The sixth-generation Volkswagen Polo, which debuted five years ago, continues to dominate the subcompact car market. Even though it’s not the best deal, no other compact car comes close to matching its level of sophistication, refinement, and comfort. This review shows why the updated VW Polo (2021) is the best little car you can buy.
Volkswagen’s Golf has been a go-to in the family hatchback segment for years, and the Polo has held that position in the compact vehicle segment for nearly as long. Our favorite compact car is the newest Polo, the complete version yet. But will the 2021 revisions ruin things? This evaluation will tell us.
The Volkswagen Polo shares the same underpinnings as the newest iterations of the SEAT Ibiza and Skoda Fabia. Despite sharing a chassis and powertrain with its Spanish and Czech siblings, the Polo comes across as more upscale thanks to its refined cabin and increased insulation.
The cabin is one of the roomiest and most practical compact hatchbacks, with enough room for four full-grown adults to ride comfortably. When visitors first stepped inside, they thought it was a Golf—about the highest compliment possible at this price.
When the back seats are folded down, the trunk is far more significant than what you’d get in a car like a Ford Fiesta or a Vauxhall Corsa. The Polo’s 355-litre cargo capacity is slightly less than the Golf’s 381-cubic-foot maximum. In this class, only the newest Fabia offers larger trunk space.
Modifications to the exterior of the 2021 Volkswagen Polo take cues from the most recent generation of the Golf; LED headlights are now standard (with Matrix LEDs available from mid-spec); digital instruments are now standard; and new touch-sensitive cockpit switchgear rounds off the list of changes. The latter is a point of disagreement, so we’ll get back to that in a minute.
Middle-tier vehicles now have advanced technologies like adaptive cruise control and Travel Assist. On the highway and in slower traffic, the Polo will essentially steer, accelerate, and brake itself, making it an excellent option for long commutes and a rarity among compact cars. The Polo has a five-star Euro NCAP rating, making it one of the safest compact cars. All models come standard with automatic emergency braking.
However, the Polo’s steering lacks the weight and sharpness of the Ford, and the car’s body leans more than the Fiesta’s, making it less exciting and involving to drive. On the other hand, the Volkswagen has the poise and predictability of a much larger car in its handling, and the refinement and quiet of the highway give it the impression of being much more significant. While the suspension effectively dampens most road irregularities, larger 17- and 18-inch wheels do transmit some roughness to the passenger compartment.
The 1.0 TSI gas-powered engine is the most excellent option available. Regarding turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engines, we think this is one of the best you can get due to its lively performance and real-world efficiency exceeding 50mpg. There’s also the performance-oriented GTI variant, which comes with a 2.0-litre TSI engine and 200 horsepower. The 1.6 TDI diesel is no longer available in 2021 and later in Polo due to sluggish sales, although it may still be worth considering for those who regularly drive long distances.
The Fiesta and the Ibiza have the edge in driver engagement and value because they offer more features for the same price. Still, the Polo is an excellent choice for individuals who don’t mind spending more on a more refined and comfortable ride.
Is the 2022 Volkswagen Polo right for you?
The Volkswagen Polo is as near to a one-car, do-it-all policy as you can find in the supermini segment. This is because the Polo performed admirably throughout the board, including in certain areas where compact hatchbacks are not often as good.
The quantity of cabin space the Polo offers is one of its advantages that most competitors cannot match. Only the Audi A1 and MINI hatch are comparable in terms of the interior’s quality of materials and artistry, which gives it the appearance of a premium vehicle.
The Volkswagen Polo’s pricing is slightly higher than most of its competitors, but it is still worth it for all the room, comfort, and quality it offers. Used solid values that ensure you don’t lose out whether purchasing a new Polo outright or through a finance arrangement reflect this.
Why not look at the comparably sized (but taller and slightly roomier) Volkswagen T-Cross if you need more functionality? Underneath, the automobile mostly remains the same.
Which Volkswagen Polo model and engine should you pick?
It’s pointless to complain about the bushes because the outstanding 1.0 TSI turbo petrol engine is the greatest one available for the Volkswagen Polo. It is available in 95- and 115-PS versions, with a six-speed manual or a seven-gear DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission as an option.
The 1.0 TSI is a powerful engine that offers robust and linear performance while remaining quiet and refined even when pushed to the limit. We believe it to be the most significant available three-cylinder small-capacity engine now employed in most superminis.
Now that all Polos have five doors, the only decision is which trim to go with. We would choose the mid-range Match because it has many safety features, such as automatic emergency braking. Additionally, it has the 8-inch infotainment display from the Polo’s Plus model, which allows you to integrate your smartphone’s apps with Car-Net instantly.
Most customers will find that the entry-level Life model delivers all the necessary equipment. However, for those considering the updated Volkswagen Polo starting in 2021, we’d still recommend the 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine. However, The Style trim has the desired larger wheels, Matrix LED headlights, finer trim and upholstery, and big-car kit levels.
What other vehicles compared to the Volkswagen Polo?
The Ford Fiesta poses the most significant danger to the Volkswagen Polo. Since they started competing, the Fiesta has had an advantage in driving enjoyment. Before the most recent 2022 redesign, the Ford was also offered in a three-door, which some purchasers may prefer.
Another strong competitor to the Polo is the Vauxhall Corsa, which comes in a wide range of trims, engines, and all-electric models. Consider the SEAT Ibiza for all-around performance, while the Polo faces stiff competition from the Audi A1 and MINI Hatch for the most opulent interior.
But the new Skoda Fabia might be the Polo’s worst enemy. Although the inside is less abundant, it has the same engines and platform, larger space, valuable features, and most of the Polo’s technology, and you’ll save a significant amount of money if you choose one.
Interior design and comfort
The Volkswagen Polo offers almost as much space as vehicles in the class above, as well as a ton of technology and a premium feel.
Finding the ideal seating position is easy with the VW Polo because the driver’s seat has standard height adjustment on all variants, and the steering wheel can be adjusted for depth and height. You should be able to settle in, regardless of size or weight.
Once you’ve mastered this and found your perfect sitting position, you’ll discover that the Polo also offers plenty of peripheral vision for the driver. Even the rear-quarter perspective, which in other superminis is sometimes obstructed by thick back pillars, is improved in the Volkswagen due to small extra windows that were let into the metal to enhance sight lines.
There is a lot of head, leg, and shoulder room for people in front of the Polo, which heightens the sensation of space within. The seat also provides support in all the appropriate spots for all-day comfort. The car’s cushions may appear a little firm when you first get in, but this is preferable to having them all squashy. As a result, the pews in the Volkswagen keep you cozy and securely in position without pinching.
As a five-door-only vehicle, the front doors can open more comprehensively than its three-door competitors to facilitate entry and egress from parking spaces with limited space. The layout of the controls, which have a satisfyingly strong movement and are all simple to use while driving, is another thing you’ll like about Volkswagen. We particularly appreciate the heating’s rotary dials because they allow you to change the cabin’s temperature while keeping your eyes on the road.
Alternatively, we did. Volkswagen added touch-sensitive climate control switches as part of the 2021 upgrade. They’re easier to operate than in the Golf, partly because VW cared to illuminate them. However, they’re still trickier to use than a straightforward set of physical buttons, especially if you’re also driving. Need to stay away from these? Choose the Polo Life, which is the base model and still features the old-fashioned air conditioning knobs.
Quality and finish
In this area, the Volkswagen Polo outperforms its competitors. The interior of the Polo reeks of superior build quality that sets it apart from the typical herd of superminis wherever your eyes or hands rest. The doors and dash top have ample padding, while the steering wheel and door handles have a more upscale feel that most of the competition cannot match.
The seat bases and door pockets also have nicely restored, smooth edges when you move farther down in the Polo. This is supported by meticulous construction, so there is no chance that a rattle or squeak will disturb the peace of the cabin. If anything, Volkswagen has more successfully and accurately hammered this specific nail on the head than its cousin, the Audi A1, which is both a compliment and a cause for concern for Audi.
The user-friendly infotainment screen and customizable “Digital Cockpit” instrument display that come as standard in all variants put the Polo’s remarkable showing for its construction quality to rest.
Information and entertainment
The Volkswagen Polo received significant technological enhancements for the 2021 facelift, raising the level of standard equipment. Every version now includes a ‘Digital Cockpit’ instrument display and an eight-inch touchscreen.
Granted, the latter is only eight inches and not very customizable in entry-level vehicles. However, upgrading to the Style trim will give you a 10.25-inch high-res display dubbed Digital Cockpit Pro with more customizable menus and information. It’s a fantastic arrangement that continues to set the bar for digital instruments.
Entry-level Life models come with an eight-inch touchscreen that connects to smartphones via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, you get a DAB radio, Bluetooth, Wireless App Connect, six speakers, and front and rear USB-C connections. It’s a sound system, especially for the range’s starting position. Sat-nav comes with the style trim as standard.
The new touchscreen is easier to use than the old one, with more unique visuals, a responsive interface, and touch-sensitive shortcut buttons along the side for quick access to options. A larger 9.2-inch screen is possible, but it’s not essential.
The typical six-speaker setup of the sound system is enough for the demands of most individuals. However, it’s not particularly impressive, so the Beats update, which adds a subwoofer and more giant speakers, might be a checkbox worth selecting.
The trunk space of a Volkswagen Polo
Only the Kia Rio and the most recent Skoda Fabia can match the back seat space of the Volkswagen Polo among vehicles in the supermini class. A pair of taller adults can easily sit back here in total comfort, which is not something you can say about many superminis or even a handful of cars from the class above. The German vehicle is very generous in the amount of space it offers.
The back doors open at almost a 90-degree angle, making it easy to access the rear seats. The sizable opening provides enough space to elevate your legs without performing gymnastics. Once seated, the bench is comfortable for two people, but anyone else in the middle pew—save for the very small—will find it unpleasant due to the high center part. Nevertheless, each back passenger has a three-point seat belt, and both outside chairs have two Isofix mounts for child safety seats.
The Polo is known for providing its rear occupants with plenty of head and knee space and great shoulder room. The Polo’s hind quarters give an airy, open vibe perfect for hauling the kids on a long drive. The window line is lower and does not sweep upward as it goes back like many superminis. Additionally, they can store their toys in the front seat back pockets or the relatively spacious door bins.
The Volkswagen Polo has one of the larger trunks in the market for more important stuff. The Polo’s cargo bay is not far behind the Golf’s, with a 355-litre capacity available in typical use. Additionally, due to its vast tailgate opening and lower-than-average load sill, it is well-shaped, making it very simple to place larger objects within.
Except for the cheapest S trims (from before the facelift), Volkswagen offers a 60/40 split and tumbles back seat. The Polo is more extensive than other vehicles, including the Vauxhall Corsa and SEAT Ibiza, when the back seats are folded down. Its maximum cargo space with the rear seats folded down is 1125 liters.
When the back seats are folded, the load floor has a tiny step, but Volkswagen includes a filler piece to replace the space, which is helpful in this situation. However, the back seats do not fold flat when tilted down, making getting more important things into the boot more challenging.
The fact that the VW Polo’s exterior measurements are around average for the class demonstrates how well-packaged it is. It is slightly more significant than the Ford Fiesta and smaller than the Vauxhall Corsa/Peugeot 208 at 4,053mm long, 1,751mm wide, and 1,433mm tall.
Ride and handling quality:
“The Volkswagen Polo may not be as entertaining to drive as some competitors, but it is a polished and comfortable travel companion. Additionally, it drives silky smooth on the highway with little wind or road noise entering the interior.
While the VW Polo’s steering doesn’t have the same weight or input as the Fiesta’s, it handles accurately and predictably, making it a simple car to drive daily. If it appears that we are criticizing it while also praising it, that is not the case. Instead, we’d say Volkswagen has perfectly positioned the Polo for its target market, which will prefer the simplicity of operation and consistency of feel over the Ford Fiesta’s more obviously sporty sensation.
The Polo is nimble around town, allowing you to maneuver it into a short parking space or make a tight bend without repeatedly making inconveniently little changes. Due to the low rear overhang and superb visibility out the back window, it is simple to maneuver into a berth even without the standard front and rear parking sensors on base models.
The Polo, which is nearly four meters long and just a hair shorter than the fourth-generation Golf, seems like a small car thanks to its light steering and pedals that need a deft touch. Unfortunately, until the 2021 facelift, front and rear parking sensors are only included as standard equipment on cars in high-level SEL trim.
Due to the suspension’s flexibility, vehicles with 15- or 16-inch wheels will offer a soft and comfortable ride quality on British roads. Even the top-tier R-Line version comes standard with little 16-inch wheels. For those who value comfort over fashion, the Polo can also be ordered with 17- or 18-inch wheels, but they add more lumps and bumps to the interior and should be avoided.
Engine and transmission
The most common model is a 95PS turbocharged 1.0-litre TSI petrol with official fuel economy ratings of up to 54.3 mpg and a top CO2 output of 124 g/km.
It lacks the typical rattles and vibrations in most tiny petrol engines but is surprisingly refined for a three-cylinder engine. Although the long ratios require some attention, the five-speed manual transmission is standard, and the machine is adaptable enough to lessen the impression of underpower.
The 1.0 TSI can also be ordered with 115PS (which will be lowered to 110PS with the 2021 facelift) and a six-speed manual transmission. This doesn’t change the official economy. However, emissions on trims with larger alloy wheels can creep up to 128g/km. An optional seven-speed DSG automatic transmission can be added to any version of the 1.0 TSI engine.
Although an 80PS non-turbocharged version of the 1.0-litre engine is available, it is not advised because it is slower and more noisy than the TSI. We’d only recommend it if you only drive at low speeds or if you’re a young driver with insufficient insurance limits.
One 1.6 TDI with 95PS was available for diesel models, replacing the earlier 80- and 90-PS models. It was only available with a five-speed manual transmission and in the SEL grade. It will have respectable performance and an exceptional highway economy. Still, relatively few people have purchased one due to its high price and lack of refinement compared to other types of gasoline. Naturally, Volkswagen agreed and decided to abandon the diesel for the 2021 facelift.
Noise levels
At regular driving speeds, all of the Volkswagen Polo’s three-cylinder petrol engines exhibit deficient levels of noise intrusion. Even while pushing hard to accelerate, they maintain a smoother, more relaxed tone than most of their rivals. Even when they are audible, it is a pleasant, offbeat three-cylinder hum instead of something harsh or startling. The non-turbo version is a little louder, mainly because it has to work harder than the turbo version most of the time.
When using a four-cylinder diesel engine, the situation changes. Its refinement, or lack thereof, has a farmyard odor to it. It’s OK when traveling at highway speeds, but using it in a city or accelerating more quickly contrasts the Polo’s refined demeanor with a loud personality.
The Polo generally forbids much wind or road noise from entering the cabin, bringing this closer perspective. Although it’s still not as loud as most of the Polo’s rival superminis, if you choose one of the better specification models with larger alloy wheels, some noise from the tires as they pass over the road’s surface is kicked up and into the cabin.
What level of safety features does the Volkswagen Polo have?
The VW Polo was already essentially class-leading regarding safety before the 2021 makeover. Every model came standard with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a post-collision braking system, and a driver alertness sensor to let you know when your focus is waning and you need to take a break.
The typical kit has now advanced considerably more. For starters, all Polos come with lane assist, but more critically, all of them—except for the 80PS non-turbo model—are equipped with adaptive cruise control and travel assistance. This enables semi-automated driving, where the automobile will brake, accelerate, and smoothly steer you within your lane. A rear-view camera and standard cruise control are also options. The Polo’s Park Assist assists with parallel parking by controlling the steering while the driver maintains control of the brake and accelerator pedals.
The Polo received a five-star Euro NCAP safety certification in 2017 for its essential safety equipment, with an outstanding 96% rating for adult occupant safety and an impressive 85% score for child occupant safety. Although standards have advanced since then, the makeover has added a new safety package that should keep it up to the highest level.
Front and rear parking sensors are standard equipment on Style trim to prevent low-speed parking dents. Rear-view cameras, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and Park Assist are available.
Trim levels and standard equipment
From 2021 forward, the Volkswagen Polo will get a more uniform standard equipment list and a streamlined trim structure. The prior base S trim is gone, while the current base Life trim is comparable to the previous SE model.
The VW Polo Life comes equipped as standard with automatic LED headlights, 15-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, electrically folding and heated mirrors, a front center armrest, leather steering wheel, digital instruments, rear electric windows, height-adjustable front seats, and a variety of driver-assist technologies.
Matrix LED headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, improved exterior detailing, ambient lighting, front and rear parking sensors, sports comfort front seats with adjustable lumbar support, two-zone climate control, sat-nav, LED rear lights, and adaptive cruise control with Travel Assist are all included when upgrading to the VW Polo Style. Additionally, the more giant Digital Cockpit Pro instrument display is included.
The VW Polo R-Line is the top model in the regular lineup (behind the Polo GTI). In addition to stainless steel pedals, tinted glass, Light Assist, 16-inch alloy wheels, a black roof lining, ornamental dash inserts, R-Line door sills, and exclusive R-Line upholstery, this model also features 16-inch alloy wheels.
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