finder score: 79.00%
| Website | Rating | Notable quotes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motoring | 79% | "Class-leading safety, new engines and an upmarket cabin give the new Volkswagen Polo an edge." | Read more |
| CarAdvice | 79% | "We'd definitely recommend the Polo as one of our top picks in the light car class." | Read more |
| CarSales | 78% | "... taken feature for feature, the Volkswagen Polo is more than just competitive and underlines it all with a distinct sense of refinement and maturity." | Read more |
| Practical Motoring | 80% | "The head says take a 70TSI Trendline with a manual transmission for $17,990 and (currently) driveaway pricing, but it does feel a bit downmarket compared with this 85TSI Launch Edition." | Read more |
There are 4 different trim grades for the Polo: Trendline, Comfortline, Style and GTI.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| Trendline | Comfortline | Style | GTI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0-litre, 5-speed manual, 2WD: $22,490 1.0-litre, 7-speed DSG, 2WD: $24,990 | 1.0-litre, 7-speed DSG, 2WD: $27,490 | 1.0-litre, 7-speed DSG, 2WD: $29,990 | 2.0-litre, 6-speed DSG, 2WD: $39,947-$46,127 |
For non-GTI models, only Pure White is available at no additional cost.
Other paint colours cost $600.
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.
| Website | Pros | Cons | Notable quote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motoring |
|
| "It's not the cheapest car in the light-car class, but it's certainly one of the best value." |
| CarAdvice |
|
| "The Polo has always been regarded as one of, if not the most mature offerings in the light car class, and this latest generation of Volkswagen's little hatchback continues to deliver that same experience." |
| CarSales |
|
| "A clearly Teutonic statement in an ultra price-sensitive market area that is populated by car-makers from all over the globe, the Volkswagen Polo comes with a lot of class, technology and competence." |
| Practical Motoring |
|
| "With a bigger boot than a Mazda3 and Ford Focus, the Volkswagen Polo is now knocking right on the door of the next-size-up small car class." |
There are 2 engines installed in the Volkswagen Polo: An economical 1.0-litre and a performance 2.0-litre, both petrol.
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.
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.
Buyers can choose from a 6-speed manual gearbox or one of VW's DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) automatic transmissions with 7 speeds.
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.
| 1.0-litre TSI petrol | 2.0-litre TSI petrol | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine type | Direct injection, turbocharged petrol with electronic ignition | Direct and intake injection, turbocharged petrol with electronic ignition |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Engine size/displacement | 999cc | 1,984cc |
| Fuel type | ||
| Cylinders | 3, inline | 4, inline |
| Fuel tank capacity | ||
| Peak power | 70 TSI: 70kW @ 5,000-5,500rpm 85 TSI: 85kW @ 5,000-5,500rpm | 147kW @ 4,390-6,000rpm |
| Peak torque | 70 TSI: 175Nm @ 2,000-3,500rpm 85 TSI:200Nm @ 2,000-3,500rpm | 320Nm @ 1,450-4,390rpm |
| Fuel economy (combined) | 5-speed manual: 4.8L/100km 7-speed DSG: 5.0L/100km | 6.1L/100km |
| Acceleration (0-100km/h) | 10.8 seconds | 6.7 seconds |
| Emissions standard | ||
| Top speed (km/h) | N/A | N/A |
| Security | ||
| Transmission | 6-speed manual, 7-speed DSG automatic | 6-speed DSG automatic |
| Towing capacity (unbraked/braked) | ||
Here's how much fuel each VW Polo uses.
According to the Green Vehicle Guide, the 1.0-litre Trendline model (with 70kW) uses:
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:
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:
Fuel costs would be around $1,040 for this particular Polo.
The GTI's powerful 2.0-litre is predictably a little less frugal.
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.
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.
The Polo's spec is more or less on par with its rivals.
The lowest-entry price point for the range, the Trendline has many appealing features:
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:
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:
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:
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.
| Trendline | Comfortline | Style | GTI | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-star ANCAP rating | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Airbags
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Alarm system with interior monitoring and tilt sensor | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Electronic engine immobiliser | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Security coded audio system | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Automatic flashing emergency brake lights | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Anti-lock braking system (ABS) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Brake assist | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Electronic brake-pressure distribution (EBD) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Hill-start assist (HSA) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Multi-collision brake | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Red brake callipers | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| 2 x rear ISOFIX child seat mounts | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| LED lower bumper daytime driving lights | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Front fog lamps with static cornering function | ✖️ | Optional | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Rear fog lamp | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| LED rear licence plate lamp | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| LED rear lights | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Keyless access, entry and starting | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Visual indicator for rear-seat passenger seatbelts | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Anti-slip regulation (ASR) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Electronic differential lock (EDL) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Electronic stabilisation program (ESP) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Extended electronic differential lock (XDL) | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Front Assist with city emergency brake (City EB) and pedestrian monitoring functions | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rear-view camera (RVC) with static guidelines | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rain sensor | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Trendline | Comfortline | Style | GTI | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front centre armrest with storage compartment | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Manual air-conditioning | ✔ | ✔ | ✖️ | ✖️ |
| Dual-zone climate control A/C | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Dust and pollen filter | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Cruise control with programmable speed limiter | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Distance warning display | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Driver-fatigue detection system | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Driver profile selection | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Sport Select suspension | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Front and rear carpeting | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Heat insulated tinted glass | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 8-inch touchscreen with AM/FM radio, CD player, SD card slot | ✔ | ✔ | ✖️ | ✖️ |
| 8-inch touchscreen with AM/FM, CD player, 2 x SD card slots, 2D and 3D maps | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| App-Connect (interface for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Steering wheel controls for phone, audio and cruise control | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Beats 300W premium audio system with 8-channel amp and subwoofer | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ | Optional |
| Bluetooth phone connectivity | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Inductive wireless phone charging | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ | Optional |
| 6 speakers | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 2 x USB ports front | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 2 x USB ports rear | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Multi-function display (MFD Plus) – monochrome trip computer, speed warning, fuel consumption, distance till empty, vehicle status, driver assistance, audio and telephone menus | ✔ | ✔ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Active info display, 10.25-inch colour display with customisable display, driving time, trip length, average and current speed, average and current fuel use, distance till empty, engine oil temperature, speed warning function, vehicle status, audio, phone, driver assistance systems, navigation and convenience menus | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ | Optional |
| Aluminium finish accelerator and brake pedal | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Black headlining and pillar trim | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Chrome mirror and window switches, outer air vents, door handle surrounds and instrument cluster | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Aluminium sill scuff plates with GTI logo | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Gloss black highlight surrounding instruments and infotainment system | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Leather gearshift knob and handbrake lever | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Metallic Grey inlays in-dash, front centre console and door trims | ✔ | ✔ | ✖️ | ✖️ |
| Iron metallic grey gloss inlays in-dash, front centre console and door trims | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ | Special order |
| Velvet Red inlays in-dash, front centre console and door trims | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| LED ambient lighting in-door trim and dash | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| LED lighting in driver and front passenger footwells/phone storage compartment | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Variable luggage compartment floor level | ✔ | ✔ | ✖️ | ✖️ |
| Automatic dimming interior rear-view mirror | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Power folding exterior mirrors | ✖️ | Optional | Optional | ✔ |
| Electrically heated and adjustable exterior mirrors | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| LED indicators in exterior mirrors | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Manual lumbar adjustment for front seats | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Comfort sport front seats | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| Sports seats with side bolstering | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Leather, 3-spoke flat bottomed steering wheel | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| Leather, 3-spoke flat bottomed sports steering wheel | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Steering wheel gearshift paddles | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Cloth upholstery | ✔ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✖️ |
| Comfort cloth | ✖️ | ✔ | ✖️ | ✖️ |
| Comfort sport cloth | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| "Clark" GTI sports cloth | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Power front and rear windows, one-touch up/down feature | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Programmable, remote-opening close and open windows | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rear window with wash/wipe and intermittent wipe | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Trendline | Comfortline | Style | GTI | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body-coloured bumper bars, door handles and exterior mirrors | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Body-coloured lower front spoiler with gloss black inserts | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Exposed dual chrome exhaust tailpipes | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| GTI nameplate on radiator grille with black honeycomb inserts | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Lower air intake and radiator grille with black honeycomb inserts | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Radiator grille, with chrome highlights | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| Radiator grille and headlight housings with red/chrome strip | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Rear bumper with black diffuser | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| Rear bumper with black sports diffuser | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Rear spoiler with gloss black aerodynamic extension | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Side sill panel extensions in black finish | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Darkened rear tail-light cluster | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Dark tinted rear side window and window glass | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 15-inch steel wheels | ✔ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✖️ |
| 15-inch alloy wheels | ✖️ | ✔ | ✖️ | ✖️ |
| 16-inch alloy wheels | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| 17-inch alloy wheels | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| 15-inch steel spare wheel | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| Speed-restricted, weight/space-saving spare wheel | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
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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Pictures: Volkswagen.com.au
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