Volkswagen Polo review

From £18,855

The Volkswagen Polo supermini continues to attract buyers with its upmarket image, fizzy TSI engines and no-nonsense usability.

  • Volkswagen Polo 2022
  • For: Comfortable cabin, strong image, reassuringly easy to drive
  • Against: Expensive, no electrified options, not much fun
  • Verdict: A dependable supermini, but rivals are cheaper and more entertaining

The popular Polo supermini has been updated for the 2022 model-year. With more than 18 million examples sold across six generations, it remains an important model for the Volkswagen brand.

The changes are subtle on the outside, with new bumpers and standard LED headlights. Larger LED rear lights make the Polo appear more like a scaled-down version of its big brother, the Volkswagen Golf.

A simplified model range begins with Life trim, moves up to Style, then is topped by the sporty R-Line version. A flagship Polo GTI hot hatchback is available, too.

No electric options yet

Volkswagen Polo 2022

There are no longer any diesel engines, and Volkswagen is yet to add hybrid or electric power to the Polo range. 

Beyond the racy GTI, the engines are all variations of a 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit. Ignore the entry-level 80hp non-turbo motor if you can, and jump to the turbocharged TSI versions instead. The 110hp option feels particularly nimble and comes with a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox as standard.

Don’t expect too much entertainment on the road, though. The Polo still majors on easygoing comfort and refinement, rather than driving fun. 

Plenty of technology can be found inside the Polo, with a standard digital instrument panel in addition to the large central touchscreen. Adaptive cruise control, USB C charging sockets, folding and heated door mirrors, and rain-sensing wipers are standard on all models.

Style and R-Line models use a fiddly touch-sensitive panel for the climate control system. Life versions have simple knobs and buttons.

Premium image, premium price

Volkswagen Polo 2022

The rest of the Polo’s interior is comfortable, with plenty of space for adults and usable boot. Some of the plastic trim found lower down can look cheap, however, and be prone to rattles. 

Being loaded with safety equipment has helped the Polo gain a five-star Euro NCAP rating. It also goes some way towards justifying its premium list price, which can look surprisingly expensive on top-spec models. With options, our 110hp R-Line test car tipped the scales at £27,700.

Nonetheless, for many people, strong residual values, attractive finance options and the Volkswagen brand image all help offset the Polo’s high list prices.

KEY INFO

  • Launched: 2018
  • Facelifted: 2021
  • Due for replacement: TBC
Specs
Model: Volkswagen Polo R-Line 1.0 110 DSG
Prices from: £18,855
Price as tested: £27,700
Engines: 1.0- and 2.0-litre turbo
Fuel type: Petrol
Gearboxes: 5-speed manual, 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
Bodystyles: Hatchback
Trims: Style, R-Line, GTI
Euro NCAP:
(2022)
Power: 80-207 hp
0-62mph: 6.5-15.5 sec
Fuel economy: 41.3-54.4 mpg
CO2: 118-155 g/km
Dimensions (l/w/h): 4,074/1,751/1,451 mm
Boot capacity: 305-351 litres
Warranty: 3 years / 60,000 miles
Discover More: Volkswagen Polo

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