The Polo has been one of Volkswagen’s core products for almost 50 years and it continues to be a smash hit here in the UK. It’s Britain’s fourth best-selling car in 2021, in fact.
The latest generation is the best yet, as it’s roomier, more advanced and even more pleasant to drive than its predecessors, ensuring it can stand out in this somewhat crowded class. Now Volkswagen has given it a mid-life refresh, with the Polo getting a more stylish design, additional standard equipment and a revised trim level line-up.
So if you’re looking at a new Volkswagen Polo, this is what you need to know…
What engines are offered?
The engine choice remains the same on this updated Polo, with buyers having the choice of a turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol or the powerful 2.0-litre unit in the GTI hot hatch.
Let’s start with the entry-level option, which does away with a turbocharger and produces just 79bhp and uses a five-speed manual gearbox. Its 15.3-second 0-60mph time is rather slow, but thanks to its low insurance group, it’s an attractive option for new and young drivers.
Two turbocharged 1.0-litre models are available – either a 94bhp or 108bhp model. The former comes with the choice of a five-speed manual or seven-speed DSG automatic, with 0-60mph taking around 11 seconds. The 108bhp model is offered purely with an automatic transmission, and allows for a 0-60mph time of 10.2 seconds. All of these petrol models are quite closely aligned when it comes to efficiency, with a fuel economy figure of around 50mpg, and CO2 emissions ranging from 118-128g/km.
At the top of the range is the 204bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine in the GTI, which comes with a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox too. It can do 0-60mph in 6.3 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 149mph. Volkswagen also claims it can return 41.3mpg, with CO2 emissions of 155g/km.
What trim levels are offered?
Four grades are available on the Polo – Life, Style, R-Line and GTI. Equipment highlights and pricing are as follows.
Life – from £18,285
Even the entry-level Polo gets plenty of equipment, including 15-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, LED rear lights and an eight-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone mirroring, Bluetooth and DAB radio. You also get electric windows, air conditioning, electric folding mirrors, a digital instrument cluster and automatic lights and wipers. Standard safety kit includes automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control (just cruise control on the 79bhp model).
Style – from £21,240
Only available on the 94bhp engine, the Style brings Matrix LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors and 16-inch alloy wheels. You also get two-zone climate control, a wider digital cockpit and satellite navigation.
R-Line – from £21,240
The R-Line is identifiable thanks to its revised 16-inch alloy wheels, sportier styling kit, stainless steel pedals and comfort sports seats trimmed in microfibre. The spec broadly mirrors that of the Style, though it does miss out on Matrix LED headlights.
GTI – from £26,990
At the top of the range is the GTI. You’re mainly paying for the larger engine, but you also get updated running gear and sports suspension. An XDS electronic differential lock is also included to maximise grip, along with dynamic chassis control and a driving profile selection. You also get 17-inch alloy wheels and a glossy red dashboard.
What about personalisation?
The latest Volkswagen Polo is actually better to personalise than ever, with a greater colour selection, including bright shades like the new Vibrant Violet (pictured), Reef Blue and Kings Red. Most versions also have an option to upgrade the alloy wheels – up to 18 inches on the GTI.
In terms of more conventional optional extras, you can choose heated front seats for £305 and a stylish panoramic sunroof for £850. Keyless entry is also available for £345, while a reversing camera seems like a well-priced addition at £260.
Enquire on a new Volkswagen Polo
