Volkswagen Polo review

Category: Small car

Section: Driving

VW Polo 2022 rear cornering
  • VW Polo 2022 front cornering
  • VW Polo 2022 rear cornering
  • VW Polo 2022 interior steering wheel
  • VW Polo 2022 interior rear seats
  • VW Polo 2022 interior infotainment
  • VW Polo 2022 right tracking
  • VW Polo 2022 rear right cornering
  • VW Polo 2022 front left cornering
  • VW Polo 2022 front cornering
  • VW Polo 2022 left static boot open
  • VW Polo 2022 alloy wheel detail
  • VW Polo 2022 interior driver display
  • VW Polo 2022 interior steering wheel detail
  • VW Polo 2022 boot open
  • VW Polo 2022 front cornering
  • VW Polo 2022 rear cornering
  • VW Polo 2022 interior steering wheel
  • VW Polo 2022 interior rear seats
  • VW Polo 2022 interior infotainment
  • VW Polo 2022 right tracking
  • VW Polo 2022 rear right cornering
  • VW Polo 2022 front left cornering
  • VW Polo 2022 front cornering
  • VW Polo 2022 left static boot open
  • VW Polo 2022 alloy wheel detail
  • VW Polo 2022 interior driver display
  • VW Polo 2022 interior steering wheel detail
  • VW Polo 2022 boot open
What Car?’s Polo deals
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Author Avatar
by
Steve Huntingford
Updated10 August 2022
In this section:
  • Engine, 0-60mph and gearbox
  • Suspension and ride comfort
  • Handling
  • Noise and vibration

Performance & drive

What it’s like to drive, and how quiet it is

Engine, 0-60mph and gearbox

Our pick of the Volkswagen Polo’s engine line-up is the 1.0-litre TSI 95. While its 94bhp output might sound a little weedy, this engine actually pulls strongly from low revs thanks to how promptly its turbocharger spins into life. In fact, it makes the more powerful 1.0 TSI 110, which has 108bhp, seem an unnecessary expense. 

We’d advise you to avoid the entry-level 1.0-litre 80 engine, though. Unlike the TSI engines, it doesn’t have a turbocharger, so you’ll need to work it really hard to get any kind of decent acceleration. This can end up making journeys rather tiresome.

VW Polo 2022 rear cornering

Handling

If you really enjoy driving and want something fun and agile, you'd be better off looking at the Fiesta or Ibiza. Their firmer suspension, sharper steering and more playful handling make them more fun on twisty roads. The Polo's optional sports suspension helps level the playing field, but only to a degree. 

That’s not to say the Polo isn’t competent through the corners with its standard suspension. It’s surefooted, with plenty of grip and well-weighted steering that allows you to thread it confidently through a series of bends – even at quite fast speeds. So, if you simply want something that’s composed and easy to drive, you’ll be quite happy.

New car deals
Save up to £1,272
Target Price from £18,530
Save up to £1,272
or from £208pm
Swipe to see used and leasing deals
Nearly new deals
From £17,495
Leasing deals
From £221pm