Volkswagen Polo review - Reliability and safety

The Volkswagen Polo’s high level of perceived quality is matched with strong safety features, culminating in a full five-star rating from Euro NCAP in 2017.

Entry Life models feature a host of active safety kit, including a driver fatigue detection warning, a radar-controlled emergency braking system, a Lane Assist function and Hill start assist. Style trim and above adds VW's Dynamic headlight range control which is able to self-adjust while you're driving, along with a Dynamic road sign display system which flags up road sign/speed information onto the digital instrument screen. Travel Assist is also available; tech which combines the adaptive cruise control and the Lane Assist systems for semi-autonomous driving.

A Driver's assistance pack is offered as an option for just under £500, and incorporates a Lane change system side assist which monitors rear blind spots, Park assist and Pro-active passenger protection. If you want to specify a rear-view camera, you'll need to part with an extra £250.

The Polo finished in 48th spot on a 75-car list in our 2021 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, with Volkswagen itself placing 17th out of 29 brands.

20

Warranty

Volkswagen provides a three-year/60,000-mile warranty but it’s worth investigating the small print. Years one and two are manufacturer cover with unlimited mileage, while year three is a 12-month/60,000-mile retailer warranty. Should you exceed 60,000 miles in the first 24 months, the manufacturer warranty will remain valid but the extra year will no longer be available.

An extended warranty is available for a fee, offering cover up to a maximum of five years or 90,000 miles. Body protection is good, the Polo’s internal body sections and panels covered against rusting through from the inside for 12 years. The paintwork is covered for just three years, though.

Servicing

Volkswagen offers two servicing plans. The Fixed Service plan is recommended for drivers who will cover fewer than 10,000 miles a year, predominantly driving their Polo in urban environments and stop start traffic. The Flexible Service plan is aimed at drivers regularly chalking up more than 25 miles a day with plenty of motorway miles per year.