Volkswagen’s designers are notorious for their conservatism, and that’s evident with the Volkswagen Polo. It looks very much like a scaled-down version of its bigger brother, the Volkswagen Golf. However, that’s not to say it looks dull. The sharp-nosed grille and angular headlamps give it a smart, sophisticated appearance, and experience tells us that’s exactly what VW buyers love. As you progress further up the range, you get more and more body-coloured bits and chrome trims, and the range-topping models look seriously swish.
The Polo is a very grown-up supermini, which successfully manages to feel like a bigger car than it is. The dashboard is made from high-quality, soft-touch material, and unlike in some rivals, the high level of quality is continued throughout the rest of the cabin. The black dials with white graphics are simple but attractive, as are the neatly laid-out knobs and switches. Some may find it boring compared with the funkier interiors of the Fiesta and Mini, but it has a functional, upmarket charm of its own. Importantly, all models have a height-adjustable driver’s seat and rake-and-reach steering adjustment to help you find a comfortable position, and all-round visibility is superb.
The Volkswagen Polo is a car bought with the head. It has a timeless appeal, thanks to its subtle design and impressive build quality. It’s also good to drive and easy to live with. Volkswagen is a company at the top of its game, and versions like the BlueMotion and cylinder-deactivating BlueGT perfectly showcase the firm’s innovation.