Volkswagen Polo Hatchback full 9 point review
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Performance
Entry-level petrol power comes from ageing 1.2-litre three-cylinder engines. The 1.4 four-cylinder engine is better, while the torquey 1.2 turbo and the turbocharged and supercharged 1.4 in the GTI make the Polo genuinely satisfying to drive. The diesel engine range includes 1.2- and 1.6-litre units, but the emphasis is on economy rather than performance.
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Ride & Handling
The Polo isn't as much fun as a Ford Fiesta because there's a fair amount of body lean through bends and the steering has an inconsistent weighting that's feather-light one second and far too heavy the next. Bumps can cause a bit of bounce, but the ride is generally supple.
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Refinement
Some wind noise builds up at motorway speeds, but road noise is kept to a minimum and the 1.2 turbo engine has so much oomph that you rarely need to rev it hard. The 1.4 is pretty refined, too, but the entry-level 1.2s are at best an acquired taste and at worst downright noisy. The diesels are disappointingly clattery and transmit some unpleasant vibrations through the pedals.
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Buying & Owning
The Polo may be a premium product, but it's not expensive to buy or run. Emissions are low and miles per gallon are high - especially on the diesel versions - and its list prices actually undercut those of many mainstream rivals. What's more, no supermini has a better image or is as desirable. All this means the Polo has some of the best resale values of any car in its class.
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Quality & Reliability
There's little to rival the Polo for quality at this end of the market. All models have an impressively upmarket feel, with dense, soft-touch plastics covering the dashboard and door trims. Sadly, the reliability record of Volkswagens is generally no better than so-so, and the Polo's reliability was rated as merely average in the 2011 JD Power customer satisfaction survey.
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Safety & Security
Curtain airbags cost extra, but every Polo has front and side airbags as standard, as well as stability control. It also scored five stars and an excellent 90% overall rating in Euro NCAP crash tests. The usual deadlocks, visible vehicle identification number plate and security-etched parts are fitted as standard.
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Behind The Wheel
There are few superminis to rival the Polo's simplicity and fine ergonomics. Clearly-labelled instrumentation, large dials, buttons and switches, plus a well-ordered centre console make it a doddle to navigate. There's a massive range of adjustment for the driver's seat and steering wheel, while all-round visibility is excellent.
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Space & Practicality
The Polo has decent space in the front, but several rivals have more rear-seat space. The cabin is pleasantly airy, though, and everyone gets a good view out. The boot isn't the biggest in the class, either, but it should be big enough for most people's needs. Some models have a false floor that can be removed to create a surprisingly deep hold, while you can also lift the rear seat bases and fold down the seatbacks to create more space.
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Equipment
The regular trims are S, Match and SEL. S is pretty basic, but gives you electric front windows, central locking and a CD player. Match adds alloy wheels, remote central locking, electric rear windows (on five-door models) and air-con. SEL models have extra stowage, upgraded upholstery and trim, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel, while the GTI comes with a semi-automatic gearbox and a host of sporty styling touches.
Polo used car reviews
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Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.4 85 Match 5dr
This is the Polo to go for. It has the best engine and you get all the kit you need at a fairly reasonable price.
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