Everything you need to know about the Volkswagen Polo
The Volkswagen Polo is South Africa's second-best-selling passenger car (only second to its sibling, the VW Polo Vivo) for several, very good reasons. It remains a firm favourite across all walks of life and we look at all you need to know about the evergreen Volkswagen Polo.
In this article:
Who is the Volkswagen Polo a good car for?
What is the Volkswagen Polo like to drive?
Tech features in the Volkswagen Polo
Similar cars to the Volkswagen Polo
Is the Volkswagen Polo a good car?
The Volkswagen Polo hatchback has, since its introduction in 2010, proven to be a robust, reliable offering with agreeable running costs and a friendly disposition.
Who is the Volkswagen Polo a good car for?
The Volkswagen Polo is ideal for just about anyone. Whether you're a student learning to drive or a seasoned hand that is looking for a daily drive, the Volkswagen Polo will continue to serve your needs for many years. It's as at home in the city as it is on the open road, ideal for the owner who doesn't want to spend too much on fuel every month.
Volkswagen Polo vs Ford Fiesta vs Toyota Yaris: which one has the lowest running costs?
Is the Volkswagen Polo a good first car?
The Volkswagen Polo makes a great first car for those that can afford it. While the cheaper Volkswagen Polo Vivo is a suitable alternative, the Polo is considerably newer tech and features better safety equipment.
Is the Volkswagen Polo suitable for new drivers? Here’s our verdict
Is the Volkswagen Polo a good family car?
Smaller families or those with young children will have no problems with the Volkswagen Polo. The boot will accommodate 350-litres of luggage and for those looking for a little more room, the Volkswagen Polo Sedan is also an option but it must be noted that the 1.0-litre turbo engine is not available in this model.
Is the Volkswagen Polo good for Families? Here's our verdict
Is there a Hybrid Volkswagen Polo?
There are no hybrid variants of the Polo, but the economical 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder engine will still put a smile on your face with a claimed fuel consumption on the combined cycle of 5.4 l/100 km.
Which Volkswagen Polo is better Petrol or Diesel?
View the latest used Volkswagen Polos for sale in South Africa
What’s it like to drive?
The Volkswagen Polo is a comfortable, easy-to-drive offering that will please both the experienced and inexperienced driver. The energetic 1.0-litre engine offers up either 70 kW in Trendline and Comfortline trims, or 85 kW in Highline trim levels. The Polo GTI will give you an energetic 147 kW from its 2.0-litre engine.
Trendline models are available with a 5-speed manual gearbox while you can opt for a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox on the Comfortline and Highline models. The GTI version is only fitted with a 6-speed DSG gearbox.
Reviewers opinion
"But it's the drive that is the most impressive. With the increase in wheelbase and track, the new Polo is planted and secure, offering a ride akin to that of the larger Golf or A3. A great steering feel and surefooted road-holding inspires confidence in the car and makes it very enjoyable to drive. I've often criticized the brand for lacking character but the Polo defies that by offering up a stylish, but fun approach to growing up."
- Chad Luckhoff, AutoTrader
Read the full review: The New Volkswagen Polo – Growing With The Times
What does it look like?
Exterior
Interior
What is the Volkswagen Polo like inside?
The current generation Volkswagen Polo offers generous interior space and trimmings that belie the vehicle's price. Stylish angles and clever use of varying textures keeps the interior fresh and interesting. While there is generous use of plastics in the interior, the overall fit and finish is of a high standard and is bolted together rather well. You should not experience any rattles or squeaks from the interior trim for many years.
Style
The Volkswagen Polo is no runway model but it carries a distinctive style that is unmistakable on the roads. Sharp edges and creases, combined with gentle rolls in the sheet metal create a look that will undoubtedly prove to be timeless. Short overhangs and aggressive lighting add a sporty look to proceedings and the Volkswagen Polo can be had in one of seven colours. Several wheels designs can be chosen from to create a Polo that is uniquely you.
Tech features
- 6 speakers
- App-Connect
- Central locking system without SAFELOCK, with radio remote control and 2 remote control folding keys
- Cruise control system incl. speed limiter
- Dimming interior rearview mirror
- Driver alert system
- Electronic Stability Control with ABS, ASR, EDL and EDTC
- Exterior mirrors power-adjustable and heated
- External, USB type C data socket(s) and charging socket(s)
- Hill start assist
- Multi-function display "Plus"
- Radio "Composition" invl. Connect package
- Start-stop system with generative braking
- Tire pressure monitoring system
- WE CONNECT GO
Price and specs
Which is the cheapest Volkswagen Polo?
Prices for the Volkswagen Polo start from as little as R251 200 for the 1.4 Trendline Sedan version and R290 900 1.0TSI Trendline Hatch version. Expect to pay no less than R453 700 for the range-topping GTI model (before options).
Search the latest New and Used Volkswagen Polo deals in South Africa.
How much does it cost?
| Model | Price |
| Volkswagen Polo Sedan 1.4 Trendline | R251 200 |
| Volkswagen Polo Sedan 1.6 Trendline | R273 200 |
| Volkswagen Polo Sedan 1.4 Comfortline | R274 400 |
| Volkswagen Polo Hatch 1.0TSI Trendline | R290 900 |
| Volkswagen Polo Sedan 1.6 Comfortline | R296 600 |
| Volkswagen Polo Sedan 1.6 Comfortline Auto | R313 100 |
| Volkswagen Polo Hatch 1.0TSI Comfortline | R327 500 |
| Volkswagen Polo Hatch 1.0TSI Comfortline Auto | R344 000 |
| Volkswagen Polo Hatch 1.0TSI Comfortline R-Line | R348 300 |
| Volkswagen Polo Hatch 1.0TSI Comfortline R-Line Auto | R364 800 |
| Volkswagen Polo Hatch 1.0TSI Highline Auto | R372 600 |
| Volkswagen Polo Hatch 1.0TSI Highline R-Line Auto | R393 400 |
| GTI | R453 700 |
*Pricing correct at time of publishing and subject to change without notice.
Comparisons
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