Why Lease The Polo?
by: Donna KellyDonna Kelly has over 14 years of experience in the motoring industry, writing, test driving and tweeting about cars. Her weekends are spent trackside, covering racing events.
Volkswagen Polo Review 2021
First introduced back in 1976, the Volkswagen Polo continues to be a popular choice in the competitive supermini class due to its high-quality interior and overall driving experience.
Rivals to the Volkswagen Polo include the Ford Fiesta, Seat Ibiza, Peugeot 208 and the Audi A1 Sportback.
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Volkswagen Polo Key Features
- Stylish exterior design with C-shaped LED headlights and clean-cut radiator grille
- High-quality interior with eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display
- 351-litre boot, which expands to 1,125 litres with rear seats down
- Choice of two petrol engines: 1.0-litre and a 2.0-litre GTI
- Three trim levels, including Life, Style and R Line
Design, Practicality and Boot Space
The sixth-generation Volkswagen Polo is essentially a shrunken version of the Volkswagen Golf, sharing similar features and shape. Volkswagen has dropped the original boxed front look design for a Golf inspired sculptured frame, with C-shaped LED daytime running lights and a clean-cut radiator grille.
Inside, you'll find a surprisingly spacious cabin for a car of its size, with comfy adjustable seats. Slightly taller and chunkier than its predecessor, both head and legroom are generous in the new Polo, with room enough for two adults to ride comfortably in the back for short journeys.
At the rear, the Polo's boot can hold up to 351 litres, increasing to 1,125 litres when you push the rear seats forward and fold them down, similar to the Seat Ibiza. The rear bench also folds forward with a 60:40 split, though the seats, unfortunately, don't go completely flat.
Interior and Trims
The Volkswagen Polo boasts a high-quality interior with plenty of soft-to-touch squidgy plastics. All models come with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display nestled neatly in a glossy black bezel on the dashboard.
Three trim levels models are available, including the Life, Style and R-Line. The entry-level Life trim includes LED headlights, wireless app-connect, power-folding heated exterior mirrors and 15-inch Essex alloy wheels.
The Style trim adds Matrix LED headlights, exterior ambient lighting, an illuminated front grille, Discover navigation system, parking sensors, sports comfort seats, Air Care Climatronic air conditioning system and 16-inch Palermo alloy wheels.
The top-spec R Line comes with privacy glass for rear side windows and rear window, Light & Sight pack, Travel Assist, a Digital Cockpit Pro with a 10.25" display screen, and 16-inch Valencia alloy wheels.
Power and Performance
Under the bonnet is a 1.0-litre petrol engine with power outputs of 80bhp, 95bhp and 110bhp. All are front-wheel drive, with the 80bhp and 95bhp having a five-speed manual transmission, while the 110bhp version gets a six-speed manual.
A high-performance 2.0-litre engine is also available but only with the GTI. This turbocharged petrol unit delivers 207hp and has a top speed of 149mph. It also receives Sport Select suspension, which allows you to firm up the car's adaptive dampers with a touch of a button.
Out on the road, the Volkswagen Polo is hard to beat for comfort compared to its rivals. It boasts a supple ride for a small car, edging out its competitors such as the SEAT Ibiza.
The Polo is also great for driving in town, thanks to its lightweight steering, which handles well in traffic. It also performs comfortably well on the motorways, producing little wind or road noise.
Leasing vs Buying
Prices for the new Volkswagen Polo start from £19,120.00 OTR* or to lease from £185.26 per month.
Want to know more about leasing the Volkswagen Polo? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the UK's largest providers of car leasing. All of our lease deals include the full manufacturer's warranty, road tax for the duration of the contract, breakdown cover and free mainland GB delivery (exclusions apply).
What's more, with fixed monthly rentals, a low initial outlay and flexible mileage and contract terms, leasing a Volkswagen Polo could be cheaper than buying outright with a bank loan or dealer finance.
*'On the road' price is correct at time of publication and includes one year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change. Always check with your nearest retailer.
