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VW Polo Vs rivals

Tight finances mean supermini sales are booming, and VW’s new Polo aims to cash in with a classy, Golf-style look. Can it beat rivals from Mazda, Renault and Ford?

September 2009

The Polo is a supermini institution. Since its arrival in 1975, the VW has been famed for its solid build, classless appeal and reliability.

But the outgoing model plunged down the charts as younger rivals left it behind.

The new fifth-generation variant is aiming to revive past glories, so the competition had better be ready for a fight.

As well as looks inspired by the Golf and more space than ever, the lighter and more fuel-efficient Polo will come with a selection of five engines: three petrols and two diesels.

When it arrives on 16 October, it will enter the market’s most competitive sector– and to see how it rates, we took a 1.6-litre TDI SE on a 1,000-mile road trip with three of its most talented rivals.

Our 2009 Car of the Year, the Ford Fiesta, poses the toughest test, but alongside it is Renault’s recently revised Clio.

In diesel form it shouldn’t be underestimated, while the sporty and stylish Mazda 2 is another talented alternative. With such a line-up, the Polo isn’t in for an easy ride...

6 Comments

Missing Cars...

The new Alfa Mito has just been launched into this segment, with the view of hopefully trying to tempt buyers away from the Polo and Fiesta market...
I am really suprised therefore that there is no mention of the Mito in this group review! From looking now, a 1.6JDTM in the Top spec is a few hundred pounds more than the fiesta, with more power and argueably better trim!
Oversight, or favouritism on your part...? A great shame!!

By asm342 on 14 September, 2009, 10:26am

The Polo is entering the incredibly competitive supermini segment and we wanted to put it up against the best rivals available. The Fiesta, Mazda2 and Clio are our favourites - simple as that. We would have included a SEAT Ibiza too, but diesel versions were not available for us to try. What's more, the MiTo is only available in three-door trim.
Ross Pinnock, Road test editor

By RossP19 on 14 September, 2009, 11:57am

Ross - how come you favour the Clio when Renault usually finish bottom of most car consumer surveys and wouldn't the more powerful 88 bhp Polo be a more appropriate match price wise to the Fiesta?........and then there's the residual values to consider if buying with one's own cash.

By cass1esdad on 17 September, 2009, 9:08pm

jfuller747

id rather spend a little more and get a nice mid rance 1.6 tdci zetec ford focus , or get one thts a year old !!

By jfuller747 on 17 September, 2009, 9:57pm

Bizarre Vedict

Having quickly read your magazines verdict of the new Polo, I find it weird that Auto Express award it a pathetic 4th! When What Car Magazine awarded it 1st in a group including the new Fiesta. Even so i'll be buying the new Polo and What Car Magazine from now on.

By Gerz1981 on 21 September, 2009, 11:55am

We acknowledge Renault's weakness in our annual Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, but the Clio fully deserves second place. The more powerful VW would have been perfect, but wasn't available for us to try.
Other magazines are entitled to their opinions, but did they test the same model Polo as we did here? In this test the entry-level diesel proved to be an improvement over the old car - but not as good as the best in the class.
Ross Pinnock, Road test editor

By RossP19 on 21 September, 2009, 12:43pm

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Full Car Reviews

1st Ford Fiesta Zetec 1.6 TDCi

Our current class champion remains a very tempting proposition

2nd Renault Clio Dynamique 1.5 dCi 86

Has recent a facelift taken established French baby to the top?

3rd Mazda 2 Sport 1.6D

Cute looks and great value mark out Japanese model

4th VW Polo SE 1.6 TDI 75

With a classy look inspired by the Golf, and the promise of wallet-friendly costs, new car aims to regain supermini crown
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Facts and Figures

Verdict


In the fiercely contested supermini sector, any newcomer has a tough job of rising to the top. So does the new Polo offer enough?

In short, not quite. While the VW is better than the old car in nearly every respect, its low-output diesel isn’t sufficiently impressive.

It is well built and cabin space is a match for rivals’, but vague steering, uninspiring handling and an uncooperative gearbox all disappoint.

The 1.6-litre TDI is unrefined and lacks punch – and the more powerful 88bhp version costs £115 more than our Fiesta.

Strong residual predictions are a welcome plus for the Polo, yet in such exalted company it finishes fourth – just behind the Mazda.

The pretty 2 is fun to drive, well built and a good performer, but a firm ride and some cheap cabin plastics let it down. It’s also the least practical car here.

That leaves the Clio and Fiesta to fight it out. The Renault provides space, refinement and comfort in a practical package, yet it simply can’t match the Ford’s all-round excellence.

Our class champ is worth every penny with its classy looks, solid build and supreme driving experience.

 * 1ST:
Ford Fiesta

The Fiesta has done for superminis what the first Focus did for family cars.

Despite poor residuals, the great looks, modern cabin and fine dynamics make it a winner.

 * 2nd:
Renault Clio

It can’t match the Fiesta for fun, but a roomy cabin, punchy engine and composed chassis mark out the Clio.

It’s comfortable and refined, and the fresh look is welcome.

 * 3rd:
Mazda 2

A compact shape, sharp styling and fun handling make the 2 very likeable.

It’s also well priced, but it is neither as refined nor as practical as the cars ahead of it in this test.

 * 4th:
Volkswagen polo

The cheapest model here, but also the least powerful.

You need to opt for the 88bhp variant to get comparable performance, which makes VW more pricey than rivals.

 
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