Driving the VW Polo

VW Polo 2010

Awarded the 2010 European Car of the Year and the Best Small Car at the Fleet World Car Awards, the VW Polo is the longer, smarter, wider, taller fifth generation version of its predecessors.

But even though it is the biggest it is 7.5% lighter than the Mark IV giving it a higher fuel economy and lower emissions, all in all 20% cleaner than the Mark IV.  It now comes with 5 engines choices, including diesel and it is a classy, fantastic drive.

It has a strong mid range acceleration and is very quiet when cruising at a high speed, plus an adjustment for the driver’s seat and steering column which offers an excellent driving position.

There are owner comments on internet forums about surging and issues with the DPF filter.

The VW Polo as A Fleet Car

With a fuel economy of 67.3mpg and CO2 emissions of only 109g/km, the VW Polo is a tempting fleet car.  As a small car it does have a big car feel so this is an added bonus plus lower emission.

However there are some disappointed owners who say it does not live up the promises on fuel economy.

The VW does fall into the lower insurance groups.

Passengers and Luggage

The interior is quite roomy although it is still a small car but now has the feel of a bigger car.  The VW Polo has a nice feeling of quality and the boot is about average for its class but is shaped in a box shape making it easy to load.  It has split folding rear seats giving it more good useable space.

It has impressive rear leg and headroom.

Security and Safety

The VW Polo is high in safety equipment with stability and traction control as standard, as well as anti-lock brakes and a full range of airbags.

It has active head restraints, electrically operated heated door mirrors plus central door locking.  It scores well on security and safety.

VW Polo at a Glance

• 5 engine choice including diesel
• Classy drive
• Nice driving position
• Claims to have a fuel economy of 67.3mpg and CO2 emissions of only 109g/km, this is disputed by some owners on online forums
• Low insurance
• May have surging and issues with the DPF filter
• Small car with a big car feel
• Quite roomy interior
• Split folding rear seats
• Stability and traction control as standard
• Anti-lock brakes
• Full range of airbags
• Electrically operated heated door mirrors
• Active head restraints

The fuel economy of 67.3mpg and CO2 emissions of only 109g/km makes the VW Polo a tempting fleet car, however check out what owners are saying about whether it lives up to these claims or not.