in full

The full Volkswagen Polo review

Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Varies wildly, so choose carefully
Ride & Handling
4 out of 5 stars
More safe and secure than fun
Refinement
4 out of 5 stars
Some engines let it down
Buying & Owning
4 out of 5 stars
Affordable and good resale values
Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
All versions look classy; so-so reliability
Safety & Security
3 out of 5 stars
Standard stability control across the range
Behind The Wheel
5 out of 5 stars
Looks and feels great
Space & Practicality
3 out of 5 stars
Spacious and airy
Equipment
4 out of 5 stars
Cheaper trims are pretty basic

Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

There’s plenty of choice with engines, but we wouldn't bother with the three-cylinder 1.2 petrols; they’re underpowered and noisy. The 84bhp 1.4 is much 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 give good fuel economy, but they’re slow, expensive and noisy. If you’re a company car driver, you’re better off with the petrol Blue GT, which uses clever cylinder shut-off technology to keep CO2 emissions remarkably low.

Entry-level S models miss out on some essentials such as remote locking and air-conditioning. You get both if you go for 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. R Line gets extra kit and sporty aesthetic touches and the GTI model comes with bigger 17-inch alloys and sports suspension.