Which Volkswagen Polo trim is best?

When the sixth-generation Volkswagen Polo was launched in 2018, it heralded the introduction of a Polo built on the MQB platform, a modular platform that has been used to great effect in the Golf, Touran, Tiguan, Passat and Arteon. This allows this current generation Polo to be larger overall, offering more interior space and improved road manners.

Related: Everything you need to know about the Volkswagen Polo Hatch

At the time of its launch, the AW series Volkswagen Polo carried the same variant lineup as its predecessor. You were able to get the Polo in Trendline, Comfortline, Highline, R-Line and naturally, GTI, flavours. This did change when the model was facelifted in 2021 and the Highline trim was dropped in favour of the R-Line trim as their high-spec offering. The Polo Life replaced the Comfortline and the Polo in place of the Trendline moniker. All of this is good and well, but which is the best Polo model for you?

 

Best Volkswagen Polo on a budget

We know you want a GTI, but let's be honest, it's a little too expensive at this current point in time for you. That's ok, no shame in that, keep hustling and before you know it you'll have a Polo GTI of your own. Until then though, it's quite simple that the Polo 70kW is going to be the one that you'll have to settle for. 

This version runs the same 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder engine as the others and produces, as the trim level suggests, 70 kW and 175 Nm torque. It send this power to the front wheels through a 5-speed manual gearbox and only a 5-speed manual gearbox; there's no automatic or DSG version of the Polo 70kW. If you have to have an auto, then you will have to extend to the Polo 70kW Life derivative.

 

Best Volkswagen Polo for tech enthusiasts

Never before has so much technology and convenience been available for the Polo range. If you select one of the Life versions or opt for an R-Line package, you get to benefit from an Active Info Display, a crisp, clear digital replacement for the traditional gauge cluster with configurable options.

The Polo 70kW and Life versions get a 6.5-inch Composition Colour infotainment system as standard while the R-Line and GTI get the 8-inch Composition Media system. Life and R-Line models can elect to upgrade to the 8-inch Discover Media infotainment system and the options don't stop there either.

You can also select the App-Connect functionality with inductive charging, IQ. Light Matrix LED headlights, Comfort Park package, Safety package and NCAP package for a host of safety and convenience features but be warned, these all come at a premium and will add to the overall price.

 

Best Volkswagen Polo for fashionistas

There's no need to spend too much if you're looking for an attractive package that looks the part. The Volkswagen Polo R-Line offers you a stylish aesthetic package while still keeping the running costs agreeable and palatable. The R-Line is powered by the same 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine as the Life and produces 85 kW and 200 Nm, but you get all the style bits you would want.

The R-Line gets unique R-Line bumpers with gloss black grille slats while the rear bumper is complemented by a lower rear diffuser with chrome exhaust detailing. This Life version also rides on 16-inch Valencia alloy wheels.

 

Best Volkswagen Polo for enthusiasts

There's no substitution for the GTI when it comes to looking for a Polo for sheer driving enjoyment. This will be the one you want as it has the 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged engine that makes 147 kW and 320 Nm for a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of only 6.7-seconds. This engine is mated to 6-speed DSG gearbox and sends power to the front wheels.