Specs

  • Engine Option 1: 1.0 L 60 PS (44 kW) / petrol
  • Engine Option 2: 1.0 L 75 PS (55 kW) / petrol
  • Engine Option 3: 1.2 L TSI 90 PS (66 kW) / petrol
  • Engine Option 4: 1.4 L TSI 110 PS (81 kW) / petrol
  • Engine Option 5: 1.4 L TSI  150 PS (110 kW) / petrol
  • Engine Option 6: 1.8 L TSI 192 PS (141 kW) / diesel
  • Engine Option 7: 1.4 L TDI 75 PS (55 kW) / diesel
  • Engine Option 8: 1.4 L TDI 90 PS (66 kW) / diesel
  • Curb Weight: 1,151 kg
  • Size: L 3,972 mm x W 1,682 mm x H 1,453 mm

The Good

Ever since the 5th generation was unveiled, the little Polo was a favorite of many car reviewing communities, ours included. The 2016 variant, despite facing a serious competition from the likes of Mazda 2, Renault Clio, Skoda Fabia or the Toyota Yaris, is pretty much a great all-rounder.

A lot of critics were claiming that Volkswagen is offering a car with a relatively short lifecycle, for a premium price, but with the latest generation, the German manufacturer proved that those issues were part of the past now, at least partially. But we’ll get to this a bit later.

The 1.2 litre TSI engine is by far the best in its class. Despite its reduced size, it’s able to produce 81 Kw starting with 4600rpm and a total of 175Nm, being ablt to reach 100km/h in a decent 9.3 seconds. And the other engine options, are also exceptional! I mean, come on, the Polo GTI is a real pocket rocket!

Volkswagen seems to have fixed all those issues made famous by the previous 1.2 TSI models, known for its fault timing chain, which is definitely a big plus for the manufacturer.

Just like its bigger brother, the Tiguan, the all new Polo comes with a very comfortable interior, allowing us to say that it can be considered a benchmark for other cars in its category.

The Bad

As much as we loved the Polo for the options it offers, the 1.2 TSI model misses out on standard satellite navigation. If you want to enjoy all the benefits of integrated maps, you need to spend an extra $1900 for the Driving Comfort Package. Sure, it’s worth the money, but on the other side, the same thing can be done by a smartphone.

Speaking about extra packages, if you opt for the Sport Pack, which includes 17″ wheels and a lower and stiffer suspension, alongside tinted side and rear windows, and fog lights with cornering suspension, you’ll instantly regret it. We’re talking about the suspension and the bigger rims, of course, which seriously affect the ride’s comfort.

We were surprised about the fact the Volkswagen recommends only premium unleaded petrol for the new Polo. The combined cycle fuel consumption is 4.8 L/100 km, but if you’re leaving in a crowded city, you can get even – get ready for this – over 11.5L/100 km. What’s up with that, VW? This car can be pretty expensive to drive!

Finally, there’s the servicing. Keeping it short, the Polo is one of the most expensive city cars when it comes to maintaining it, especially if you opt for doing this at your local dealership. For example, a Toyota Yaris will be almost three times cheaper to service for a four-year interval.

Conclusion

All in all, despite its minuses, the new VW Polo is a great choice for anybody who wants a nice town car, providing a decent drive and with a fantastic interior. It might not be the cheapest option in its class, but it’s definitely worth the money.

What others say

www.whatcar.com: “The Polo is a genuinely classy and impressively refined supermini, but lower spec models make the most sense.”

www.topgear.com: “A comprehensive little supermini. Feels like a smaller Golf, and there’s nothing wrong with that.”