Volkswagen Polo review

In some ways the Polo’s engine (GTI aside) is the weakest part of the suave image the car has tried to cultivate for itself. It has sensible road manners and behaves well on the motorway, but despite VW’s best efforts to smother the engine note you still get that distinctive 3cyl thrum and eagerness to rev.

A sporty sound out of the exhaust promises more than the car can deliver short of GTI spec, but you won’t feel short-changed by the Polo’s sophisticated drive.

The 93bhp version of the 1.0 is our favourite, with the best blend of performance, flexibility and economy. The entry engine is very sluggish, while the more powerful options don’t offer you a great deal to outweigh the loss in fuel economy. The DSG auto is a smooth operator, even if it does occasionally get caught out around town when the stop/start has kicked in. We’d go for the manual, personally. 

How does it handle? 

It’s not that the Polo isn’t capable, but you do get the overriding impression that comfort takes priority. The lightweight steering, for example, although slightly lacking in terms of any feel, makes it perfect for the dull day to day grind of life around town.

It used to be that the Ford Fiesta was the choice for drivers, but given its demise the Polo - along with the Clio - is about as good as it gets these days. Even if that isn't saying much. Truth be told, climb into this after sitting in an EV or lardy SUV and the light weight is a revelation.  

So it's comfortable?

Pleasantly so. There’s a bit of fuss from the suspension around town, but the Polo resists roll and feels light and agile. It’s solid at a motorway cruise, too, settling in well with not too much in the way of suspension or tyre noise.

It’s not a speedy overtaker, but that isn’t its thing: it’s solid and refined, as you’d expect from a VW.