1996 Volkswagen Polo 1.0 from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Amazingly good
Faults:
Absolutely nothing has gone wrong with this car. Still going perfectly after 100,000 miles. Everything in perfect condition.
General Comments:
Very solid and extremely well built car. Very reliable and economical.
Performance isn't amazing with the 1.0 litre engine, however fuel economy is excellent (this is more important than 0-60 acceleration to me) and the engine is extremely reliable and still quiet after 100,000 miles. Servicing costs were also extremely reasonable.
The interior is attractive and very comfortable. All the fittings are still as good as when the car was first bought.
Overall, the Polo is by far the best hatchback. I've driven several different superminis including a Fiesta, 206, and Clio - the Polo beats them all hands down.
My next car will definitely be a Volkswagen.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 17th August, 2002
29th Apr 2007, 07:25
I agree with your comments: I own a 1996 1.6 GL and it does indeed have quite a 'big car' feel for something KA-sized! Compared to most other super-minis of it's generation, it is definitely of a higher build quality (inside & outside) and personally, in 2 years of ownership, I've had nothing major go wrong - so yes, you do pay for that privilege.
Being a Polo, it's not the sharpest to drive because it's made more for comfortable cruising/shopping run than boy-racer antics and as such, is not a 'driver's car, but considering it's just 75bhp, I found this car is deceptively nippy (mainly thanks to decent levels of torque spread across the range), and it is equally capable around town or on the motorway.
The steering is a bit too stodgy and vague, but easily up to the job.
The only drawback I found was the poor mpg: mid-30's driving normally and around 30 mpg with my foot down and also, the road noise is quite intrusive at motorway speeds, but it's a small (very lively!) 8 valve 75bhp engine and has low profile tyres, so I guess I should expect that!).
Yeah, true, it's just a Polo with a boring bland reputation - does everything well, but is not exceptional in any area (other than build quality) but I think, for a first car (by the way, I'm 33 and have driven many many cars - so this isn't my first car!) or a quality cheap (ish!) runabout/2nd car (my reason for having one) this is an excellent well-made car.
Personally, I think it looks really good also in a chunky tough way (mine with metallic 'dragon'green paint,15inch alloys and a subtle factory body kit) and have always had compliments from people who like it for what it is - a very likeable, nippy & reliable runabout which won't let you down.
I'm currently saving for a decent sporty 2.0, maybe ctr/scooby etc.