For The VW Polo 1.4 TSI 180 GTI offers fast and flexible performance, a slick semi-automatic gearbox and composed handling. Its cabin is spacious and classy, too.

Against Some rivals are more fun, it’s expensive to buy and the boot is shallow. Curtain airbags should be standard rather than a cost option.

Volkswagen Polo Hatchback

What Car? says

3 out of 5 stars

The VW Polo 1.4 TSI 180 GTI is a grown-up take on the supermini-sized hot hatch theme. Brilliant to drive, and strong on class and image. However, a Clio Cup provides more thrills.

What Car? readers say

4.333333


Key facts

0–60mph
6.9 secs
Top speed
142 mph
Average mpg
47.9
Tank range
474 miles
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Features

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Size

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Cheaper

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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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