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2010 Volkswagen Polo reviews

Volkswagen Polo reviews by year of make:   1993  1996  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2006  2007  2009  2010  2011  Read all reviews

Gary Pearson, Yorkshire

Volkswagen Polo Bluemotion 2010

4 star review

I bought my Bluemotion because of its good looks, build quality and claimed economy figures. Having driven it for a year it has not disappointed on the first 2 counts, but the economy is nowhere near the claimed combined 88mpg. The consumption did improve after the first 5000 miles, but I typically return 67mpg on a motorway run and 55mpg on an urban type cycle. I since realised that most manufacturers economy figures are based on the most unrealistic European test standards and are not worth the paper they are written on. I drive around 20,000 miles per year and have been really impressed and surprised with the Polo’s cruising capability. Due to the high gearing it is reasonably quiet and very comfortable on long runs. The car does need to be kept in the 2200 to 3500 rev band to keep it moving along in the city and despite reports of its sluggish performance it does manage to keep up with traffic and can be fun to drive at the expense of ignoring the gear change indicator, which is pretty useless and does not account for the cars load or if its going up or down hill. If I could improve anything on this car it would be the headlights, which are very near useless on the Bluemotion when driving on unlit country roads. The new Polo range has 3 headlight variations with 4 different bulb configurations so ensure that you test drive the actual model you want to buy in darkness to check them out yourself. I also switched the tyre repair kit for a full sized spare (again sacrificing some economy) over been stranded with a serious puncture in the middle of nowhere. I have also found that the electric cooling fan seems to go through periods where it will be constantly running and then it settles down for a few weeks. The dealer could not find any fault, but seems efficient and courteous. Finally the horn on this model is feeble and no good on a motorway to let a truck know he is pulling out on you. Overall its a great little car with just a few niggles that would not matter if you just want to use it for the school and shopping run.

Submitted: 21/11/2011 10:39:37

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George Dowsett, England

Volkswagen Polo SEL 2010

2 star review

 

Any potential purchasers of a Polo with the 7 speed DSG gearbox should be aware that the gearbox is excessively noisy. VW classify this noise as a "characteristic". I classify it as irritating even after following their advice to "turn the radio up".

Any potential purchasers of a Polo with the 7 speed DSG gearbox should be aware that the gearbox is excessively noisy. VW classify this noise as a "characteristic". I classify it as irritating even after following their advice to "turn the radio up".

 

Submitted: 20/09/2011 10:14:30

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Austin Taunton, Lancashire

Volkswagen Polo 1.2TSi SE 2010

1 star review

A fine car blighted by annoying "B" pillar clunking and load vibration from the air conditioning pipes when the engine’s under load. Both these problems have eventually been fixed by the main agent. It is now 13 months old with over 7,000 gentle miles on the clock and I’ve been told a new turbo is required. Not very confidence inspiring.

Submitted: 08/07/2011 14:31:55

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Chris G, Berkshire

Volkswagen Polo 1.6 75PS diesel 2010

1 star review

Bluntly, the worst car I have ever owned, and my past ownership includes an Austin Allegro! I only gave it a "1" becuase I couldn’t give it "0"! I bought this car in February 2010 and took delivery in May 2010. The car never got near to its stated fuel consumption of 65.7 MPG (combined), typically it returned between low 30s and low 40s when driven in mixed motoring (dual carriageway "A" roads and a small component of urban). As fuel economy was a central reason for my purchase decision, this was a "big deal". The car also suffered 3 sensor failures, and spent 2 months at the main dealer out of the last 4 months of ownership with faults and for repeated attempts at rectification of poor fuel consumption. Added to all that, I discovered that the bottom of the rear seat had no trim fitted. When the car was being used for carrying "stuff", you could see an expanse of cream foam with factory idents stamped on it. When I flagged this as a defect; I was shown a car in the main dealer showroom that looked identical. In short, it seems VW is now shipping cars in this condition by design. So much for the "superior" VW trim! With respect to post sales support, I found VW UK unhelpful in the extreme. The dealership was glacially slow (nothing they tried took less than a working week) and didn’t seem to know what they were doing. With regard to the ride of the car, I found it harsh and unpleasant over speed ramps and rough roads. I traded this car in at a little over a year old because I was sick to the back teeth of it. Recommendation: Avoid (like the plague)!

Submitted: 24/06/2011 23:42:44

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Ronald Gaines, Yorkshire

Volkswagen Polo 1.2 S60 2010

3 star review

The best looking and most comfortable interior of any car at the price. The car also irons out potholes better than an ambulance. The gearchange is so smooth and the clutch so soft you are unaware of them. However, the engine is very noisy and on hills or low gears the car sounds like one of Eddie Stobart’s lorries. I recommend constant muzak or ear plugs. The 1.2 engine is far too small for the overgrown body and struggles in hilly areas. The car is quiet on motorways and long distances can be covered without fatigue. This is a hard to love car if you want " Performance," perhaps investigate the 1.4 engine for more guts. I’m getting rid but I’ll miss the beautiful interior.

Submitted: 20/03/2011 11:40:46

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Syd Taylor, Staffordshire

Volkswagen Polo SE 1.2 70 PS Manual 5 Door 2010

4 star review

Volkswagen’s new Polo with the 70PS 1.2 litre three cylinder engine is one of the few small cars that doesn’t make you hunger for big engined poke and refinement. While far from being the hottest of small hatchbacks, it makes big speed figures seem supernumerary - so complete is its performance in other areas. Getting into a Polo is always to be reminded of what a finely honed piece of work it is. Shut the door and experience that nicely weighted ’thunk’; examine the quality fabrics and plastics; experience the damped action of the controls: it all inspires confidence. And with plenty of room, excellent visibility plus that cohesive air of understatement, a maturity and pragmatism is brought to small car motoring. High fashion has not subverted basic function here so it’s no surprise that all its winning features led to the Polo being voted ’Car of The Year’ in 2010. Now, thirty four years on and in its fifth generation, it is more technically advanced than ever - and it’s bigger too, bearing strong resemblance to the sixth generation Golf and clearly appearing to be one of the new Volkswagen family. But it’s also lighter than the previous model: and that has contributed to improved economy and lower emissions. I’ve rated the Polo for years; and still do - even though the competition has grown significantly tougher. It’s one of those small cars that fits easily and comfortably into today’s motoring picture, however strenuous and constrained life on the road becomes. Available with a choice from petrol or diesel engines and with three or five doors, in four trim levels and with prices ranging from £9,995 for the 1.2 litre 3 door S, to a frightening £19,410 for the 5 door 1.4 litre GTI with the renowned DSG gearbox, there’s a Polo to suit just about everyone who wants a car in that segment. The well specified SE five-door model tested, with the 1.2 70PS three-cylinder engine was high on comfort, convenience and safety - but initially I had reservations about that small engine. Frugal with the fuel it surely is at nearly 52mpg overall, but a top speed of just 103 mph and that ridiculously irrelevant 0-62 mph time of many seconds, paints a picture of lethargy. I’m pleased to be able to report that it is far from lethargic. That sense of integrity and solidity mentioned earlier is detectable on the road too. The Polo feels like a car you can trust making for relaxed driving. Light controls, a good driving position, an engine and slick gearbox that gel perfectly, plus responsive and secure handling make it stable and surefooted and a rewarding car to drive quickly. ’Quickly?’ I hear you ask. Well, I’m pleased to be able to report that 80 mph on a motorway is effortless. There’s some gruffness under hard acceleration, but when you throttle back to steady cruising all is quiet and refined. With the new Polo, aspects, which left room for improvement, have been addressed with intent. The choice of priorities has been astute and that splendid Polo character has, thankfully, continued intact.

Submitted: 26/01/2011 16:11:06

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Andrew, Scotland

Volkswagen Polo 1.2 SE 2010

4 star review

Purchased the Polo and whilst I think most of the car is superb, I hate owning it because of the HORRENDOUS vibration/rattle that comes from the steering column whenever you turn the steering wheel when driving over uneven ground. I have invoke the Sale of Goods Act with VW UK who said they are aware of the problem, but not enough people complaining about it for there to be ’fix’ invoked. I know a few people who were aware about it and are now in the process of taking it to their dealership. I have had 2 x steering columns replaced under warranty to try and rectify this, but no joy :-( Such a shame as its a great wee car apart from this terrible noise.

Submitted: 26/08/2010 21:41:01

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Roman Kemboi, Kenya

Volkswagen Polo 2010

3 star review

I love this car, but it is too complicated for the road side mechanic!

Submitted: 22/07/2010 08:25:14

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