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VOLKSWAGEN POLO HATCHBACK REVIEW

For The Polo combines a comfortable ride with secure handling and it's one of the classiest superminis around. The cabin is spacious and most versions are well priced.

Against The entry-level models get underpowered and noisy 1.2-litre petrol engines. A Ford Fiesta is much more fun to drive.

Car Booth says

5 out of 5 stars

The Polo isn't as much fun as some supermini rivals, but few are as desirable. It's also roomy, affordable to buy and run, and should hold its value well, making it our 2010 Supermini of the Year.

Reader review rating

4.2

The Volkswagen Polo Hatchback full review Read in full

Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Varies wildly, so choose carefully
Ride & Handling
3 out of 5 stars
More safe and secure than fun
Refinement
4 out of 5 stars
Some engines let it down
Buying & Owning
5 out of 5 stars
Affordable and good resale values
Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
All versions look classy; so-so reliability
Safety & Security
4 out of 5 stars
Standard stability control across the range
Behind The Wheel
4 out of 5 stars
Looks and feels great
Space & Practicality
4 out of 5 stars
Spacious and airy
Equipment
4 out of 5 stars
Cheaper trims are pretty basic

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There are 33 Volkswagen Polo versions available

Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.4 85 SE 5dr

This is the Polo to go for - it's our 2010 Supermini of the Year. It has the best engine and you get all the kit you need at a fairly reasonable price.

Car Booth says:5 stars out of 5

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Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

Thereâ€™s plenty of choice â€\x93 seven engines and five trims â€\x93 but we wouldn't bother with the three-cylinder 1.2 petrols because theyâ€™re underpowered and noisy. The 1.4 is more like it â€\x93 smooth, cheap to run and reasonably affordable â€\x93 while the 1.2 turbo is even easier to live with, if a bit pricey, and the GTI uses a turbocharged and supercharged 1.4.

The 1.2- and 1.6-litre diesels both give good fuel economy, but theyâ€™re expensive to buy and noisy.

Entry-level S models miss out on some essentials such as remote locking and air-conditioning. Moda trim gives you more kit, but chilled air is still absent. You can add it to both S and Moda trims at extra cost. Our favourite SE trim gets air-con as standard, along with powered rear windows and a socket for an MP3 player. SEL cars get a little more kit for a lot more money, so theyâ€™re not worth the extra. The GTI comes with 17-inch alloys and sports suspension.