Volkswagen Polo Hatchback (02-09) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 21 July 2008
It may not be the most exciting small hatchback on the market but the Volkswagen Polo is hugely popular. And with excellent build quality, bullet-proof reliability and that all important Volkswagen badge on the grille, it's not hard to see why. Safe and comfortable to drive it's available with a wide choice of engines including some very economical diesels while the interior is durable and well finished. If you're looking to save money there's also an environmentally-friendly Bluemotion model available. Thanks to engine tweaks, aerodynamic changes and longer gearing this emits just 99g/km of CO2 - so it qualifies for free-road tax, plus it will average an incredible 74mpg. The model was facelifted in mid-2005 with a sharper look and angular headlights replacing the twin lights.
4 out of 5

Other Volkswagen reviews

4 out of 5

Running costs

Bluemotion models offer in excess of 74mpg in mixed driving, according to official figures but the other diesels are still very economical while the petrols aren't too far behind. Service intervals are infrequent and it's sure to hang onto its value, protecting you from the worst in depreciation.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£1,279 - £1,659 *

Diesel

£866 - £1,233 *

The estimated fuel cost figure is a guide to how much this model will cost to fuel each year, so you can compare between cars. It's calculated by using the model's average mpg (calculated from both town centre and motorway driving) and the average fuel price. It's based on the following cost-per-litre: petrol 135p and diesel 141p. Prices are updated daily.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

Variable servicing (up to approximately 18,000 miles or two years) or fixed servicing (at every 10,000 miles or 12 months) can be chosen when new. It is possible to change from one to another during the vehicle’s life, but it can only be done when a full inspection service is due.

Warranty

Three years/60,000 miles.

Road tax (12 months)

£0.00 - £215.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

4 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
    99
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
  • I
    182
  • J
  • K
  • L
  • M

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

The Polo Bluemotion models have CO2 emissions of 99g/km, which mean they are low enough to avoid vehicle excise duty. Most other models are fairly typical for a small car and should be easy on the conscience.

Find the exact engine and CO2