Volkswagen Polo (94 - 08) Tested Jan 07

Rating

Quick Summary

Average. Still one of the classiest superminis, but the Polo is starting to feel old and lacks kit compared to rivals.

Full Road Test

The Polo has pretty much defined upmarket supermini motoring since the first version was introduced back in the 1970s, with the current generation being no exception to the rule. It's well designed, solidly constructed and completely painless to own and operate.

The clean design that this iteration originally wore has been slightly bastardized with a very stuck-on looking attempt at a Golf front end, but otherwise there's nothing to be offended by in the compact, chunky shape. The interior is constructed to a predictably high standard, although it feels far tighter than bigger and more modern rivals: rear seat space is poor access to the back is difficult with the three-door bodyshell.

It's no great hoots to drive, either. Volkswagen's chassis engineers were clearly more concerned by comfort than "B" road performance, meaning the Polo's reasonably compliant ride comes at the expense of slightly rubbery feeling steering and very limited enthusiasm for rapid cornering. On the plus side, the Polo's Germanic priorities show in very good motorway cruising refinement.

Buyers are spoilt for choice when it comes to engines. The basic 53 bhp 1.2 litre petrol motor feels very underpowered out of town, while the more powerful 62 bhp still needs to be given a noisy thrashing to give its best. The 1.4 is the best petrol motor pretty much by default - it's expensive compared to rivals and not really that fast. Three diesels are available, and although the two three-cylinder 1.4 litre versions are both a bit noisy, the range-topping 1.9 litre TDI is smooth and powerful. There's also the BlueMotion's downtuned version of the 1.4 TDI three-cylinder diesel, producing 78bhp and crucially, only 99g/km CO2 emissions. VW claims it will achieve 72mpg and but the sometimes raucous soundtrack won't be to everyone's taste.

Breakdown

Styling

Grafted on Golf front end hasn't taken entirely successfully. Still possesses plenty of carpark kudos, though.

Handling

Uninspired but safe. The Polo runs out of grip quickly on a twisty road and the numb-feeling steering limits driver confidence.

Comfort

The Polo rides very well for a supermini, soft suspension helping to take the edge of rougher road surfaces. Motorway cruising is good, too.

Quality + reliability

As well assembled as you would expect a Polo to be: solidly constructed inside and out and with some decent quality materials on display in the cabin.

Performance

Entry level 1.2 litre engines really lack urge, and even the pricey 1.4 isn't exactly a rocketship. Basic three-cylinder diesels are noisy and unrefined, too. Range-topping GTI is an object lesson in how not to create a hot hatch - unworthy of the badge it wears.

Roominess

Cramped inside when compared to more modern rivals, and getting into the back of the three-door version is a real struggle.

Running costs

Residual values are reasonable, although not as solid as the Polo's high list prices would have you believe. Fuel economy is good and insurance costs are low, but Volkswagen servicing is pricey.

Value for money

Less-than-generous standard equipment, limited performance and that cramped cabin mean that the Polo stacks up poorly compared to more modern segment rivals.

Stereo / Sat nav

The standard audio system struggles to make itself heard at higher speeds sometimes. Satnav untested.

Need to know

NCAP Rating

JD Power stars

Replacement Date: 2010

Residual Value**: 43%
**percentage of list price retained after 3 years / 36,000 miles

We like:

1) Classy image.
2)Comfortable ride and high-speed refinement.
3) Punchy 1.9 TDI diesel, Bluemotion's low CO2.

We don't like:

1) Too expensive for what you get.
2) Cramped cabin.
3) Dynamically inert GTI version.

Best and worst:

Most fun: 1.9 TDI Sport
Most sensible: 1.2 (62 bhp) S 5-dr.
Worst: 1.8 GTI

Car Magazine says:

Average. 'Not the best looking Polo ever, it is better in every other way and will doubtless be painless to own.'

4car says:

Recommended. 'A grown up supermini so polished, it will more than cover what it is required to do. More staid than stylish though.'

Auto Express says:

'It may not be the best equipped car in this market but for maturity, there is no competition.'

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