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The Volkswagen Polo has never enjoyed the cult status of the Golf, but has nonetheless been a major seller in the UK for over twenty years. Following the trend set by the Golf, it evolved from very simple beginnings to become one of the most sophisticated offerings in its class. This Polo, launched in 1999, effectively bridges the gap between citycars of the Volkswagen Lupo class, and premium family hatchbacks like the Golf. In many ways it seems to occupy the slot once held by the Golf. Does paying big money for such a small car make sense in the used market, or is the Polo an unremarkable range filler?
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What you get
Volkswagen pulled off a very clever trick with the Polo. Whereas before there was a temptation for lower-order Polo buyers to trade down to the smaller Lupo citycar, while customers of plusher variants might have been tempted to spend the extra and get a Golf, with this Polo they didn't have to. Wherever you look, you'll find the better aspects of the Golf and the Lupo. Inside, the best of both combination continues. In essence, the dashboard is Lupo-derived, with the same silver 'screwed-on' bezels surrounding the instrument dials, though here, they're protected from sunlight by a single cowling rather than individual covers. Otherwise, it's exactly as you'll find in the smaller car - which means heater controls set rather low to your left but, on a more positive note, space for a proper lockable glovebox and room for the optional satellite navigation system.
The quality feel of the interior however, is all MkIV Golf: check out the door trims with their chromed handles, the gear knob, the beautifully damped grab handles and the optional sunroof rotary control. More significantly, you notice the resemblance in the quality and texture of the plastics used and in the bulletproof build quality. The more comfortable seats are borrowed from the Golf too - which means they come with the option of incorporated side airbags to complement the twin front 'bags supplied as standard. Outside, other common touches include razor-thin shutlines and fully galvanised body panels.
Nice touches common to all Polos include brighter headlamps with 20% more power and body-coloured bumpers with neat parking nudge strips. A full-length fabric electric 'Open Air' roof is an appealing option. Unfortunately, there's still no sign of deadlocks - though there is an electronic immobiliser. On the safety front, Volkswagen included a stronger passenger cell than was found on previous models, claiming big improvements in crash test performance as a result.
Clothing that structure are galvanised body panels. Volkswagen had to renew the machinery that stamped out the old Polo body panels, so decided it might as well make some metal changes to create a smoother look. This is most noticeable at the rear, where the number plate is recessed into the bumper rather than sitting proud on a tailgate now flanked by all-red lamps.
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What to look for
A nearly new Volkswagen is not a good place to start if you're interesting in hearing 'what went wrong' stories. The Polo is no exception, with no major faults having been reported. The new engines appear to be trouble free, and the older power units have a good pedigree. As with any car that sees its fair share of city driving, check for parking bumps and scrapes, and have a good look for front spoiler damage on the GTi model. This air dam can easily be grounded if reversing off a kerb. Also check this model for front tyre wear and wheel kerbing damage. Otherwise it's hard to find fault with the Polo. Look for a main-dealer serviced car and you really can't go far wrong.
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Replacement parts
(approx based on a 1.4 S) Volkswagen parts have a reputation for costliness, and the Polo has some shockers. A new alternator will set you back almost £700, while an ECU engine management unit is over £500. Other parts are far more reasonable. An exhaust system is around £150, rising to £550 if you need a catalytic convertor as well. Front brake pads are just over £40 a pair, while a clutch is around £145. A new radiator will be around £110 and a new fuel pump is approximately £210.
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On the road
In this generation, the Polo changed from a cheap and cheerful shopping cart to a sophisticated and amazingly capable car that makes you ponder the wisdom of buying anything significantly bigger. Gaze down at the fascia and it feels Lupo-like, but on the move the ride quality is superb, even in the base models. Refinement is good as well, although the 1.9-litre diesel likes to give itself a cacophonous round of applause on start up. The three-cylinder SE TDi model and 75bhp 1.4 S Polo are probably the pick of the range, although the GTi deserves special mention. With sports seats, gas discharge headlamps, BBS 'split-rim' alloy wheels as well as a six-disc CD changer, it really is pretty purposeful. It will hit 60mph in 8.7 seconds and is equipped with the Bosch ESP Electronic Stability Programme should your cornering ambition outweigh your talent. With sprinting ability to comfortably outdrag a 2.0-litre MkIV Golf GTi, the Polo is one of the better cars in the range, if not quite as grin-inducing as a Ford Fiesta or a Toyota Yaris.
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Overall
If you want the plushest, most mature supermini around, a used Volkswagen Polo should head your list. The interior ambience is genuinely opulent, the exterior styling is pretty and the image and residual values are both strong. If you are in the position to choose, the three-cylinder TDi and 75bhp 1.4 SE models are probably the best bet, with the GTi an interesting option for those who want more zip. If you are trying other makes of supermini, try the Polo last. After driving one any other rival will feel decidedly blue-collar.
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