The sixth generation Volkswagen Polo has been much improved in this updated form. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

The Volkswagen Polo supermini model line is one of the most successful in supermini history. This improved version of the MK6 design is more advanced than before and comes with a smarter, more up-market look. Features like a digital instrument panel and a whole raft of camera-driven safety and autonomous driving kit also borrow much from the class above.

Background

Why would you buy a Volkswagen Polo? You wouldn't buy it on price, because there are many rival superminis that cost less. Many of these cars will have more equipment inside them. Some will even be nicer to drive. That much-vaunted Volkswagen build quality is, statistically at least, something that the Japanese and Koreans covered off some time ago. So what's the appeal? It's simple. The Polo is all about understated refinement or, to put it another way, conspicuously not trying too hard to impress. Now this is a very hard trick to carry off. Try too hard and this Volkswagen loses its cool. Don't try hard enough and the car looks like a complacent trinket for posers, which is possibly even less desirable. So with this improved sixth generation Polo, the Wolfsburg brand is looking to land it square in that profitable sweet spot.

Driving Experience

Volkswagen always intended that this sixth generation Polo should ride like a much larger car and sure enough it does, easily shrugging off pock-marked urban surfaces, helped by its sophisticated light, stiff MQB A0 chassis, shared with cousins SEAT's Ibiza, Audi's A1 and Skoda's Fabia. Through the corners, this Polo isn't quite as agile as that SEAT or a rival Ford Fiesta - the rather light steering doesn't deliver a huge amount in terms of meaningful feedback - but body movements are well controlled and wider tracks deliver plenty of front end grip. A class-leading feature available across the Polo range is Volkswagen's clever assist system 'IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist', which brings together predictive ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) and Lane Assist to create a new assist system that enables partly automated driving. As for engines, well almost all buyers in our market are going to order a Polo with petrol power - specifically the 999cc three cylinder unit that now features in so many compact Volkswagen Group models. At the foot of the range, it appears in normally aspirated MPI form with 80PS. A better option though, if you can stretch to it, is the turbocharged TSI version of this unit, available with either 95PS and a choice of 5-speed manual or 7-speed DSG auto transmission; or 110PS and a DSG auto 7-speed gearbox. DSG auto transmission is conditional for those who choose the 207PS 2.0-litre engine fitted to the flagship GTI hot hatch model.

Design and Build

The visual updates made to this sixth generation Polo are a little more noticeable than the changes made to its SEAT Ibiza cousin. If you know your Polos, you'll notice the smoother front end styling, which can now include the brand's piercing 'IQ.Light' intelligent LED matrix headlights, which allow individual settings for different driving conditions and environments. At the rear, there are revised, more Golf-like, tail lamp clusters. The result is a more mature, grown-up level of pavement presence. Inside, a key change is the incorporation of Volkswagen's 'Digital Cockpit', an 8.0-inch digital instrument screen to replace the standard binnacle dials - as standard equipment. This display grows to 10.25-inches in size further up the range from 'Style-spec. Otherwise though, the cabin is much as before, with its horizontally-orientated dashboard and a high placement for the 8.0-inch centre-dash 'Ready 2 Discover' infotainment screen. An upper cross-panel flows across the dash into the doors and can be colour-personalised to suit your taste. In the back, you may, as before, find that this design's relatively high waistline and shallow rear window make it feel a touch enclosed, but rear quarter light windows help and there's class-competitive elbow and legroom. Out back, there's a 355-litre boot, significantly bigger than the trunk offered in a Ford Fiesta. Fold the rear seats and up to 1,125-litres of space can be freed up.

Market and Model

List pricing for this car actually starts from around £21,000. In practice though, it's pretty difficult to imagine many Polo owners paying much less than £23,000 and some will be shelling out a figure somewhere in the £24,000 to £26,000 bracket. The range kicks off with 'Life'-spec models, then you get mid-range 'Match' and 'Style' variants, with plush 'R-Line' derivatives at the top of the mainstream range. You'll need a budget of around £30,000 if you want the top 2.0 TSI 207PS Polo GTI. This enhanced model introduces big-car technology to this compact Volkswagen. For example, the entry-level Polo 'Life' variants feature the brand's 'Travel Assist' system as standard for 95PS 'Life' models and above - making the Polo one of the first models in its segment to offer partly automated driving. LED headlights, Adaptive Cruise Control and an 8.0-inch Digital Cockpit are also among the enhanced Polo's factory-fit equipment, with handy features such as two front and two rear USB sockets, power-folding, adjustable and heated door mirrors, and automatic rain-sensing wipers also included as standard. The Polo's 8.0-inch 'Ready 2 Discover' infotainment system is built on the third-generation Modular Infotainment Matrix (MIB3) and therefore brings App-Connect, which uses either a USB connection or Bluetooth link to activate smartphone mirroring via the central touchscreen. The blend of value, technology and appeal of the 'Life' trim means that it is expected to take around 75% of Polo sales in the UK.

Cost of Ownership

All of the Polo engines on offer are decently frugal. Let's get to the WLTP-rated fuel and CO2 stats. With the base unit, the 80PS version of the 1.0-litre MPI engine, you're supposed to be able to achieve up to 51.5mpg on the combined cycle and up to 124g/km of CO2. In contrast, in a 95PS 1.0 TSI turbo variant, those figures improve to 54.3mpg and 118g/km with a manual gearbox: it's 50.4mpg and 128g/km if you opt for that 1.0-litre TSI engine with a DSG auto gearbox and 110PS. What else? Well, the three year/60,000 mileage warranty isn't anything to write home about in a marketplace where other rivals offer more. But there is a choice of either 'Fixed' or 'Flexible' servicing regimes, depending on the mileage you expect to cover, the 'Fixed' package appropriate for cars covering under 10,000 miles a year. Residual values will continue to be strong: with the previous generation version, you could expect to get between 44 and 51% of your original purchase price back after three years or 36,000 miles. We don't expect that kind of showing to change much this time round.

Summary

So, where does all that leave us? Well, in one of those situations where much has changed - but nothing is really very different. This improved version of the sixth generation Polo is a step on from its predecessor but if you want one, the reasons why will probably be much as they've always been with this car: it feels a quality cut above its rivals. Opting for one of these suggests that you choose to drive a small car, rather than necessarily needing to. It's a small but significant difference. At the end of the day, there's much to be said for an extra touch of quality and class. Seek those as your priorities and you'll find this little supermini more than happy to oblige.

Body Glass

Electric front windows

Heat insulating glass windscreen

Rear windscreen washer and wiper with interval delay

Rear electric windows

Brakes

Anti-lock brake system

ESC (Electronic stability control) + EDL (Electronic Differntial lock) and ASR (Traction control)

Hill hold control

Carpets/Rugs

Carpet mats, front and rear

Chassis/Suspension

Front wheel drive

Rear shock absorpion

Communication

Wireless app connect

Bluetooth mobile phone interface

Preparation for We connect and We connect plus

Driver Aids

Dynamic road sign display

Power assisted speed sensitive steering

Multifunction camera

Advanced driver attention and drowsiness monitor

Adaptive cruise control with follow-to-stop and speed limiter

Driver Convenience

Standard rear axle

Travel Assist - Lane keeping system and traffic jam assist

Driver Information

Warning signal and warning light for front and rear seatbelts not fastened

Trip computer

Travel assist including emergency assist

Digital Cockpit Pro with 10.25" Display

Emergency call service

Washer fluid level indicator

Speedo and rev counter, electronic odometer, trip, service interval display and fuel gauge

Driving Mirrors

Power folding adjustable/heated exterior mirrors and front passenger exterior mirror lowering function

Embellishment Trims

Chrome applications on rotary light, mirror adjustment, window regulator switches, outlet with frame in black

Dark grey anodised matt decorative inserts in dash and front door panels

Engine

Start-stop system with battery regeneration (recuperation - energy recovery during braking)

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

Diversity antenna for FM reception

Front and rear 6 speakers

Exterior Body Features

Body colour bumpers

Front scuff plates with R-Line logo

Rear side wing doors

Body colour door handles

Exterior Lights

Third brake light

Rear fog light

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Air care climatronic air conditoning system with active combination filter and 2-zone temperature control

Interior Features

Stainless steel pedals

Leather trimmed gear knob

Black roof lining

Front centre armrest

Handbrake lever handle in leather

Luggage compartment cover

2 USB-C ports in the front, 2 USB-C charging sockets on the center console in the rear

Door and side trim panel

12V power socket in centre console

Headliner in recycled material

Karoso artvelours cloth upholstery

Chrome plated radiator grille inserts, air vent surrounds and light switch surrounds

Three spoke leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel with shifting paddles

Standard pedal cluster

Luggage compartment floor

Interior Lights

Front footwell illumination

Luggage compartment lighting

LED interior light with switch off delay and dimmer, 2 reading lights front and rear

Packs

Light and sight pack - Polo R-Line/Black Edition

Safety

3 point height adj front seatbelts + pretensioners

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Manual child lock in rear doors

Single tone horn

Tyre pressure loss indicator

Driver and front passenger airbag with front passenger airbag deactivation

Extended and predictive pedestrian/ cyclist protection

Front curtain and side airbags with center airbag

Drivers and front passengers safety optimised head restraints

Seats

Single front passenger seat

Front seat backrest storage pockets

Isofix child seat preparation easy-fit (for two outer rear seats, and front passenger seat) compatible with I-size

60/40 split folding rear seat and rear seat bench not split

Lumbar adjustment for front seats

Front sports comfort seats

3 rear head restraints

Driver and front passenger seat height adjustment

Security

Anti-theft wheel bolts

Alarm with interior protection

Anti-theft alarm system with interior monitoring, backup horn, and towing protection

Electronic engine immobiliser

Vanity Mirrors

Driver/passenger sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Wheels

Low rolling resistance tyres

Wheels - Alloy

16" Coventry alloy wheels

Emissions - ICE

Particles: N

HC+NOx: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 123

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 129

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 123

Engine and Drive Train

Compression Ratio: 11.5:1

Gears: 7 SPEED

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Engine Code: DLAC

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Catalytic Convertor: No

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Camshaft: DOHC

Number of Valves: 12

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Cylinders: 3

CC: 999

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 76.4

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 74.5

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 52.3

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 49.6

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 41.5

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 39.8

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 53.3

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 50.4

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 60.1

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 56.5

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 50.4

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 48.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 5.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 5.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 5.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 5.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 4.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 5.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 5.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 7.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 6.8

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

General

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 9E

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 70

Service Interval Mileage: 18600

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Based On ID: N

Special Order: 0

Special Edition: 0

NCAP Safety Assist %: 70

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 94

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 80

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Badge Power: 95

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Badge Engine CC: 1.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Generation Mark: 6

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Coin Description: TSI

Coin Series: R-Line

Performance

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - BHP: 95

Top Speed: 117

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - RPM: 5000

Engine Torque - MKG: 17.8

0 to 62 mph (secs): 11.5

Engine Power - KW: 70

Engine Torque - RPM: 1600

Engine Torque - NM: 175

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 129

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Tyre Size Front: 195/55 R16

Wheel Style: COVENTRY

Wheel Type: 16" ALLOY

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Tyre Size Rear: 195/55 R16

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4074

Height (including roof rails): N

Height: 1451

Wheelbase: 2552

Width: 1751

Weight and Capacities

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.7

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1125

Max. Roof Load: 75

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 351

Max. Loading Weight: 525

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 600

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1000

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 40

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1660

Minimum Kerbweight: 1135

Driver Aids

Rear view camera

Driver Information

Discover navigation pro system including streaming and internet with 9.2" colour touch screen, 3D map view and Traffic sign recognition

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Special metallic paint with contrast roof

Electric panoramic sunroof with glass sliding and tilting

Special solid paint with contrast roof

Solid paint with contrast roof

Metallic paint with contrast roof

Pearlescent paint

Special solid paint

Special metallic paint

Packs

Black roof pack - Polo

IQ LED matrix headlights pack - Polo

Driver's assistance pack - Polo

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Smokey grey

Metallic - Reflex silver with deep black pearl roof

Metallic - Reef blue with deep black pearl roof

Metallic - Vibrant violet

Metallic - Reflex silver

Metallic - Smokey grey with deep black pearl roof

Metallic - Reef blue

Paint - Pearlescent

Pearl - Deep black

Paint - Solid

Solid - Ascot grey with deep black pearl roof

Solid - Ascot grey

Paint - Special

Special metallic - Kings red

Special solid - Pure white with deep black pearl roof

Special solid - Pure white

Special metallic - Kings red with deep black pearl roof

Seats

Heated front seats

Security

Keyless locking and starting system keyless access with safelock

Trim - Cloth

Karoso artvelours cloth - Titan black

Wheels - Spare

Space and weight saving spare wheel including tool kit