Polo's one of the best

Nov 23 2009 Peter Hayward

I COULD have whooped with joy when I drove the latest VW Polo because the German giant has finally realized the danger of electric blue panel lights and stopped using them.

This has spoiled a number of their cars for me, because the colour was exactly the same as the blue lights on ambulances and police cars.

This latest Polo is a real contender - one of the best in the supermini class.

I drove the 1.4 petrol with a smooth and willing engine which offers plenty of fun along with an enjoyable soundtrack.

It is not particularly quick, but does have enough get up and go for safe overtaking as long as you have enough space.

It also has excellent road-holding and grip that seems to go on forever. The ride is comfortable over all kinds of different surfaces, the power steering is marvellous and while there is some roll, it's never too bad.

Interior

It's a big car this Polo, with enough legroom for one six footer to sit behind another and space for five as long as the journey is not too long.

The seats fold easily and quickly for a bigger load and it comes with electric windows and mirrors, aircon and plenty of seat and column adjustment.

FAST FACTS

Volkswagen Polo 1.4 SE 5dr

Price: £12,450

Mechanical: 84bhp, 1390cc, 4 cylinder petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox.

Max speed: 110mph

0-62mph: 11.9 seconds

Combined mpg: 47.9

Insurance group: 4

CO2 emissions: 139g/km

BIK rating: 15%

Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles

Marks: 10/10

Main rival: Honda Jazz, Peugeot 207