Volkswagen Polo

Our verdict

The Volkswagen Polo is an elderly supermini, and not very good value. Bluemotion is super-economical but makes you suffer for it.

Comfort

Fine seats and a reasonably compliant ride keep the Polo at a good-average level for the class. It isn't especially roomy though, as evidenced by the lack of the third rear head restraint.

Performance

The base E takes 16.5 seconds to struggle to 62. Avoid. Up the range from there things gradually improve, but fact is the Polo is stuck with many of VW's wheezing old-generation motors. Still, old isn't necessarily bad: the GTI has the 150bhp 1.8 turbo from the first Audi TT, and it makes good use of it. The Bluemotion undercuts the Mini Cooper D on CO2, but only a bit, and it's dull to drive.

Cool

The Polo GTI looks like a Golf GTI wannabe. Would you dress up like your hero and then ask if you looked cool? Exactly.

Quality

Unfortunately VW cut some corners here. You don't have to look very hard to find hard, cheap plastics around the cabin. But the controls move smoothly and all the significant parts feel solidly attached.

Handling

The Polo has that usual reassuring Volkswagen solid feel, with well-damped responses to all your inputs. But it doesn't really feel like it wants to play. There's a fair bit of roll and understeer, even in the GTI.

Practicality

A Polo is boxy and has large doors and is easy to see out of. But actual cabin and boot space is merely average for the class.

Running costs

There's always a buyer willing to pony up big cash for a used Polo. Low depreciation, plus low fuel and tyre and insurance costs, make this a cheap way of getting about.