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EXPERT RATING
7.0

Likes

  • Stylish
  • Refined
  • Cheap used

Dislikes

  • Euro plastics under Aus UV
  • Stiff competition from rivals
  • VW parts pricing
Graham Smith
Contributing Journalist
5 Nov 2013
3 min read

Small cars no longer equate to poverty as they once did, today's little models are safe, perform well, and come packed with features. VW's Polo sits atop the small car tree and has been the class pacesetter in recent times.

NEW

VW launched its fifth-generation Polo in 2010 and it again raised the bar for the hard-fought class. It was longer, wider and higher than its predecessor, and with a longer wheelbase and wider track boasted a larger footprint.

With its increased size came more cabin space, such that it was beginning to rival the Golf of earlier times. There were two hatch body styles, a three-door and one with five, and two levels of equipment, the Trendline and the Comfortline, petrol and diesel engines, and manual and auto transmissions.

The Polo follows the VW line with styling that is understated but pleasing, its lines are smooth and flowing and its proportions are well balanced. Inside it was nicely laid out, the fit and finish was of a high standard and the seats were comfortable and supportive.

Given that it's a small car the Polo's cabin is nevertheless quite roomy with sufficient head and leg room for front passengers, and ample room for a couple in the rear. Beyond the cabin is a decent boot for a small car, and a split-fold rear seat enhances its load-carrying flexibility.

Entry to the range was through the three-door Trendline hatch with a 1.4-litre petrol engine, from there you stepped up to the Comfortline with either the 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine of the 1.6-litre turbo-diesel.

Performance from the 1.4-litre engine that comes with the Trendline is smooth and easy; the turbocharged 1.2-litre that is available with the Comfortline boasts the zip of a larger engine and the economy of a small engine, while the diesel delivers terrific driveability thanks to its great torque along with miserly fuel consumption.

The transmission choices are between manual gearboxes, five or six-speed depending on the model, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. On the road the Polo's ride is smooth and comfortable, its handling is assured and responsive.

NOW

VW's reputation has taken a hit in the last year or two with a number of problems that have affected its reliability and safety, added to which the company itself has appeared unwilling to address the issues that owners raise with their cars.

Only the outcry of owners in the last few months has forced the company to get involved, and they have recalled cars for checking. Owners regularly report rattles and squeaks on cars that are relatively new, but the big issue has centred on the dual-clutch auto.

Complaints include erratic shifting, stalling, and cutting out completely at times. Take the time to test-drive any car you're considering buying, have it checked by an expert experienced in the problems of the DSG transmission, and do your homework on the make and model.

Check the service history to make sure your chosen car has been properly maintained, and check the owner's manual to see that it has been inspected under the recall. It's also important to know that to get the best out of the Polo petrol engines it's necessary to use the more expensive 95-octane fuel of even higher grade 98.

SMITHY SAYS

A great little car, but not without its flaws, so be wary.

Volkswagen Polo
Price new: $16,690 to $24,850
Engine: 1.2-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder, 77 kW/175 Nm; 1.4-litre 4-cylinder, 63 kW/132 Nm; 1.6-litre turbo-diesel 4-cylinder, 66 kW/230 Nm
Transmission: 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 7-speed dual-clutch auto
Economy: 6.1 L/100 km (1.4), 4.7 L/100 km (1.6TD), 5.5 L/100 km (1.2)
Body: 3-door hatch, 5-door hatch
Variants: Trendline, Comfortline
Safety: 5-star ANCAP

Volkswagen Polo 2010: 66 TDI Comfortline

Engine Type Diesel Turbo 4, 1.6L
Fuel Type Diesel
Fuel Efficiency 4.6L/100km (combined)
Seating 5
Price From $4,840 - $7,150
Safety Rating

Pricing Guides

$10,167
Based on 60 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months.
LOWEST PRICE
$5,865
HIGHEST PRICE
$16,490
Graham Smith
Contributing Journalist
With a passion for cars dating back to his childhood and having a qualification in mechanical engineering, Graham couldn’t believe his good fortune when he was offered a job in the Engineering Department at General Motors-Holden’s in the late-1960s when the Kingswood was king and Toyota was an upstart newcomer. It was a dream come true. Over the next 20 years Graham worked in a range of test and development roles within GMH’s Experimental Engineering Department, at the Lang Lang Proving Ground, and the Engine Development Group where he predominantly worked on the six-cylinder and V8 engines. If working for Holden wasn’t exciting enough he also spent two years studying General Motors Institute in America, with work stints with the Chassis Engineering section at Pontiac, and later took up the post of Holden’s liaison engineer at Opel in Germany. But the lure of working in the media saw him become a fulltime motorsport reporter and photographer in the late-1980s following the Grand Prix trail around the world and covering major world motor racing events from bases first in Germany and then London. After returning home to Australia in the late-1980s Graham worked on numerous motoring magazines and newspapers writing about new and used cars, and issues concerning car owners. These days, Graham is CarsGuide's longest standing contributor.
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.
Pricing Guide
$5,865
Lowest price, based on third party pricing data.
For more information on
2012 Volkswagen Polo
See Pricing & Specs

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