THE latest VW Polo remains the likeable, scaled down Golf that it is. There’s a bit of re-styling gone on around the front and rear, but not that you would really notice.
But one of the important changes has been beneath the bonnet with more more efficient engines – which can only mean one thing: good news on company car tax.
The 1.2-litre in this SE trim is a key car for SME small fleets. It’s the one to have in our opinion: sprightly, well equipped, and good to drive, it has that feel-good aura of the Golf about it.
OK, so it’s not as good on CO2 emissions as the new three-cylinder diesel 1.4 engined Polo – 107g/km plays 88g/km – and the fuel economy falls short: 60.1mpg against the diesel’s 83mpg.
But as a package the petrol Polo plays its hand well. Over three tax years starting now it’s marginally cheaper on benefit in kind company car tax thanks to its lower P11D price and the 3% BIK surcharge for the diesel which stays in place until 2016.
In most situations – unless your miles are going to be all motorway, in which case the diesel’s superior fuel economy comes into play – the 1.2 petrol is our preference: a lively and rewarding car that will cost a 20% tax payer just £33 a month in company car tax.
That’s really very little for such a big little car.
More on the Volkswagen Polo
Read our full review on the latest, face-lifted Volkswagen Polo here
