Volkswagen Polo

Expert Rating:

What is it?

From most angles the Polo looks like a Golf, only smaller. Even the design team at the Polo's launch bang on about how the Polo is meant to look like its bigger relative; they could be identical twins that have somehow been separated by a few years. That's no bad thing, the Golf basking in a glow of middle-class respectability that all other hatchbacks try to emulate. The Polo's always been much the same, only now it's more obviously more so. Bigger in every dimension but height, it's also lighter, safer and more economical than its predecessor.

Is it any good?

Depending on your measure, the Polo is either brilliant or rather disappointing. Many will deride Volkswagen's supermini contender for not having the sweet handling and incisive steering feel of its key Fiesta rival, yet really for all but a few people that's of very little significance. What is important that the Polo will appeal to its extensive existing audience while also attracting new buyers. It looks great, is a seriously classy and solidly built proposition, drives nicely enough and comes with a badge that's undeniably got more credibility than most of its supermini rivals.

When the Polo goes on sale in October 2009 four petrol engines will be available: two 1.2-litre units with 59bhp and 69bhp, a 1.4-litre with 84bhp and a 104bhp TSI turbocharged 1.2-litre. All offer official combined consumption figures in the high 40s and early 50mpg range and planet-friendly CO₂ outputs too. For real fuel stretching ability the new 1.6-litre turbodiesel should be on your shopping list, it delivering an official combined fuel consumption of 67.3mpg and CO₂ emissions of 109g/km regardless of whether you've opted for the 74bhp or 89bhp version. A 75bhp 1.2-litre three-cylinder common-rail unit will follow in a BlueMotion economy special in 2010, the concept version of which achieves provisional combined fuel economy of 85.5mpg while emitting just 87g/km of CO₂.

Four trim levels will be offered, the middling SE model with the lower output 1.2-litre petrol engine likely to be the best seller. It won't be particularly quick though, as the larger engines need working quite hard to make progress in the Polo - despite weight savings over its predecessor.

What is impressive is the Polo's refinement and comfort. It rides bumps well, steers neatly and there's very little noise intrusion from the engine, road or wind - much like its Golf relative, only a bit smaller. Just a bit smaller mind, the Polo's dimensions about the same as the Golf a few generations back. Legroom is good in the rear, though headroom a touch tight and the boot is a good size and offers an under floor compartment. Neat touches inside include a smart lidded area in the glovebox that solves the problem of where to keep the owner's handbook. It's a classy interior, with only a few lower quality plastics visible, though specifications across the range are good, with all cars coming with four airbags and ESP as standard.

Should I call the bank manager?

If you're going for the entry-level 1.2-litre S you might not have to, as its prices start at around £9,000. Go daft with the options - of which there are plenty - including 2-zone climate control, touch screen satellite navigation, a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission and improved audio systems - and you can easily spend a great deal more.

Summary

A seriously classy looking contender in the supermini market, the new Polo will undoubtedly build on the success of its predecessor. It's very close to its Golf relative in looks and feel inside and out, which is no bad thing. Indeed, those looking to downsize from the Golf won't be disappointed at all. It might not sparkle behind the wheel like its key Fiesta rival does, but it's a competent, easy drive that's very refined and economical too. That alone is enough to ensure the new Polo is a success, the VW badge on the grille guaranteeing it.

Kyle Fortune