Volkswagen Polo 2017 Problems

The zippy performance and handling is one of the great attractions of the Polo, it handles like a go-kart. The boot is small with the seats up, but it’s a small car and something you really have to live with. By buying a manual you avoid the issues that have plagued the DSG dual-clutch auto. The 1.2-litre engine has a timing belt, which means it needs to be changed every 105,000 km or seven years, whichever comes first.

In terms of life expectancy and durability I would expect both to be about the same, but I would expect the Polo to have slightly better resale value than the Clio. Both are good cars, but I would choose the Renault because of its longer warranty.

Even though your car has no clutch pedal, its transmission is what’s called a DSG, or dual-clutch, which means it’s actually a conventional manual gearbox where a computer controls the clutch operation. That’s why it drives like an automatic yet still has a clutch assembly, part of which is the clutch pressure plate, or multiple plates in the VW’s case.

Replacing this will require the transmission to be removed, so it’s not a small or simple job. Which also means it won’t be cheap, either. The problem is that digging into a DSG transmission often reveals wear in other areas, and you might find it needs more than just a clutch late at the mileage you’ve covered.

A VW or transmission specialist should be able to do an electronic analysis of the transmission and its general health to help you make an informed decision on which way to go.