Volkswagen Polo TDI SE

Vehicle Review

Behind The Wheel There are few superminis to rival the Polo's simplicity and fine ergonomics. Clearly labelled instrumentation, large dials, buttons and switches, plus a well-ordered centre console make it a doddle to navigate. There's a massive range of adjustment for the driver's seat and steering wheel, while all-round visibility is excellent. Space & Practicality Regardless of the model you choose, you'll be guaranteed a spacious and airy cabin. There's plenty of room for four people, and the large expanse of glass ensures everyone gets a good view. There's also a decent boot with a false floor that can be removed to create a surprisingly deep hold. You can lift the rear seat bases and fold down the seat-backs to create enough space to satisfy most of your needs. Equipment The Polo's trims are badged S, Moda, SE and SEL. S models are pretty basic, but do get front electric windows and a CD player. Moda models add alloy wheels, electric rear windows and an MP3-compatible stereo, but you need to specify a dearer-still Moda A/C version to get air-con, while climate control remains an option. SE and SEL models have upgraded upholstery and trim. Buying & Owning The Polo may be a premium product, but it's not expensive to buy or run. Emissions are low and miles per gallon are high - especially on the diesel versions - and its list price actually undercuts those of many mainstream rivals. What's more, no supermini has a better image or is as desirable. All this means the Polo has some of the best residual values of any supermini, and to ease running costs, if you buy a Polo in 2010, you can get three years' servicing for a one-off fee of just £250. Quality & Reliability There's little to rival the Polo for image at this end of the market, and all models have an impressively upmarket feel with dense, soft-touch plastics covering the dashboard and door trims. Despite their reputation, Volkswagens generally have a so-so reliability record.

Technical Information