The so-called ‘gentle automotive’ section in Australia is constant to be hollowed out, as increasingly manufacturers discontinue their autos and as a substitute deal with costlier, extra worthwhile SUVs.
The Volkswagen Group, nonetheless, is sticking it out with not only one however three separate choices: the Volkswagen Polo, Skoda Fabia and Audi A1.
The Polo would be the most acquainted to Australians, with the nameplate having debuted right here in 1996 (and far earlier in Europe) and being a constant fixture within the section.
The present era first entered manufacturing again in 2017, so it’s no spring hen. It’s not the oldest within the section, nonetheless, with that title going to the Mazda 2.
It wears crisply tailor-made strains with sharp, uniform facet creases and a good-looking if conservative look total. It’s recognisable as a Volkswagen, however not as the most recent era of Volkswagen.
Judging by a few of Volkswagen’s newer merchandise, any Polo successor will inevitably function extra blobby, amorphous styling, so get pleasure from this crisply starched styling whereas it lasts.
Our tester was completed in resale white – sorry, Pure White – which was a crying disgrace as you may get the Polo in funky Vibrant Violet. That makes Volkswagen one of many few mass-market manufacturers to supply a purple color. I’d fortunately spend the additional $600 to get it.
For 2025, the Polo not begins at underneath $30,000, although Volkswagen did no less than add some additional equipment when it raised the bottom worth by $1300.
It now options normal Journey Help in base Life trim, beforehand supplied in an possibility package deal that got here with wi-fi smartphone mirroring, satellite tv for pc navigation and a greater digital instrument cluster – now options not accessible on this trim.
A base worth above $30,000 may appear surprising, however the whole lot on this section has been getting costlier – the MG 3 is not a sub-$20,000 participant, whereas the Mazda 2 just lately misplaced its entry-level trim and the now hybrid-only Toyota Yaris is pricier than earlier than.
Nonetheless, this base worth is greater than many key rivals. Is the Polo well worth the premium?
How does the Volkswagen Polo examine?
View an in depth breakdown of the Volkswagen Polo towards equally sized autos.
Volkswagen
Polo
How a lot does the Volkswagen Polo price?
The Polo Life is priced at $30,790 earlier than on-roads and $34,585 drive-away based mostly on a Sydney postcode.
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen Polo Life | $30,790 |
| Volkswagen Polo Type | $34,790 |
| Volkswagen Polo GTI | $41,790 |
It’s not simply that the Polo is costlier than different entry-level autos in its section, it’s additionally costlier than different entry-level Volkswagen Group merchandise.
That makes it cheaper than a base T-Cross Life with the identical powertrain (at present priced at $35,990 drive-away), however costlier than an entry-level Skoda Fabia Choose ($31,990 drive-away nationwide) or a bigger Scala Choose ($32,490 drive-away).
Even a Skoda Kamiq Choose is cheaper at $33,990 drive-away.
To see how the Volkswagen Polo strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability software
What’s the Volkswagen Polo like on the within?
The Polo impresses with an inside that wouldn’t look misplaced in a costlier automotive.
It makes the Toyota Yaris’ cabin look low-cost compared, and the Mazda 2’s look dated. That is arguably the classiest cabin on this section.
Throughout the highest and entrance of the dashboard is surprisingly premium soft-touch trim in a section the place more durable, scratchy materials is the norm. Volkswagen even utilized the stuff to the fitting of the steering wheel, which might have been a very simple place to low-cost out.
Metallic-look trim surrounds the centre console and shiny patterned trim runs throughout the dashboard to offer some welcome distinction within the black inside.
Even the fabric upholstery on the seats avoids wanting low-cost, whereas the vainness mirrors are illuminated, the sunglass holder has a rubberised insert, and the doorways – although that includes laborious plastic trim, aside from the armrest – shut with a strong thunk.
We solely noticed one rattle, which manifested on coarser-chip surfaces and gave the impression to be coming from the entrance passenger seatbelt.
You grip a tactile, leather-wrapped steering wheel – Volkswagen is aware of find out how to do an excellent steering wheel – however there’s only a common centre armrest as a substitute of the intelligent height-adjustable one present in different autos from the model.
The air-conditioning controls are a set of knobs – easy, traditional and tactile.
Volkswagen’s inside designers nonetheless don’t appear to have discovered cupholders, although. Who on the group thought octagonal ones had been a good suggestion? At the least there are massive, simply accessible bottle holders within the doorways.
Forward of the driving force is a digital instrument cluster, although within the base Life it is a easy setup with no map view. Nonetheless, you continue to have a number of selectable layouts.
The infotainment system options an 8.0-inch touchscreen, with fast response instances and engaging graphics. There’s additionally a sound impact that performs everytime you contact the display, although there’s no haptic suggestions such as you’ll discover in a costlier Audi.
Sustaining a wired Android Auto connection shouldn’t be this tough, although. On a few events I’d knock the cable and it’d disconnect Android Auto and never enable me to reconnect. Bluetooth dropouts occurred, too.
Whereas it’s tempting in charge my cellphone or cable – and I do know a few of you iPhone evangelists will make a bee line proper to the feedback to proselytise in regards to the wonders of Apple – the easy reality is I’ve had no difficulty in each different automotive I’ve had in current weeks.
Even when Android Auto was working, there have been fixed pop-ups saying my cellphone was disconnected, whereas on different events the audio would skip annoyingly. And whereas in most vehicles Android Auto boots up straight away, typically I’d should manually choose it within the Polo.
A way more nice shock was the sound system, which is sort of good for an unbranded unit in an entry-level gentle automotive.
The presence of entrance parking sensors can also be a nice shock for a car on this section, and mixed with the rear sensors and reversing digital camera makes this a straightforward automotive to park.
There’s this mistaken apprehension that SUVs at all times provide far more practicality, however the Polo compares favourably to its T-Cross SUV sibling.
The 2 vehicles trip the identical wheelbase, have nearly the identical inside width, and whereas the T-Cross has extra headroom the Polo has loads for passengers round 180cm tall.
Two adults can comfortably sit within the again in the event that they don’t play basketball professionally, although squeezing somebody into the centre seat is greatest saved for emergencies. There’s additionally a outstanding driveline hump impinging on the centre passenger’s legroom.
The entrance seatbacks are delicate and have map pockets, whereas there are two illuminated USB-C shops again right here plus three top-tether and two ISOFIX anchor factors for little one seats. There are not any air vents such as you’ll discover in an MG 3, although, and no fold-down armrest.
Boot house is a aggressive 351 litres with the rear seats up, increasing to 1125L with the rear seats folded. It’s a deep, uniformly sized storage space, and beneath the boot ground you’ll discover a 15-inch metal spare wheel.
| Dimensions | Volkswagen Polo Life |
|---|---|
| Size | 4080mm |
| Width | 1751mm |
| Peak | 1450mm |
| Wheelbase | 2564mm |
| Cargo capability | 351L (rear seats up) 1125L (rear seats folded) |
To see how the Volkswagen Polo strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability software
What’s underneath the bonnet?
As has been the case for some time, the non-GTI Polo vary is powered by a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. The bottom guide has been dropped, that means a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch auto is now normal.
| Specs | Volkswagen Polo Life |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.0L 3cyl turbo-petrol |
| Energy | 85kW @ 5000-5500rpm |
| Torque | 200Nm @ 2000-3500rpm |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch auto |
| Drive kind | Entrance-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1187kg |
| Gasoline financial system (claimed) | 5.5L/100km |
| Gasoline financial system (as examined) | 6.3L/100km (inner-city, suburban and freeway loop) 7.1L/100km (over the course of every week) |
| Gasoline tank capability | 40L |
| Gasoline requirement | 95 octane premium unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 124g/km |
| Emissions normal | Euro 6 |
To see how the Volkswagen Polo strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability software
How does the Volkswagen Polo drive?
The noise of the Polo’s engine is saved from intruding on the peace and quiet of the cabin, with Volkswagen evidently utilizing an honest quantity of sound deadening.
Not that it might be an excessive amount of of a ache to listen to the engine extra, because it has a spunky be aware as is commonly the case with turbocharged three-cylinder mills.
It really works properly with the dual-clutch computerized, which shifts shortly and crisply, and there’s loads of grunt all through the rev vary.
The Polo has no hassle overtaking or zipping by way of gaps in site visitors, although as with many dual-clutch-equipped autos there’s a slight hesitation off the road.
On the finish of the day it possible comes all the way down to what you’re most used to and subsequently desire: a dual-clutch just like the Polo, or a CVT like within the Swift or a conventional torque-converter auto like within the Mazda 2. All have a really completely different really feel.
Powertrain refinement isn’t good. At 70km/h or so the Polo can be sitting in seventh gear at round 1500rpm and also you’ll really feel this slight vibration by way of the automotive. At low speeds, you’ll additionally hear the clutches participating and disengaging.
However usually talking, noise suppression is great. On hilly roads when it’s holding a decrease gear, you’ll see it revving as much as 3000 or 4000rpm however you’ll scarcely hear it. Tyre and wind noise can also be well-contained.
The suspension tune is moderately agency, and also you do really feel the torsion-beam rear clomping over some bumps. It takes away considerably from the in any other case fairly polished really feel of the Polo.
It’s an excellent steer, with sharp turn-in and steering that’s gentle and direct however with an excellent quantity of highway really feel. You’ll be able to have some enjoyable with this within the corners.
The automated cease/begin could be very keen, activating readily whereas some rival manufacturers’ programs require a agency press of the brake pedal. I can normally tolerate these programs however this one was too eager.
The excellent news is you may flip it off with one press of a button, however the unhealthy information is it’ll at all times default to on. The lane-keep help isn’t as annoying, however it may be turned off with simply two button presses.
For 2025, Volkswagen has made Journey Help normal within the base Polo. This combines adaptive cruise management with lane centring, making freeway driving nearly senseless.
It’s price noting the bottom Polo doesn’t function blind-spot monitoring or rear cross-traffic alert. Whereas visibility is sweet, if these options are must-haves you’ll want to take a look at a mid-range Type, a base T-Cross Life or a Skoda Fabia Choose.
To see how the Volkswagen Polo strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability software
What do you get?
There are three members of the native Polo lineup.
Polo Life tools highlights:
- LED headlights
- LED tail-lights
- 15-inch ‘Essex’ alloy wheels with 185/65 R15 tyres
- 15-inch metal spare wheel
- Park Help (semi-autonomous parking help)
- Energy-folding exterior mirrors
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Handbook air-conditioning
- Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster
- 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- Wi-fi cellphone charger
- 6-speaker sound system
- 2 x entrance USB-C shops
- 2 x rear USB-C shops
- Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
- Peak and attain adjustment for steering wheel
- Paddle shifters
- Leather-based-wrapped shifter
- Black inlays
- 60:40 cut up/fold rear seats
Polo Type provides:
- Entrance LED gentle bar
- Entrance fog lights with static cornering operate
- IQ.Gentle matrix LED headlights
- ‘Premium’ LED tail-lights with dynamic indicators
- 16-inch ‘Palermo’ alloy wheels with 195/55 R16 tyres
- Proximity entry with push-button begin
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Contact slider temperature controls
- Digital Cockpit Professional digital instrument cluster with map view
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- ‘Consolation sport’ entrance seats
- ‘Consolation sport fabric’ upholstery
- Chrome inside trim for air vents, door deal with surrounds, window switches
- Darkish Iron Gray metallic gloss inlays
- Ambient lighting
- LED footwell lighting
Polo GTI provides:
- LED driving lights
- Twin chrome exhaust shops
- Purple exterior accents
- Rear diffuser
- Rear spoiler
- Black facet sill extensions
- 18-inch ‘Faro’ alloy wheels with 215/40 R18 tyres
- House-saver spare
- Selectable drive modes
- Sport Choose adaptive suspension
- Sports activities seats with further bolstering
- ‘Sports activities’ steering wheel
- ‘Clark sports activities fabric’ upholstery
- Black headliner and pillar trim
- Chrome steel pedals
- Kings Purple inside inlays (besides with Kings Purple exterior end)
A sunroof is non-compulsory on the Type and GTI.
To see how the Volkswagen Polo strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability software
Is the Volkswagen Polo secure?
The Volkswagen Polo has a five-star security score from ANCAP, based mostly on testing performed in 2022.
| Class | Volkswagen Polo |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 94 per cent |
| Little one occupant safety | 80 per cent |
| Weak highway consumer safety | 70 per cent |
| Security help | 70 per cent |
Commonplace security tools throughout the vary consists of:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Bicycle owner detection
- Journey Help
- Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
- Lane-keep help
- Multi-collision braking
- Driver fatigue monitoring
- Entrance, front-side, front-centre, and curtain airbags
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
- Reversing digital camera
The Type and GTI add:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
How a lot does the Volkswagen Polo price to run?
The Polo is roofed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee like the broader Volkswagen lineup in Australia.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Volkswagen Polo |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | Service activated |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Capped worth servicing | As much as 5 years |
| Whole capped-price service price | $2850 |
Choosing the three-year Care Plan plan prices $1500, whereas the five-year plan prices $2850. That’s far more palatable, however a Suzuki Swift prices $1955 over 5 years and a Toyota Yaris simply $1250.
To see how the Volkswagen Polo strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability software
CarExpert’s Tackle the Volkswagen Polo
The Volkswagen Polo stands out as essentially the most subtle in its section.
Don’t get us incorrect, there’s nonetheless some refining that may very well be executed. The trip may very well be extra pliant, whereas we did expertise some infotainment points.
Nonetheless, for one thing developing on eight years outdated, it has an impressively insulated, well-packaged cabin with loads of genuinely good supplies, in addition to a punchy powertrain.
It feels extra upscale than its rivals, and extra trendy than a Mazda 2. Volkswagen costs a premium for this privilege, however you could be tempted to play Polo.
The hardest competitors may properly be from one other Volkswagen Group car: the Skoda Fabia, which options the identical powertrain however sharper drive-away pricing and normal blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and wi-fi smartphone mirroring (albeit no Journey Help).
When you’re contemplating a Polo you positively want to contemplate its Czech cousin.
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