Volkswagen Polo review

The Volkswagen Polo has always stood out among its competition as a cut-above when it comes to quality and brand desirability. It’s traditionally cost a little bit more as a result, but for many that’s a price well worth paying.

What is it?
The Polo competes with the Ford Fiesta, Opel Corsa, Toyota Yaris and a host of other superminis. Like all its rivals it has grown to the point where it can reasonably be considered as an only car - rather than a second one - with space for all the family. It’s offered in three- and five-door hatchback forms, prices starting at €15,410. There really is a Polo for everyone; from the frugal, low-emissions tax Band A2 BlueMotion TDI models through to the racy 150hp Polo GT.

What is it like?
It looks, and feels, very much like a smaller Volkswagen Golf. So it’s neatly styled inside and out, and built to a standard that some premium firms would do well to copy. Refinement is good, safety too a Volkswagen priority, while the interior is decently proportioned. A Ford Fiesta is more engaging to drive, but the Polo’s not far behind, and classier. The engines are all frugal, falling into the A2-A4 tax bands - even that GT and the outdoors-styled Cross Polo. 

Carzone verdict: 4/5
A sophisticated and classy small car, that’s actually not as small as you might think. It may not offer the outright space of something like Honda’s Jazz, nor does it drive with the verve of a Ford Fiesta or Mazda2, but in the supermini class it’s unrivalled for classiness and sheer desirability. If the Polo’s too much of a stretch, the SEAT Ibiza and Skoda Fabia are closely related to it, but without the brand cachet, or quite as high list prices. 

Find Volkswagen dealers Used Volkswagen for sale