Volkswagen Polo Review

Critic reviews

How does the Volkswagen Polo compare with its hatchback rivals?

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Name	Product	Boot displacement	ANCAP rating	Price (from)	Finder Score	Review
Volkswagen Golf		374L	5 stars	$32,790	84.4%	Read Review		loading Fetching your data...
Mazda 3		295L	5 stars	$25,590	83%	Read Review		loading Fetching your data...
Mazda 2		250L	5 stars	$20,990	82.5%	Read Review		loading Fetching your data...
Hyundai i30 Green Company		378L	5 stars	$20,440	82.2%			loading Fetching your data...
Ford Focus		341L	5 stars	$25,990	82%	Read Review		loading Fetching your data...
Holden Astra		445L	5 stars	$21,490	81.2%			loading Fetching your data...
Toyota Corolla		333L	5 stars	$36,600	80.25%	Read Review		loading Fetching your data...
Volkswagen Polo		280L	5 stars	$18,790	79%	Read Review		loading Fetching your data...
Honda Civic		414L	5 stars	$23,590	78.6%			loading Fetching your data...
Subaru Impreza		345L	5 stars	$23,080	77.75%	Read Review		loading Fetching your data...
Suzuki Swift		242L	5 stars	$17,690	76%			loading Fetching your data...
Nissan Leaf			5 stars	$49,990	76%	Read Review		loading Fetching your data...

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Volkswagen Polo pricing

There are 4 different trim grades for the Polo: Trendline, Comfortline, Style and GTI.

VW Polo 70 TSI Trendline

The Trendline Polos have a 1.0-litre TSI petrol. Key highlights include 15-inch steel rims (with wheel covers), Front Assist with pedestrian monitoring, driver-fatigue detection system, low tyre pressure indicator, Multi-Function Display (MFD Plus), a leather multi-function steering wheel, an 8-inch composition media infotainment screen, App-Connect – 2 x USB-C (Apple CarPlay & Android Auto), Bluetooth® phone connectivity (with audio streaming), a rear-view camera (with static guidelines), cruise control (with a speed limiter), air-conditioning, height-adjustable front seats, electric windows plus heated and adjustable exterior mirrors. Buyers can pick between a 5-speed manual gearbox or one of VW's 7-speed DSG automatic transmissions.

The manual model has a driveaway price of $22,490. Automatic Trendline Polos cost $24,990.

VW Polo 85TSI Comfortline

Comfortline models are equipped with a more powerful 85kW capable drivetrain. The Comfortline is only sold with a 7-speed DSG automatic, which is priced at $27,490.

Based on the VW Polo Trendline spec, the Comfortline has 15-inch alloy wheels, auto headlamps, rain-detecting wipers, auto dim rear-view mirrors, front centre armrest, comfort cloth upholstery and 2 rear USB-C ports.

Volkswagen Polo Style

Next in the range, Style trim Polos have a manufacturer's recommended list price of $29,990. Like the Comfortline, the Style Polo is equipped with a 7-speed auto DSG.

Building on Comfortline spec, Style Polos have: 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control air con, VW's Digital Cockpit, an 8-inch sat nav system, premium Beats sound system, wireless phone charging and connectivity (with App-Connect), front "comfort" sport seats, front and rear carpet mats, tinted rear side and rear window glass, deep iron metallic trim inserts, black headlining, front seat-lumbar adjustment and dark red rear LED lights.

Volkswagen Polo GTI

For those who want something that's thrilling, powerful and yet compact to drive, the GTI ticks all those boxes. The GTI has a 147kW, 320Nm 2.0-litre petrol and a 6-speed DSG. Underscoring its performance specs, VW fits 17-inch alloys, Sport Select suspension, an electronic differential lock (XDL), GTI-specific bodywork, front fog lights, dual chrome exhaust tailpipes, Clark tartan sport cloth, sport front seats, gearshift paddles, security alarm, alloy pedals, dual-zone A/C climate control, LED cabin lights, LED tail lamps, keyless entry & ignition, plus power-folding mirrors.

The Volkswagen Polo GTI is currently listed as unavailable, due to low levels of stock. However, there are some 2021 VW Polo GTI in stock at dealers and those range from $39,947 to $46,127.

Click on a price to compare car loans for the Volkswagen Polo.

For non-GTI models, only Pure White is available at no additional cost.

Other paint colours cost $600.

• Energetic Orange Metallic
• Limestone Grey Metallic
• Reef Blue Metallic
• Reflex Silver Metallic
• Deep Black Pearl

GTI Polos can be bought in either Flash Red or Pure White for no additional cost. The VW Polo GTI is currently not available on VW's online car builder, so we can't check paint prices.

• Limestone Grey Metallic
• Reef Blue Metallic
• Deep Black Pearl Effect

Engine and performance

There are 2 engines installed in the Volkswagen Polo: An economical 1.0-litre and a performance 2.0-litre, both petrol.

Volkswagen 1.0-litre petrol engine

The small 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine has only 3 cylinders. Thanks to a turbocharger, however, the 70TSI Trendline model outputs 70kW @ 5,000-5,500rpm. Torque measures 175Nm with 2,000-3,500rpm. On the more powerful version of the engine (85TSI), power jumps to 85kW and torque hits 200Nm.

On Trendline models, buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DSG automatic.

Volkswagen 2.0-litre TSI

The GTI model has a brawny 2.0-litre TSI engine fitted by Volkswagen. This 4-cylinder power plant produces 147kW with 4,390-6,000rpm. Torque measures a stirring 320Nm @ 1,450-4,390rpm.

Volkswagen Polo transmissions

Buyers can choose from a 6-speed manual gearbox or one of VW's DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) automatic transmissions with 7 speeds.

Car reviewers' impressions of the Volkswagen Polo engine and transmission line-up

You might think a 1.0-litre, 3-pot petrol engine is a bit weak. Surprisingly, car reviewers reported these modest motors are loveable and characterful. Others talked of how the performance and acceleration quickly cause you to look beyond how small the engine is.

The GTI's 2.0-litre is described as intrepid and forceful. All engines are apparently said to be silky and smooth.

In terms of gearboxes, nobody made any bad comments about the manual gearboxes and it seems the DSG is generally respected. However, more than one journalist mentioned the dual-clutch automatics tendency to be reluctant. Around town, that could prove a minor irritation.

Volkswagen Polo engine and transmission stats

Volkswagen Polo fuel economy

Here's how much fuel each VW Polo uses.

1.0-litre petrol engine

According to the Green Vehicle Guide, the 1.0-litre Trendline model (with 70kW) uses:

• Combined: 4.8L/100km
• Urban: 6L/100km
• Extra: 4.1L/100km

The above figures are for the 2020 Polo Trendline 5-speed manual gearbox. Driving 14,000kms a year, with two-thirds spent in towns, you'd spend approximately $1,026 on petrol.

With the 7-speed DSG auto, fuel economy is listed as follows:

• Combined: 5L/100km
• Urban: 6L/100km
• Extra: 4.4L/100km

Based on those numbers and the above driving conditions criteria, estimated yearly fuel costs would be around $1,046.

In the Comfortline and Style models with the more powerful engine, fuel economy is as follows:

• Combined: 5L/100km
• Urban: 5.9L/100km
• Extra: 4.5L/100km

Fuel costs would be around $1,040 for this particular Polo.

2.0-litre petrol engine

The GTI's powerful 2.0-litre is predictably a little less frugal.

• Combined: 6.1L/100km
• Urban: 7.9L/100km
• Extra: 5.1L/100km

Annually, you'd spend a higher $1,400 on petrol.

Reviewers indicated when on test, the official fuel-economy numbers were marginally idealistic, but only by less than half a litre – which is actually quite impressive by comparison to other models. It's uncommon to see real-world fuel economy figures out by more than 1.0L/100km. One fuel-related grumble that did seem to nag reviewers was the Polo's need for 95 RON petrol.

Handling

Underneath the Volkswagen exterior bodywork, the Polo rolls on the MQB architecture also used by sister-brands like Audi with the A1 and Skoda's Fabia. That should mean the Polo has sharp handling attributes. And, in the eyes of car reviewers, that certainly seems to be true.

Testers say it is a lively and fun hatchback to drive. Thanks to a growth spurt versus its predecessor, motoring experts told of how confident and stable the Polo feels. It seems comfortably suited to zipping through cramped city roads, while still having some legs on highways.

However, car journos felt the Polo isn't perfect. Some motoring writers came to the conclusion the steering response was only sufficient, lacking a precise feel.

Reading between the lines, the general consensus is the Polo is accomplished and sophisticated. Quite a few of the motoring experts deemed the ride to be slightly unrelenting, leading them to call the Polo the best all-rounder, but maybe not the best to drive.

Interior and equipment

The Polo's spec is more or less on par with its rivals.

Volkswagen Polo Trendline

The lowest-entry price point for the range, the Trendline has many appealing features:

• 15-inch steel wheels (with wheel trims)
• Front Assist with city emergency brake and pedestrian monitoring
• Driver-fatigue detection
• Low tyre pressure indicator
• Multi-function display (MFD Plus)
• Leather multi-function steering wheel
• 8-inch infotainment system
• App-Connect
• 2 x USB-C ports
• Bluetooth phone connectivity
• Rear-view camera (RVC)
• Cruise control
• Air-conditioning
• Height-adjustable front seats
• Power windows
• Electrically heated and adjusting exterior mirrors

Volkswagen Polo Comfortline

The Comfortline Polo was labelled as the pick of the Polo range. First, for the extra cost, you get a more powerful tune applied to the engine, giving you an additional 15kW and more torque. The Comfortline is available only with a 7-speed DSG automatic. Going for this trim also unlocks the possibility of buying the optional driver assistance and R-Line packages.

Standard specs include the following:

• 15-inch alloy wheels
• Automatic headlight functions
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Front centre armrest
• Comfort cloth upholstery
• 2 x rear USB-C ports

Volkswagen Polo Style

The Style gets the same upgraded engine as the Comfortline. It's only available with a 7-speed automatic transmission also. With the style, you get the following additional specs:

• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Climate control air conditioning
• Active info display
• 8-inch sat-nav
• Beats premium audio system
• Wireless phone charging
• Front Comfort sports seats
• Carpet mats in front and rear
• Dark tinted rear windows
• Metallic grey inserts
• Black headlining
• Front-seat lumbar adjustment
• Dark red LED rear tail-lights

Volkswagen Polo GTI

This is VW's alternative to the Golf hot hatch. It has a zesty 2.0-litre petrol engine and a 6-speed automatic gearbox. In addition to the Comfortline model, the GTI has the following:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Sport Select suspension
• Extended electronic differential lock (XDL)
• GTI body styling
• Front fog lights
• Dual-chrome exhaust tailpipes
• "Clark" plaid sport cloth upholstery
• Sport front seats
• Matte Velvet Red decorative inserts
• Gearshift paddles
• Alarm system
• Aluminium pedal finishers
• Dual-zone climate control A/C
• LED interior lighting and tail-lights
• Keyless entry
• Power-folding mirrors

You can also spec the GTI with the optional Sound & Vision package or the Luxury pack. Sound & Vision brings the active info display, Discover Media navigation system, Beats premium audio and wireless phone charging. Luxury adds a microfleece/leatherette seat upholstery, heated seats in the front, LED headlights, a panoramic glass sunroof, 18-inch alloys and dark tinted rear window glass.

Volkswagen Polo safety, security and driver assists

Volkswagen Polo interior and comfort features

Volkswagen Polo exterior highlights

Volkswagen Polo: Verdict

A pocket-sized car that's got a little larger through the years (haven't we all?), journalists favourably reviewed the Polo. It's probably best summed up by one writer, who said it was the standout all-rounder of the segment. It's not without flaws by any means, but it's above average in every way. If you want a small(ish) hatchback with solid equipment levels, refined handling and an understated style, the Polo is likely the one you should go for.

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