VW Polo Hatchback 1994-

Want to know everything there is to know about this car?

  • Economy

    Value

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Expensive to buy. Little standard equipment. Holds value well.

    Costs

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Averages about 50 mpg, but will drop to 40 with hard use. Disappointing for a non-turbo diesel

  • On the road

    Driving

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Vague steering and bouncy ride. Not a patch on a Fiesta or a 106, but viewed as frugal town transport, it's ok

    Performance

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Pedestrian, but it's built for economy so what can you expect? Feels quite perky on part throttle, but the second half of the throttle travel doesn't seem to do anything.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    3 out of 5 3.0

    The single most disappointing aspect. Lots of silly faults and rattling interior suggests build quality is no better than a Ford or Japanese rival.

    Image

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Like the Golf, it's classless. Rich and poor drive them.

    Comfort

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Squidgy seats and lack of steering wheel adjustment, but basic driving position ok, if cramped for 6 footers.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Came with a VW Cat 1 alarm on it, but this was a costly option for the previous owner

    Service

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Serviced by an independent who does a good job.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Oil has to be topped up every couple of weeks. Glow plugs died last winter.

    Other

    Power steering rack leaked, seat adjuster lever snapped off, cassette player stopped working, heated rear window works intermittently, central locking unreliable, squeaks and rattles everywhere

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    No