Volkswagen Polo 2022 review - now better than a Golf?

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This is the new Volkswagen Polo!

Well, we say new, but it’s more ‘updated’ than all new. The question is, can the Polo stand out against competitors like the Ford Fiesta, Audi A1 & SEAT Ibiza? Well, it’s time to find out!

Let’s start off with the design. And let’s face it, even if it’s been updated, it’s still instantly recognisable as a Polo. In terms of what’s new compared to the old edition, well at the back you’ll find some new taillights and a redesigned rear bumper, while upfront you’ve got yet another redesigned bumper, along with a daytime running light strip!

The updates don’t end there, though! Once you take a step inside, you’ll find an all-new steering wheel, coupled with a new climate control system (the same as found in the ID.3) and a digital driving display as standing!

When it comes to performance, the range-topper (without upgrading to the Polo GTI) comes equipped with a 1-litre turbo petrol that can deliver 110hp.

So what do you think - does it warrant the £18,000 starting price? And should you really spend that much when there are so many other small hatchbacks available at the moment? You’ll have to stick with Mat for this all-new in-depth review to find out!

Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:47 Exterior Design
02:19 Interior
04:35 Back Seats
05:20 Boot
06:40 5 Annoying Things
08:10 5 Cool Things
09:48 Engines
10:45 Driving
13:24 Verdict

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[carwow]

Which looks best - the Polo, or the Golf? 🤔 VOTE BELOW!

[ddookutube]

Thanks for reviewing a car that some of us can afford. I would appreciate more reviews of lower range cars such as A, C Class, 1, 2, 3 series, X1, 2, 3 BMW, q3, A4 Audi, and similar lower range options in other brands… Hyundai Tucson, Toyota, Kia etc. thanks.

[laithkittani]

Not many car review channels have a Polo and a Chiron in one week. Great variety and of course Matt is our favourite car reviewer since 1995.

[ishaanbhardwaj]

9:15 me every time when Mat says, "Click on the pop-out banner up there"

[michaeldalton]

Great to see affordable every day cars being reviewed,

[Motsobae]

Matt scared the sh*t out of me the minute he started screaming 😂😂😂😂

[marceloccarmello]

Matt's scene going crazy about the seat belt snag on back seats is so funny that, which does not happen to Polo, pays off the entire review! Thank you for doing a great job.

[ashliehiggins]

It needs the 1.5TSI EVO, as a mid step between the 110PS and GTI.

[freddiescaria]

9:15 Literally gave me a heart attack😂😂

[Justcallme_B]

Don't give them ideas Mat... Soon we'll see family cars sold with seats as an optional extra

[capuccinomafioso]

I have the previous generation model, bought it in 2019 and I really love the car and the brazilian version have 128hp so it's not boring to drive, but nowadays here in Brazil the previous generation costs around R$ 110K, and the minimun wage here is R$ 1100 so I wonder how much more expensive this will cost.

[kamosetlaba]

Here in South Africa, vw polo's are on the top 10 most stolen vehicles list and I wonder if the new model will suffer the same fate
Looks like a great car for a varsity student

[ronaldwhite]

I purchased a new Polo in May 2023! The first problem was a banging noise at the rear of the car! Turned out to be the rubber grommets on the tail gait! Tightened them up and it cured the problem! The next rattle was the drivers door pocket/Storage bin cured that by inserting a rubber washer! The same with the centre console rattle another rubber washer! Sadly the dash rattle could not be fixed! ( The car had more rattles than a baby's pram )The clutch bite was high and made pulling off hard! The cabin noise was loud ( road noise ) I covered 2600 miles but sadly found the car difficult to live with! Shame as the dash layout was superb! I now own a new MK4 Fabia which is a much better drive and ok no soft touch plastics but the drive makes up for it! I sadly felt the Polo was overrated and not nice to drive!

[MuitoDaora]

The spare wheel is becoming a rarity ☹️

[paulsullivan]

I have now taken delivery of a Kings Red Polo Style 94bhp manual.
To add to your comments, I would say, overall I am very happy, the build quality is better than my Peugeot. The car is quiet and easy to drive but the gear change is very notchy. The clutch is gentle and Hill Assist works well, but I find the Lane Keeping Assist really annoying and have turned that off. I like the digital Climatronic controls but they take some working out and I still haven't worked out how to just demist the windscreen. The ride is nice (on 17in wheels) and I am averaging about 58mpg on mainly 'B' roads (car now done 500m). Everything works well but there is an annoying rattle behind the infotainment screen which I may have to get sorted. So far, although the Bluetooth takes calls OK it is refusing to download my contact list and, likewise, refuses to connect to Android Auto (will have to get salesman's help I think). Generally the digital dashboard Pro looks good and works well but I am still exploring the various information available although I prefer the 'classic dials'. I ordered various accessories (in February) including mudflaps, wind deflectors, spare wheel and rubber mats - to date, none of these have been delivered or fitted. Car was bought from Marshalls at Tunbridge Wells.

[picklesrule]

Saw the exact same polo at my local vw dealership while I took my mk7 golf in for a service. I couldn't believe the size of it, looks smart! Definitely want to see the gti review

[trnnel]

My gf drives the 2020, sort of entry-level, Polo. It is a good car, but gosh is it boring. Also, the seats are very hard, especially the passenger seat! I drove a Peugeot 208 (2019) and while I agree the Polo feels more "sturdy" (heavier, better built maybe), I'd rather drive my 208. It was more comfortable, more fun and less rigid.

[Ciumpalacu]

i have an 2005 1.2 Polo and materials used for interior are pretty nice. I have an BMW 320 too 😎🥳 My Polo have 250k km and still working perfectly 👍 Good car for the city

[yusri]

The new polo look simple yet sophisticated.

[rteezy]

the polo is a timeless classic, absolutely love this car! 😍