Used Toyota Yaris deals
Volkswagen Polo – the robust choice
- For: Solid build quality, snappy gearbox, good refinement
- Against: Boring to drive, dark rear seats
Time has been kind to the fifth-generation Volkswagen Polo. It’s understated and easy on the eyes, while the VW has a composed suspension set-up and is refined inside the cabin. There’s enough grip, but the Polo’s handling isn’t as sharp as the Fiesta’s and the steering is short on feel, although it’s a step ahead of the Yaris in this regard.
The automatic version gets Volkswagen’s seven-speed DSG, and it’s a slick, smooth-shifting unit. We recommend pairing this with the frugal 1.2-litre TSI petrol engine. A 2017 Polo with this combination and 44,000 miles on the clock costs less than £11,000.
While the Polo isn’t uber-stylish inside, the more time you spend poking around, the more you appreciate the sturdy build quality, especially for a small hatch. The materials themselves aren’t particularly plush, but the use of high-grade plastics and solid switchgear beats what you’ll find in the Ford and Toyota, and the cabin layout is intuitive. Sadly, although there is just enough room for rear-seat passengers, the dark trim and shallow windows make it feel a touch claustrophobic back there. The boot is slightly smaller than the Fiesta’s, too, at 280 litres. We recommend the mid-range Match models, which are fitted with alloy wheels, a leather steering wheel and electrically adjustable door mirrors.
Used Volkswagen Polo deals
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