Verdict: The face-lifted Volkswagen Polo is an improved premium supermini with clever technology and it’s more efficient. Shame the Fiesta is still more fun to drive.
What’s hot?
- Okay, so Volkswagen didn’t made many face-lift changes to the exterior styling of the Polo, but then again it didn’t need to. As the current Giugiaro design still looks neat and modern.
- The interior was a mixture of cloth and glossy Piano black trim, which looked classier and felt better made than any Fiesta we’ve been in.
- Our test car was fitted with £700 worth of Discover Touchscreen Navigation System, which not only looked good, but was easy to operate.
- Automatic Post-Collision Braking System is standard on all new Polo models and like it says, automatically brakes the car after the initial collision to mitigate the impact of any further collision.
- It might only be powered by a 1.2-litre version of the TSI petrol engine, but even with 90bhp, performance is best described as spirited and willing.
- If the refined, revvy nature of the 1.2-litre TSI engine doesn’t impress, the fact it is mated to a light, sweet five-speed manual will.
- On the road, the refined, big car ride of the Polo hits you first, remaining pleasingly fluid and supple over all but the worst potholes. The steering is pleasing precise too.
- Buyers will be pleased to know that the 90bhp Polo SE 1.2 TSI falls into the 14% company car tax band for 2014/15.
- The Polo 1.2 TSI might be a willing performer considering its size, but it is still capable of 60.1mpg on the Combined cycle.
What’s not?
- The quality feel might be evident in the cabin of the Polo, but this can’t hide the fact that this Volkswagen’s interior design feels a bit staid compared to rivals such as the Ford Fiesta.
- The ride and handling might be tidy, but the Polo never feels as sporty or dynamic as the Fiesta.
- Standard equipment includes a DAB radio, air-conditioning and 15-inch alloy wheels, but at £13,580 without extras, there are cheaper rivals with similar kit.
