For The VW Polo 1.4 85 Match is our favourite Polo – Match trim provides all the essentials, including alloy wheels and air-conditioning, while the smooth and potent 1.4 is the best engine in the range.

Against There's not a lot to dislike about this version, other than that it's not as much fun to drive as a Ford Fiesta.

Volkswagen Polo Hatchback

What Car? says

5 out of 5 stars

The VW Polo 1.4 85 Match is the Polo to go for. It has the best engine, and you get all the kit you need at a fairly reasonable price.

What Car? readers say

4.333333


Key facts

0–60mph
11.9 secs
Top speed
110 mph
Average mpg
47.9
Tank range
474 miles
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Features

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Size

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The full Volkswagen Polo review


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 1.2 60 S 5dr

I hired this car in Spain for a week and drove about 300 miles including two 1.5 hour drives. I understand it's quite an expensive car and as such I…

Marcus Davey

4 out of 5 stars

Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.4 85 SE 5dr

I drove one of these cars when I was on holiday in South Africa. I usually drive a much more powerful diesel car in the UK so was interested in…

Ian Burgess

4 out of 5 stars

Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.4 85 Match 3dr

Bought the Polo new in October 2011. I used to own a Golf Match and was expecting a similar level of equipment, this isn't the case with the Polo. No…

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 stand the way the fox handled on country roads any longer (though it had its good points). The…

Roderick Mathison

5 out of 5 stars
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