For The VW Polo 1.4 85 SEL has the best engine in the range, and in range-topping SEL trim you get all the bells and whistles that the Polo has to offer.

Against SEL trim is pricey, and the kit you get over the SE version isn't really worth the extra money.

Volkswagen Polo Hatchback

What Car? says

4 out of 5 stars

The VW Polo 1.4 85 SEL is a case of right engine, wrong trim. Save yourself a few quid and go for the 1.4 SE.

What Car? readers say

4.333333
Calculate equipment options
Comfort
Electric steering adjust Not Available
Electric Sunroof £825
Manual sunroof Not Available
Air conditioning Standard
Cruise control Pack Only
Electric mirrors Standard
Heated mirrors Standard
Electric windows front Standard
Electric windows rear Not Available
Seat height adjustment Standard
Climate Control £370
Power Steering Standard
Steering adjustment reach Standard
Steering adjustment rake Standard
Power Seats Not Available
Heated Seats £355
Panoramic sunroof Not Available
Electric Panoramic Sunroof Not Available
Power Folding Mirror Not Available
Engine & Transmission
Auto £1,260
CVT Not Available
Tiptronic Not Available
Particulate filter Not Available
Entertainment
Radio/Cassette Not Available
RDS Radio/Cassette Not Available
CD Standard
Multi CD £300
MP3/iPod Connection Standard
DVD Player Not Available
MP3 CD Player Standard
RDS CD Standard
Hard Drive Not Available
Exterior
Metallic paint £495
Alloy wheels Standard
Front Foglights Standard
Powered sliding doors Not Available
Interior
Hands Free Phone Kit Not Available
Satellite navigation £840
Leather Seats Not Available
Split/fold seats Standard
Bluetooth Not Available
7 seat pack Not Available
Safety
Passenger airbag Standard
Side airbags Standard
ABS Standard
3 Point centre belt Standard
Driver's airbag Standard
Belt pretensioners Standard
Isofix Standard
Side Impact Bars Standard
Traction control Standard
Curtain Airbag £605
Rear Parking Sensor Pack Only
Electronic stability programme Standard
On/Off Passenger Airbag £45
Driver's knee airbag Not Available
Reversing Camera Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers £130
Adaptive Cruise Control Not Available
Lane Departure Warning Not Available
Front Parking Sensor Not Available
Passenger Knee Airbag Not Available
Security
Alarm Standard
Immobiliser Standard
Deadlocks Standard
Central locking Standard
Remote locking Standard
Unique fit stereo Standard
Marked Parts Standard
Etched Windows Not Available
Locking Wheel nuts Standard
Visible VIN Standard
Secure spare wheel Standard
Satellite tracking Not Available
Laminated Glass Not Available
Options calculator Price
Electric Sunroof £825
Climate Control £370
Heated Seats £355
Auto £1,260
Multi CD £300
Metallic paint £495
Satellite navigation £840
Curtain Airbag £605
On/Off Passenger Airbag £45
Rain Sensing Wipers £130
Total Price: £14,310
Running costs
Town mpg 35.3
Out of town mpg 60.1
Average mpg 47.9
Tank capacity (litres) 45
CO2 Rating (g/km) 139
Carbon offset cost £20
Green rating E
Insurance group 9
Typical insurance £385.00
% Value retained (3yrs/36000 miles) 47%
Typical contract hire £224.00
Pence per mile 41
Servicing costs - 3 years £511.00
Service intervals Variable
Warranty period 3yr/60k + 3yr Paint + 12yr Perforation + 1yr Breakdown
Three-year cost£13,127
Company car tax
Percentage charge 18
Benefit in kind £2,544.00
Tax payable 20% £509.00
Tax payable 40% £1,018.00

Performance and measurements

Body type Hatchback
Number of doors 3
Number of seats 5
Engine (cc/type) 1390/4
Number of Valves 16
Fuel type Unleaded
Max power (bhp/rpm) 84/5000
Pulling power (lb/ft) 97
Engine position F
Driven wheels Front
Length (mm) 3970
Width (mm) 1682
Height (mm) 1462
Boot space (min ltr) 280
Boot space (max ltr) 952
Towing weight (kg) 1000
Kerb weight (kg) 1095
Manufacturers figures
0-60 mph (secs) 11.9
Max speed (mph) 110
Euro NCAP Test Scores
Adult protection Unavailable
Child protection Unavailable
Pedestrian protection Unavailable

View the whole Volkswagen Polo Hatchback range