Volkswagen Polo Review 2024
Volkswagen Polo At A Glance
Insurance Group 8
On average it achieves 81% of the official MPG figure
The Volkswagen Polo has been a staple in the small car sector for decades, and still remains right at the top of the tree. This sixth-generation car is five years old now, and while a recent mid-life update hasn't exactly transformed it, it has freshened it up just enough. Excitement isn't the order of the day here, but as our review shows the VW Polo just does everything really well and with minimal fuss.
Downsizing is the flavour of the month. Fuel prices are rising, space on the road is decreasing and cars are getting bulkier and more refined than ever. So do you really need anything bigger than the Volkswagen Polo?
The latest, MK6 Polo is basically where the VW Golf was 20 years ago in terms of space and on-road refinement, despite being smaller on the outside. In fact we had passengers who thought it was the latest Golf when climbing inside - it really could serve as a small family car, with a surprisingly big boot too.
Of course, the VW Polo is much more efficient, agile, high-tech and safe than a two decade-old Golf. In fact its one of the safest cars in its class and, in top trims particularly, is packed full of big-car kit. The 2021 facelift has brought standard niceties such as digital instruments and Travel Assist for partial self-driving.
As has been the case for years, the Polo shares much under the skin with the SEAT Ibiza and Skoda Fabia. But despite same platform and excellent TSI engines the Polo feels a fair bit more upmarket, with better soundproofing and a higher quality cabin with more kit.
One thing the Polo does lack is the fun, engaging driving experience of rivals like the Ford Fiesta. It's more composed and comfortable instead, with an easy and relaxing driving experience, particularly if you avoid going for the bigger wheel options. It makes for a very sensible first car - if you can afford it.
The VW Polo isn't the cheapest small car - you'll want the Citroen C3, Dacia Sandero or Vauxhall Corsa for that. But it is priced roughly in line with the Hyundai i20, Peugeot 208, Toyota Yaris and Renault Clio. Some of them are more stylish and kit-laden, but only the Peugeot can really match the quality feel and refined driving experience.
There's a Polo for everyone, from the cheapest 80PS 1.0-litre Life right up to the 207PS GTI hot hatch. But the range of engines and trim levels has shrunk for 2021, with no more diesels - not that many people bought one. Regardless, the Polo is an easy car to recommend, but perhaps a hard car to fall head over heels in love with.
Looking for a second opinion? Check out heycar's Volkswagen Polo Review
Volkswagen Polo handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.0 65 to 2.0 TSI 200 DSG
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 28–73 mpg
Volkswagen Polo 2024: Handling and ride quality
The Volkswagen Polo might not be as fun to drive as rivals such as the Ford Fiesta, but it's a comfortable and refined small car whether you're in town or on the open road.
At low speeds the Polo is agile and even without rear parking sensors fitted on entry-level Life trim, it’s easy to guide into a bay thanks to the short rear overhang and good visibility. Mid-spec models and above come with both front and rear parking sensors in the 2021 facelift.
The suspension is supple and cars on 15-inch or 16-inch wheels will provide a soft and comfortable ride quality on British roads. The Polo can also be specified with 17-inch or 18-inch wheels, but these convey more bumps and lumps into the cabin and are best avoided if comfort matters more than style.
In terms of handling, the steering is nicely weighted but not super sharp, it turns into bends pretty well and the body doesn't roll around too much. You can drive it on a twisty road with some confidence, but it's nowhere near as engaging or playful as a Fiesta.
Volkswagen Polo 2024: Engines
The most popular engine is the turbocharged 1.0-litre TSI petrol with 95PS. It's a perfect fit to the car and one of the best three-cylinder engines on the market at this price point, being smooth, pretty refined and punching above its weight.
It only comes with a five-speed gearbox as standard, and although it means first and second gear are quite long the flexible little engine means sixth gear isn't too missed.
If you must have six gears there is a 110PS version available - oddly this is ever so slightly less powerful than before the 2021 facelift. It feels much the same as the 95PS engine but responds more urgently higher up the rev range.
All versions of the 1.0 TSI engine can be fitted with an optional seven-speed DSG automatic, which we've yet to try.
There is the option of a non-turbo 1.0-litre engine in entry-level VW Polo Life models. With 80PS and not a lot of torque it's pretty gutless, and unless you're only pottering around town - or insurance is a concern - we'd avoid it.
You used to be able to get a diesel VW Polo with 95PS. It's efficient and a decent performer but pretty noisy. It was also more expensive than the petrols, so very few people bought one and by 2021 it was removed entirely.
Volkswagen Polo 2024: Safety
All Volkswagen Polos have Front Assist autonomous emergency braking and post collision braking to reduce the effects of an impact, while a Driver Alert System helps avoid fatigue and lane assist helps further avoid accidents.
Stepping up to Life trim brings Travel Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control with a more advanced lane keeping aid to do much of the steering, accelerating and braking for you on motorways or in low-speed traffic.
Of course you also get Isofix child seat mounts on the two outer rear seats. A Hill Hold function is also standard, while blind spot monitoring and a rear-view camera are on the options list.
All of this has earned the Polo a five-star rating from Euro NCAP in its crash test assessments. It did this with a superb 96 per cent rating for adult occupant safety and 85 per cent score for child occupant safety. Even though that was way back in 2017 the facelifted Polo's safety improvements suggest it would still do well.
Volkswagen Polo 2024: Towing
Very few people will be towing in their VW Polo or any small car, but it does have a braked capacity of up to 1200kg depending on engine.
Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
---|---|---|---|
1.0 65 | 59–60 mpg | 15.4–15.5 s | 108–110 g/km |
1.0 75 | 60 mpg | 14.9 s | 108 g/km |
1.0 80 | - | 15.4–15.5 s | 106–125 g/km |
1.0 TSI 110 | - | 9.9 s | 118–119 g/km |
1.0 TSI 110 DSG | - | 10.4 s | 128–130 g/km |
1.0 TSI 115 | 60 mpg | 9.5 s | 107 g/km |
1.0 TSI 115 DSG | 58 mpg | 9.5 s | 109–119 g/km |
1.0 TSI 95 | 61 mpg | 10.8–15.4 s | 101–127 g/km |
1.0 TSI 95 DSG | 60 mpg | 10.8–15.4 s | 105–139 g/km |
1.6 TDI 80 | 74–76 mpg | 12.9 s | 97–99 g/km |
1.6 TDI 95 | 74 mpg | 11.2 s | 99 g/km |
2.0 TSI 200 DSG | 48 mpg | 6.7 s | 134 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Volkswagen Polo
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
81%
Real MPG
28–73 mpg
MPGs submitted
148
Volkswagen Polo interior
- Boot space is 351–1125 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 4053–4067 mm |
Width | 1946–1964 mm |
Height | 1461 mm |
Wheelbase | 2548–2551 mm |
Volkswagen Polo 2024: Practicality
No matter how tall you are or what shape your body is, the Volkswagen Polo will accommodate you with ease. Once you’ve honed into your ideal seating position you will find the Polo also provides ample vision in all directions for the driver.
The back doors open nice and wide - almost 90 degrees - for easy access, which is also helpful for loading and unloading child seats. Once in, the rear bench accommodates two adults - even big ones - really rather well. Passengers will think it's a bigger car than it is, although not if you try and squeeze a third person in the tight middle seat.
For bigger items, the Polo’s boot is among the more generous in the sector. With 355-litres of capacity on offer in normal use, the Polo’s luggage bay is not far short of that of the Golf’s.
Volkswagen Polo 2024: Quality and finish
This is the area where the Volkswagen Polo pulls out a very clear lead over its rivals. Everywhere your eyes or hands come to rest, the Polo’s interior reeks of build quality that is a cut above the common herd of superminis.
There are thickly padded surfaces on the dash-top and doors, while the other areas such as the door handles and steering wheel enjoy a classy feel most of the competition just can't quite match.
The same is true when you reach further down in the Polo, so even the seat bases and door pockets have neatly returned, smooth edges. Sure, there's more harder plastics than you'll find in a Golf, and not much colour, but remember this is an affordable small car.
Volkswagen Polo 2024: Infotainment
This is the key cabin upgrade for the VW Polo's 2021 facelift. Even entry-level models get an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system and - crucially - a digital instrument display.
The touchscreen includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity alongside the usual DAB radio and Bluetooth. There's six speakers, with decent sound, and USB-C ports both front and rear. All you get for upgrading to Style trim is sat-nav - if you want the (not necessary) bigger 9.2-inch screen you'll need to raid the options list.
Stepping up to Style trim does get you a more customisable (and nicer looking) 10.25-inch 'Digital Cockpit Pro' dial display. The standard eight-inch system isn't the best, with limited information and a small display. Further upgrades possible include an optional Beats sound system.
Volkswagen Polo value for money
Volkswagen Polo 2024: Prices
The VW Polo isn't the cheapest car to buy outright in its class, but that's partly offset by stronger residual values when it's on the used market.
When opting for a finance package, the monthly payments are pretty affordable. VW periodically offers a contribution towards the deposit, so it’s worth looking for these deals. With the personal contract plan, you have the option to buy the car outright at the end of the finance term.
A used Volkswagen Polo from early on in this generation’s life cycle in 2017 will come in at around £11,000 - with the entry-level 1.0-litre engine and S or SE trim and 45,000 miles on the clock.
Seek out a two-year old 95PS 1.0 TSI SE and you’ll pay around £14,000, which shows how well the Polo hangs on to its value in the used market.
New prices start at around £18,850 for a Polo Life with the non-turbo petrol engine, while Style spec is a full £3,000 more but comes with the more powerful TSI petrol engine. R-Line is basically the same price as Style but with different kit, and rises to over £24,000 if you spec the 110PS engine and DSG gearbox.
Volkswagen Polo 2024: Running Costs
The most economical Volkswagen Polo is the 1.6-litre TDI motor that returns an official combined consumption of 57.6mpg. Barely anybody bought it, though, and it was dropped from 2021-on.
Interestingly the turbo TSI petrol engine is more efficient than the non-turbo, with 54.2mpg playing 51.4mpg officially. If you work the turbo unit harder, though, it'll be thirstier. There's no real economy penalty for choosing the 110PS version or the DSG gearbox.
Choose the Volkswagen Polo with the 1.0 EVO 80PS engine and you enjoy insurance premiums in group 1. A 95PS 1.0 TSI Life model falls into a reasonable group 8, while the most expensive non-GTI model to get cover for is the 110PS 1.0 TSI R-Line version.
Most Polos with either of the 1.0-litre petrol engines will fall into Band G for road tax that will cost £190 in the first year and £165 in subsequent years. All versions are pretty much identical in this respect unless you opt for the Polo GTI hot hatch, which emits 155g/km of CO2 and results in a painful £585 first year road tax charge.
Satisfaction Index
What is your car like to live with?
We need your help with our latest Satisfaction Index, so that we can help others make a smarter car buying decision. What's it like to live with your car? Love it? Loath it? We want to know. Let us know about your car - it will only take a few minutes and you could be helping thousands of others.
Help us with the Honest John Satisfaction Index nowVolkswagen Polo models and specs
Versions of the VW Polo before the 2021 facelift came with multiple trim levels including S, SE, Match and SE L. Now there are three trim levels on offer.
The entry-level Volkswagen Polo Life comes with 15-inch alloys, automatic LED headlights, manual air-con, heated and electrically folding mirrors, a front armrest, four electric windows, a leather wheel and gearknob, height adjustable front seats, cruise control, an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and digital dials.
Stepping up to the Volkswagen Polo Style gets you 16-inch alloy wheels, upgraded exterior detailing, Matrix LED headlights, ambient cabin lighting, parking sensors all-round, upgraded 'Sports Comfort' front seats with adjustable lumbar, dual-zone climate control, sat-nav, LED rear lights and adaptive cruise control with Travel Assist. There's also an upgraded Digital Cockpit Pro dial display.
At the top of the standard range is the Volkswagen Polo R-Line. That comes with a different design of 16-inch alloys, a sportier exterior design, tinted glass, Light Assist, black rooflining, stainless steel pedals, upgraded upholstery, decorative dash trim and special door sills.
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 4053–4067 mm |
Width | 1946–1964 mm |
Height | 1461 mm |
Wheelbase | 2548–2551 mm |
Miscellaneous | |
---|---|
Kerb Weight | 1105–1355 kg |
Boot Space | 351–1125 L |
Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
Servicing | 9300–18000 miles |
Costs | |
---|---|
List Price | £17,650–£24,430 |
Insurance Groups | 8 |
Road Tax Bands | A–E |
Official MPG | 47.9–76.3 mpg |
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
---|---|
Adult | - |
Child | - |
Pedestrian | - |
Overall | 5 |
Currently on sale
Hatchback | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
Life EVO 80ps Start/Stop 5dr | £17,650 | - | 15.5 s |
Life TSi 95 DSG Auto Start/Stop 5dr | £20,025 | - | 11.3 s |
Life TSi 95 Start/Stop 5dr | £19,550 | - | 10.8 s |
Match TSi 95 DSG Auto Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | - |
Match TSi 95 Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | - |
R-Line TSi 110 DSG Auto Start/Stop 5dr | £24,430 | - | 10.4 s |
R-Line TSi 115 DSG Auto Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | - |
R-Line TSi 95 DSG Auto Start/Stop 5dr | £21,985 | - | 11.3 s |
R-Line TSi 95 Start/Stop 5dr | £19,275 | - | 10.8 s |
Style TSi 95 Start/Stop 5dr | £20,550 | - | 10.8 s |
On sale until April 2022
Hatchback | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
1.0 Evo 80PS 5speed Beats 5dr | £16,860 | - | 15.4 s |
1.0 Evo 80PS 5speed Match 5dr | £17,125 | - | 15.4 s |
1.0 TSI 95PS 5speed Beats 5dr | - | 61.4 mpg | 10.8 s |
1.0 TSI 95PS 5speed Match 5dr | £17,970 | - | 10.8 s |
1.0 TSI 95PS 5speed R-Line 5dr | - | 61.4 mpg | 10.8 s |
1.0 TSI 95PS Beats DSG7 5dr | - | 60.1 mpg | 10.8 s |
1.0 TSI 95PS Match DSG7 5dr | £19,360 | - | 11.3 s |
Active EVO 80ps Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 15.4 s |
Active TSi 95 DSG Auto Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 11.3 s |
Active TSi 95 Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 10.8 s |
R Line TSi 110 DSG Auto Start/Stop 5dr | £20,895 | - | 10.4 s |
R Line TSi 110 Start/Stop 5dr | £19,505 | - | 9.9 s |
R Line TSi 95 DSG Auto Start/Stop 5dr | £20,895 | - | 11.3 s |
SEL TSi 110 DSG Auto Start/Stop 5dr | £21,190 | - | 10.4 s |
SEL TSi 110 Start/Stop 5dr | £19,800 | - | 9.9 s |
SEL TSi 95 DSG Auto Start/Stop 5dr | £20,090 | - | 11.3 s |
SEL TSi 95 Start/Stop 5dr | £18,700 | - | 10.8 s |
United EVO 80ps Start/Stop 5dr | £17,350 | - | 15.4 s |
United TSi 95 DSG Auto Start/Stop 5dr | £19,585 | - | 11.3 s |
United TSi 95 Start/Stop 5dr | £18,195 | - | 10.8 s |
On sale until December 2020
Hatchback | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
1.0 Evo 80ps 5speed S 5dr | - | - | 15.4 s |
1.0 Evo 80PS 5speed SE 5dr | £15,920 | - | 15.4 s |
1.0 TSI 115PS 6speed R-Line 5dr | - | 60.1 mpg | 9.5 s |
1.0 TSI 115PS 6speed SEL 5dr | - | 60.1 mpg | 9.5 s |
1.0 TSI 115PS R-Line DSG7 5dr | - | 57.6 mpg | 9.5 s |
1.0 TSI 115PS SEL DSG7 5dr | - | 57.6 mpg | 9.5 s |
1.0 TSI 95PS 5speed SE 5dr | - | 61.4 mpg | 10.8 s |
1.0 TSI 95PS SE DSG7 5dr | - | 60.1 mpg | 10.8 s |
1.6 TDI 95PS 5speed SEL 5dr | - | 74.3 mpg | 11.2 s |
2.0 TSI 200PS GTI 6speed DSG 5dr | - | 47.9 mpg | 6.7 s |
2.0 TSI 200PS Gti+ 6speed DSG 5dr | - | 47.9 mpg | 6.7 s |
On sale until August 2020
Hatchback | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
1.0 65 Evo 5speed SE Tech Edition 5dr | - | - | 15.4 s |
1.0 Evo 80 5speed SE Tech Edition 5dr | - | - | 15.4 s |
1.0 TSI 95 SE Tech Edition DSG7 5dr | - | - | 15.4 s |
1.0 TSI 95ps 5speed SE Tech Edition 5dr | - | - | 15.4 s |
On sale until November 2019
Hatchback | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
1.0 65ps 5speed Beats 5dr | £16,060 | 58.9 mpg | 15.5 s |
1.0 65ps 5speed S 5dr | £14,235 | 58.9 mpg | 15.5 s |
1.0 65ps 5speed SE 5dr | £15,010 | 60.1 mpg | 15.5 s |
1.0 75ps 5speed SE 5dr | £15,595 | 60.1 mpg | 14.9 s |
1.6 TDI 80ps 5speed Beats 5dr | £18,880 | 74.3 mpg | 12.9 s |
1.6 TDI 80ps 5speed SE 5dr | £17,830 | 76.3 mpg | 12.9 s |
Model History
- June 2017: Sixth-generation Volkswagen Polo launched
- October 2019: Updates for 2020 Volkswagen Polo
- February 2020: Volkswagen Polo Match launched
- July 2020: Volkswagen Polo United edition announced
- April 2021: Volkswagen Polo Active special edition priced from £18,100
- January 2024: VW Polo Match introduced
- July 2024: Volkswagen Polo Black Edition announced
June 2017
Sixth-generation Volkswagen Polo launched
The sixth generation Polo grows, making it larger than its predecessor in all of its dimensions. This has resulted in much more interior space and a significantly increased boot volume, which has grown from 280 to 351 litres.
4,053mm high x 1,751mm wide (exc. mirrors) x 1,446mm high on a 2,564mm wheelbase.
The 2018 Polo at length of 4,053 mm, is slightly shorter than the fourth generation Golf, but it surpasses that Golf when it comes to its wheelbase (53 mm longer) and space for the driver, passengers and luggage (21 litres more). Key dimensions in comparison:
All data in mm |
Polo Mk. 6 (2017) |
Polo Mk. 5 (2009) |
Golf Mk. 4 (1997) |
Length |
4,053 |
3,972 |
4,149 |
Width (w/o mirrors) |
1,751 |
1,682 |
1,735 |
Height |
1,446 |
1,453 |
1,439 |
Wheelbase |
2,564 |
2,470 |
2,511 |
Track, front |
1,525 |
1,463 |
1,513 |
Track, rear |
1,505 |
1,456 |
1,494 |
Head room, front |
1,019 |
1,004 |
1,014 |
Head room, rear |
964 |
943 |
955 |
Boot volume |
351 |
280 |
330 |
Four petrol and two diesel engines are available. The petrol engines range from the 1.0 MPI with 65 PS to the brand new 1.5 TSI EVO with cylinder deactivation (ACT) and 150 PS. The Polo launches with diesel versions (TDI) with outputs of 59 KW / 80 PS and 70 kW / 95 PS. All of these models are equipped with a stop-start system and a regenerative braking mode. Starting from an output of 70 kW, all engines may be combined with a dual clutch gearbox (DSG). The GTI rounds off the Polo range as a highlight. The 2.0TSI in the Polo GTI develops 147 kW / 200 PS and comes with standard DQ250 6-speed wet clutch DSG.
October 2019
Updates for 2020 Volkswagen Polo
The Polo now receives lumbar adjustment as standard on SE and R-Line trims. Polo Beats customers can now opt out of exterior decals if they prefer.
February 2020
Volkswagen Polo Match launched
Replacing the second-tier SE trim in the Polo range, Match adds 15-inch ‘Seyene’ alloy wheels, front fog lights, rear tinted-windows, and front and rear parking sensors.
As per the outgoing SE, the Polo Match gets three engine and gearbox configurations – all 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol units. The 80PS EVO engine is available with a five-speed manual, while the 95PS turbocharged unit can be combined with a five-speed manual or a seven-speed DSG transmission. Low running costs are promised by both engines, with WLTP-certified CO2 emissions of 125 - 139 g/km, while fuel economy on the combined WLTP cycle ranges from 42.8 to 51.4 mpg.
The Polo Match starts at £16,465 for the 80PS variant, which represents a £785 value boost over the outgoing SE version given the generous amount of standard equipment and small price rise of £200.
The additional equipment on the Match bolsters the already plentiful package offered in the outgoing SE trim level, with standard-fit items including Car-Net App Connect with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8.0-inch Composition Media infotainment system and lumbar adjustment for the front seats.
Engine and gearbox |
Fuel economy (MPG, WLTP combined min-max) |
CO2 (g/km, WLTP) |
CO2 (g/km, NEDC) |
Price (RRP OTR1) |
1.0 80 PS 5-spd manual |
48.7 – 51.4 |
125 |
106 |
£16,465 |
1.0 TSI 95 PS 5-spd manual |
47.1 – 50.4 |
127 |
105 |
£17,180 |
1.0 TSI 95 PS 7-spd DSG |
42.8 – 46.3 |
139 |
108 |
£18,530 |
July 2020
Volkswagen Polo United edition announced
Based on the Match trim. Adds bespoke United badging and door sill protectors, ‘Dublin’ alloy wheels, voice control function and a Winter Pack – comprising heated front seats and a low washer fluid warning light. Also gets an 8.0-inch Discover Navigation touch screen infotainment system, a Light and Sight Pack (bringing an automatic dimming interior rear view mirror, automatic headlights, manual coming / automatic leaving home lighting function and rain sensor). On the inside, the Polo United edition features bespoke grey and blue seat fabric, brushed stainless steel pedals and decorative interior inserts, as well as front and rear carpet mats. Priced from £17,350.
April 2021
Volkswagen Polo Active special edition priced from £18,100
Standard kit includes the Discover media system, winter pack, climate control and carpet mats.
Polo ACTIVE |
|||||
Model |
Price (RRP OTR) |
0-62 mph |
Top speed |
CO 2 (WLTP combined) |
Fuel consumption (WLTP combined) |
1.0 80 PS |
£18,100 |
15.4 |
106 mph |
125 g/km |
51.3 mpg |
1.0 TSI 95 PS 5-spd manual |
£18,945 |
10.8 |
116 mph |
121 g/km |
53.1 mpg |
1.0 TSI 95 PS 7-spd DSG |
£20,395 |
10.8 |
116 mph |
128 g/km |
50.0 mpg
|
January 2024
VW Polo Match introduced
The new VW Polo Match sits above Life trim and has additional equipment including larger alloy wheels, metallic paint, tinted windows, rear view camera and keyless entry.
July 2024
Volkswagen Polo Black Edition announced
The Volkswagen Polo Black Edition has been announced. Sitting above the existing R-Line trim level, the Polo Black Edition comes with larger wheels, upgraded lights, heated front seats and wireless charging.
Black Edition styling elements include a black roof, black alloy wheels, black mirror housings and decorative trim, as well as tinted rear windows.
The standard body colour for the Polo is Pure white. Other colours are available as options.
VW claims that the new Black Edition is priced at £500 more than the Polo R-Line trim, but adds features worth £2,765.
The Polo Black Edition is available to order from 4 July 2024.
What to watch out for
Complaint that warning issued by dealer that centre rear seatbelt that might malfunction if all three rear belts used at the same time, but no fix is available. Same problem with MQBa SEAT Arona.
23-10-2018:Further complaint that buyer supposed to be taking delivery of new VW Polo SE today has just received an email from the dealer explaining that the rear seatbelt buckle has a potentially dangerous design flaw. Attached to the email is a letter asking buyer to sign as having acknowledged the fault with instructions not to use the middle seat until the fault can be rectified via a recall at an undisclosed future date. Apparently this fault was discovered in May this year. She ordered the car in April, but has only just been informed the day before taking delivery. What is your advice re this matter? Should she sign the document? This is the same fault affecting SEAT Ibizas and SEAT Aronas. Buyer advised not to sign and to demand return of deposit on the grounds the car is "not of satisfactory quality because it cannot safely carry 5 people."
16-01-2019:Report of new model VW Polo breaking down due to a manfacturing fault: a part had been fitted incorrectly to the starter motor. The EPC light came on out on the road in severely cold conditions and the car was disabled.
02-03-2019:Report of brakes of July 2018 VW Polo causing a severe knocking at low speed in low gears. Dealer replaced the drive shafts which made no difference. "VW now admits this to being a known fault and are supposedly working on a solution, but no time is given for this. The car has been back to dealer three times to no avail. They say they must wait for this solution."
10-03-2019:Report of problems with 2018 VW Polo 1.0TSI 115 DSG. Start/stop intermittently cuts out before the car comes to a standstill, locking the steering wheel. Owner also complains that when tryong to accelerate briskly the revs die momentarily before the car picks up speed. dealer says nothing wrong.
30-06-2019:Reader trying to buy a new South African built RHD 2020 VW Polo 1.0TSI 95 DSG SE told by two separate VW dealers that that order-to-delivery times will be 6 to 9 months depending upon the number of advertised factory options ordered. One dealer told her to limit any factory fit options to a maximum of two to avoid the order being placed at the back of the production queue.
10-08-2019:Report of new 2019 VW Polo 1.0TSI 95 with 2,030 miles suffering engine vibration in 3rd and 4th gears in rev range 1,500 to 2,000."Most noticeable at 1,600 rpm when acceleration any other than very gentle. Can control OK in easy flowing traffic but much worse on incline/hill when more throttle required to maintain speed. Dealer advise to change down sooner: fair enough, but feel this should not be necessary and needs considerable concentration to keep out of 1,500/2,000 rpm range." We recommended the reader to try running it on superunleaded that gives more torque and smoothness at low rpm.
23-08-2019:Report of lag when accellerating away from a rolling start in new 2019 VW Polo 1.0TSI 95 DQ200 7-speed DSG. Improves by using Sport.
26-08-2019:Report of "noticeable wind / blowing noise" on used 5,500 mile 2108 VW Polo 1.0 95TSI. "Drives very well" but "noise increases in strength and tone as speed increases, irrespective of whether the engine is driving it or freewheeling. Starts at low speeds, almost makes me think something is resonating."
22-12-2019:Strange problem of 2018 VW Polo 1.0TSI intermittently cutting out when driver is making a right turn at low speed. It does not stall. It dies. The dealer can’t find a fault.