Review: Volkswagen Polo

The Volkswagen Polo is 51 years old and still as good as ever, says Julie Marshall

The Volkswagen Polo celebrated its 50th birthday last year and, as it was launched just a couple of years before I learned to drive, I feel as though we’ve grown up together.

placeholder image — Volkswagen Polo Edition 50

I’ve owned a couple of Polos over the years and driven many more, so I’ve always had a soft spot for Volkswagen’s supermini. It seems I’m not alone. More than 18 million Polos have been sold worldwide since its launch, making it one of the most successful superminis ever built. In the UK alone, 24,560 new Polos found homes during 2025.

Now in its sixth generation, the Polo has plenty going for it. It remains sensibly priced for such a smart, well-equipped car and has a timeless, understated design. It’s not flashy or attention-grabbing, but it looks classy, solid and dependable – qualities that have long been part of its appeal.

It’s also a genuinely enjoyable car to drive. Refreshingly, it still features a traditional manual handbrake and a beautifully precise five-speed gearbox. Better still, many of the key controls are operated by physical knobs and switches rather than being buried in touchscreen menus, making them far easier and safer to use while driving.

Like most modern cars, the infotainment system is touchscreen-operated and the traditional analogue dials have been replaced by a crisp digital instrument display. Fortunately, both systems are intuitive and easy to navigate.

The equipment list is generous. Even entry-level models come with air conditioning, adaptive cruise control, Travel Assist with lane-keeping technology, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a comprehensive suite of safety features.

There are six trim levels, ranging from Life to the sporty GTI. Our test car was the Polo 50, a special anniversary edition based on the mid-range Style trim and positioned between the R-Line and Black Edition. It adds a number of unique styling touches, including Edition 50 sports seats, special badging on the steering wheel and scuff plates, plus exclusive Crystal Blue metallic paint available only on this model.

The Polo range is offered exclusively as a five-door hatchback. Buyers can choose from three three-cylinder petrol engines producing 79bhp, 93bhp and 108bhp. At the top of the range sits the Polo GTI, powered by a 204bhp four-cylinder engine paired with a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox.

Our 93bhp turbocharged test car sits neatly in the middle of the range and offers more than enough performance for everyday driving. It reaches 62mph in 10.8 seconds, pulls strongly through the gears and remains smooth and refined even when worked hard.

Unlike many small cars, the Polo feels reassuringly planted on the motorway, while the turbocharged engine provides enough flexibility for safe and confident overtaking. Around town, the light steering makes manoeuvring effortless, and parking is a doddle thanks to the excellent rear-view camera and slim rear pillars, which provide impressive all-round visibility.

Our test car was also fitted with heated front seats (£355) and an excellent upgraded sound system with a subwoofer (£420). Neither is essential, but both add a welcome touch of comfort and refinement to what is already one of the best all-round superminis on sale.