Skip advert
Advertisement

Volkswagen Polo

The Polo's freshened up! Volkswagen is set to celebrate the car's 30th birthday by giving it a new look and a revised engine range

By adding a sweeping front and rear makeover, as well as two excellent new diesel engines, VW has increased the Polo's already strong appeal. The model is not as good to drive as a Ford Fiesta nor as individual as a Fiat Panda - and it's pricier than both. But it has plenty of safety kit and standard features, plus strong residuals.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Auto Express has driven one of the first to arrive in the country. The newcomer, on sale this week, maintains the current line-up of E, S, SE and Sport trims, and the range now kicks off at £7,495 for the entry-level 1.2-litre E.

The biggest changes are to the styling. By adopting the bold VW family grille, which debuted on the Passat, the Polo has much more presence, and that's complemented by the Golf-like headlamps. Circular tail-lights with red surrounds echo those already used on the Phaeton limousine and the latest Passat, while the side repeaters have been relocated to the door mirrors.

Apart from the addition of a new tray on top of the dashboard, plus some fresh seat fabrics, a chunkier steering wheel and redesigned graphics on the instruments, the interior has been left largely untouched. It is a shame some of the poor-quality low-level plastics have not been addressed, but the multi-size cup-holder and reach and rake-adjustable wheel compensate for this.

The entry-level 1.4-litre turbodiesel is now offered with 70bhp or 80bhp, replacing the current 75bhp TDI and 65bhp naturally aspirated SDI. Our car had the larger of the two new units, which impressed with its characterful note, punchy performance and superb economy. It is also as frugal as the motor it replaces. Ride and handling are identical to that of the previous Polo, yet while progress is smooth, the newcomer is not the most involving car to drive.

VW's latest model also upholds its predecessor's excellent safety reputation, as brake assist and ESP stability control are included on all variants. This S-spec car is our pick of the range, as it benefits from group five insurance and comes with air-con, 14-inch alloys and electric front windows as standard.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,848 off RRP*Used from £7,250
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*Used from £20,921
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,773 off RRP*Used from £11,995
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £15,800
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal
BMW M5 Touring - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal

The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It’s our Deal of the Day for 29 June
News
29 Jun 2025
Electric car appeal is at its lowest since 2019
Opinion - Kia EV9 GT

Electric car appeal is at its lowest since 2019

From poor electric car sales to crashes in F1, Mike Rutherford thinks its been a crazy few weeks in the automotive world
Opinion
29 Jun 2025
New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught
Skoda Epiq vRS exclusive image

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught

Every future Skoda will get the go-faster treatment, with the brand also working on making cars sharper and more engaging
News
27 Jun 2025