Volkswagen Polo 1.2 (70PS) SE manual 5-door (2009) Road Test Report

Performance

Five engines are available at launch – three petrol and two diesel ranging from 60 to 90PS. I tested the 70PS 1.2-litre petrol version and ‘though it’s no racer on paper – 0-62mph in 14.1secs, 103mph max – it’s surprisingly willing in normal, everyday use. The 3-cylinder engine thrives on revs, but because it’s so smooth, and sounds sweet and unstressed at higher revs, that’s really not a problem. Admittedly I tested this car without passengers or luggage, but a 70mph cruise on the motorway is a doddle, while adding 20 or more mph to that is comfortably within its grasp.

Ride & Handling

The new Polo may not be as small as it once was, but it rides like a big executive car. It glides along motorways beautifully while even the bump-and-grind of a poorly-surfaced British B-road is smoothed out to an uncanny degree. There’s nothing fancy about the Polo’s redesigned suspension, other than that it’s been particularly well tuned, so this terrific ride quality has come, at least in part, from the car’s new, ultra rigid chassis which allows the suspension to do its job more effectively. The speed-sensitive, electro-mechanical power steering is sweet too and the car can be hurriedly hustled through turns with the minimum of drama.

Build Quality & Reliability

It’s early days to be talking about longer-term reliability, (at the time of writing it’s not on sale yet), but judging by the fine fit and finish inside and out, plus of course that rigid new chassis and the high level of overall refinement that brings, the signs are good. Volkswagen as a brand is slowly climbing the customer satisfaction ladder – it came 13th out of 29 in the ’09 JD Power UK Vehicle Ownership Study scoring a total of 791 points against an industry average of 781. If the new Polo has any weak points then I’m sorry, but I didn’t spot ‘em.

Safety & Security

At the time of writing the new Polo hasn’t been subjected to the Euro NCAP crash test procedure but VW assures us that “the Polo’s designers set themselves the goal of making the latest generation the safest Polo yet as well as aiming to attain five stars in the new, more stringent and more comprehensive Euro NCAP tests”. Standard safety equipment includes: ABS, Brake assist, ESP (inc. electronic diff lock and traction control) plus driver and front passenger airbags, side head/thorax airbags, active front head restraints and Isofix child seat preparation. Security is taken care of by an engine immobiliser and remote central locking.

Space & Practicality

As mentioned, the new Polo is both longer and wider than the model it replaces, and it has an increased wheelbase and track width too. Despite being slightly lower (by 5mm), head, leg and shoulder room are all improved over the old model. VW says “it is a supermini that can accommodate five adults”, and I’m sure it can, although three adults in the rear would be a bit of a squeeze. In the front there’s good oddments stowage space, while in the boot, which features an easily removable false floor, there’s a useful 280 litres, extending to 952 litres with the 60/40 split rear seats both folded.

Ownership & Value

The basic on-the-road price for this 70PS 1.2 5-door manual is £11,995. Standard equipment includes semi-auto air conditioning, electric/heated mirrors, electric windows front and rear, plus a radio/MP3-compatible CD player with six speakers, an aux-in socket for your iPod, plus the aforementioned ESP which rarely comes as standard in the supermini class. Fuel economy is 51.4mpg combined, while CO2 is rated at 128g/km, which currently equates to £120 annual road tax. Insurance is a lowly group 3 (on the 1-20 scale) or 5 (1-50). Costs aside, if you want a small car that feels like a biggun, then this new Polo could well be for you.

Performance

The Volkswagen Polo may not be as overtly sporty in its nature as the Ford Fiesta but it still gives a good account of itself in most instances. There are a pair of 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engines in 59- or 69bhp forms, though their coarse natures when revved hard would steer us towards the 84bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine that is a much smoother, more able engine in every circumstance. For diesel choice, there’s a 1.6-litre engine in 74- or 89bhp forms, with nothing to choose between them for economy or emissions. However, the more powerful of the diesel pair is the better choice for anyone who intends to use their Polo on longer trips regularly. All have a five-speed manual gearbox as standard and the 1.4 petrol can also be ordered with a seven-speed DSG dual clutch gearbox that slightly improves economy and emissions but does nothing for acceleration as both versions of the 1.4 cover 0-62mph in 11.9 seconds.

Ride & Handling

The Polo earns it high rating here not by being stand-out superb in any one area of the driving experience but being a very able all-rounder. It’s not as crisp and sharp to drive on curving roads as a Ford Fiesta, but the Polo is still very capable and has accurate steering with well judged assistance, even if there’s a hint too much body roll when cornering with some verve. It’s also easy to park, compact enough for tight spaces and offers good visibility in every direction from the driver’s chair. The Volkswagen Polo also does a good job of smoothing out most roads and isolates ruts and potholes from the cabin very well. However, the smaller petrol and diesel engines make themselves heard inside the cabin too frequently for them to be considered refined.

Build Quality & Reliability

There’s a grown-up feel to the Polo’s cabin, giving the impression that Volkswagen has simply scaled down the Golf to make a supermini-sized version. It’s no bad thing as all of the materials in the Polo feel much more substantial and of a better grade than its predecessor’s. The fit and finish is also top drawer, so the Polo qualifies as the bench mark in its class in this area. Reliability should not be an issue, though VWs have not been as fault-free in this respect in recent years as the company’s reputation might suggest.

Safety & Security

The Polo has scored a full five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating to make it one of the first superminis to record such a feat under the new, tougher crash testing programme. It also comes with six airbags in every model, though curtain airbags are an option, while ESP traction control is also standard across the range. Deadlocks, immobiliser and alarm are all fitted, along with a visible VIN number in the windscreen to deter thieves.

Space & Practicality

If you cannot get comfortable behind the steering wheel of the Volkswagen Polo, you probably won’t get comfy anywhere. There is a mass of adjustment for the driver’s seat and at the steering wheel to suit all shapes and sizes. The seat itself is firm, which seems unwelcoming at first, but turns out to provide day-long comfort and support. The simple dash is unfussy and serves up all the vital information in large dials, while the stereo and ventilation functions are dealt with by large rotary buttons that are simple to find without taking your eyes off the road ahead. Rear seat passengers are surprisingly well looked after for space in the Polo, though it’s best as a four- rather than five-seater. A large boot for this class of car is easily expanded by 60/40 split and fold rear seats.

Ownership & Value

The Volkswagen Polo has long been the default choice in the supermini sector, either for those with no interest in cars or those buyers wanting to claw back the most from their investment at resale time. The new Polo does nothing to alienate these customers and it will remain one of the slowest depreciating superminis, yet it also manages to broaden its appeal thanks to it improved driving manners. Also, every engine offers decent economy, emissions and low insurance ratings, while most models come with a decent level of standard equipment. The entry-level S models are on the sparse side, so the Moda, SE and SEL versions are the ones to go for.