Is VW Polo a Good First Car? (6 Top Reasons to Get One)
Volkswagen Polo is one of the best options for teen drivers with excellent first car qualities in efficiency, affordability, and safety.
It holds its own remarkably well despite the stiff competition from other small cars (see the match-ups later in the post).
6 Reasons to Get the Volkswagen Polo as Your First Car
#1 Class-Competitive Fuel Efficiency
Official MPG figures vary considerably because the Polo’s base trim has a 1.0L engine and the more-potent GTI carries a 2.0L powertrain.
Volkswagen rated the 1.0L 80-bhp engine at 51 mpg combined, the 1.0L 95-bhp engine at 54 mpg, and the 1.0L 110-bhp at 50 mpg.
First cars need to be as fuel-efficient as possible, so the GTI version is out of the question.
That said, the VW Polos recorded an average of 46.3 mpg in real-world tests.
The 1.0L 95-bhp VW Polo remains the thriftiest of the lot.
#2 Thoroughly Inexpensive Insurance
Insurance cost is crucial in determining a good first car, and the Volkswagen Polo shines.
Although the Polo classes as a supermini, it is one of the cheapest to insure – as affordable as city cars if you opt for the lowest Polo trim.
VW Polos with the 1.0L 80-bhp, 1.0L 75-bhp, and 1.0L 65-bhp engines fall in insurance group 1.
Higher trims such as the 1.0L TSI 95-bhp and 1.0L TSI 110-bhp are in the more-expensive groups 8 and 10 respectively.
The most potent GTIs are in groups 23 to 29.
See how the VW Polo matches up to alternative superminis in the comparison table later in the post.
#3 Impeccable Safety
The Volkswagen Polo’s Euro NCAP ratings are excellent news for first car shoppers.
Euro NCAP awarded the 2022 VW Polo 5 out of 5 stars.
But if you’re on the market for a used Polo, the earlier models’ crash safety is equally confidence-inspiring.
When the VW Polo underwent Euro NCAP crash tests in 2017 and 2009, it also received a maximum of 5/5 stars.
Not many superminis can stake claim to such consistently-high performance in the increasingly-stringent safety standards.
#4 Good Visibility
The level of visibility a car provides influences how easy it is to drive.
For new drivers, visibility is crucial because it also impacts safety.
A tall SUV with an elevated seating position typically provides superior visibility.
But as far as superminis go, the VW Polo is one of the easiest to see out.
It has slim roof pillars, decent-sized glass areas, and a relatively upright styling.
A vehicle that doesn’t impede outward views makes it that much easier to live with.
#5 Commendable Ride Quality
VW Polos have a light steering that makes driving in the city effortless.
But the steering becomes weightier for added stability and feel at motorway speeds.
The absorbent suspension eases its way over bumps, lumps, and ridges, and the Polo is a comfortable car to drive short and long distances.
Avoid Polos fitted with 17-inch or 18-inch wheels as they convey the unevenness of the road into the cabin and make the ride harsher.
If a refined ride is high on your priority list, the Ford Fiesta is another viable option.
#6 Generous Interior Space
All Polos come with a roomy cabin and spacious boot.
They have a generously-sized interior that can carry several passengers or plenty of luggage.
Plus, the boot has a wide opening and a user-friendly rectangular shape.
The Polo can ably accommodate taller and larger drivers.
Both three and five-door models provide easy entry and exit for the driver, although the former’s longer doors can be trickier to open in tightly packed parking spaces.
(See interior capacity comparison with other superminis below.)
Best VW Polo for Your First Car
The Volkswagen Polo in the UK is available in four trims and several engine sizes:
- Life – cheapest; engine sizes include the least powerful of the Polos (1.0L 80 bhp).
- Style – same engine but with additional features over Life.
- R-Line – similar price and specification as the Style trim but with an optional more powerful engine (110 bhp vs. 95 bhp).
- GTI – most expensive; sporty trim with added performance.
The Life trim with the 1.0L engine that produces 95 bhp (vs. the weaker 80-bhp one) is the best VW Polo for a first car.
It provides the best combination of the highest fuel efficiency among Polos and relatively affordable pricing (second cheapest Polo) and insurance (group 8).
The 1.0L 80bhp lacks power given the car’s weight, which increases fuel consumption.
But if getting the cheapest VW Polo to insure is crucial to you, opt for the 1.0L 80-bhp engine (group 1).
The older VW Polo with a 1.0L 65-bhp engine also falls in UK insurance group 1.
Volkswagen Polo vs. Alternative First Cars
Strong contenders in the crowded supermini segment include:
- Ford Fiesta
- Hyundai i20
- MINI 5-door
- Peugeot 208
- Renault Clio
- Skoda Fabia
- Toyota Yaris
- Vauxhall Corsa
Let’s see how they compare in the essential first car aspects.
Table Guide:
- MPG: (UK) real-world test; combined driving; models averaged.
- Insurance Groups: 1 = cheapest, 50 = most expensive.
- Euro NCAP: 1/5 to 5/5 stars (latest test).
- Cabin/Boot Space: Generous, Average, Limited; segment relative.
- Ride Quality: Good, Average, or Poor.
| MPG | Insurance Groups | Euro NCAP | Cabin Space | Boot Space | Ride Quality | |
| Volkswagen Polo | 46.0 | 1 – 29 | 5/5 | Generous | Generous (351L) | Good |
| Ford Fiesta | 45.0 | 2 – 30 | 5/5 | Average | Average (311L) | Good |
| Hyundai i20 | 47.3 | 12 – 16 | 4/5 | Generous | Generous (352L) | Average |
| MINI 5-door | 45.7 | 11 – 37 | 4/5 | Average | Limited (211L) | Good |
| Peugeot 208 | 52.7 | 12 – 25 | 4/5 | Average | Average (311L) | Average |
| Renault Clio | 50.6 | 3 – 29 | 5/5 | Average | Generous (391L) | Average |
| Skoda Fabia | 49.0 | 2 – 13 | 5/5 | Generous | Generous (530L) | Good |
| Toyota Yaris | 54.6 | 13 – 14 | 5/5 | Average | Limited (286L) | Good |
| Vauxhall Corsa | 42.7 | 10 – 23 | 4/5 | Average | Average (309L) | Average |
The Ford Fiesta is comparable to the Volkswagen Polo in ownership costs – although you get less interior room.
Still, the Fiestas are some of the best first cars in the segment with excellent handling and ride quality.
Plus, it has an impeccable safety rating like the Polo, and the standard model is inexpensive to insure.
If you’re looking for the best first car in the supermini segment that’s inexpensive to run and cheaper than class leaders of comparable performance, look no further than the Skoda Fabia.
It does everything incredibly well, including boasting the ultra-generous 530 liters of boot space with the rear seats up and an equally spacious cabin.
The Skoda Fabia’s pricing is incredibly attractive for the quality you get.
The Toyota Yaris looks smart and is ultra-dependable, although its high price tag may deter some first car shoppers.
If you feel going with a popular choice is safer, the Vauxhall Corsa is UK’s best-selling car in 2021 and is worth considering.
Going One Size Up for Your First Car (Family Hatchback)
If you need a little more cabin or boot space, options are aplenty in the hatchback segment:
- Volkswagen Golf
- Ford Focus
- Mazda 3
- Skoda Octavia
- Kia Ceed
- Mercedes-Benz A-class
- Toyota Corolla
- Honda Civic
- Vauxhall Astra
Let’s compare them in the vital first car aspects.
Table Guide:
- MPG: (UK) real-world test; combined driving; models averaged.
- Insurance Groups: 1 = cheapest, 50 = most expensive.
- Euro NCAP: 1/5 to 5/5 stars (latest test).
- Cabin/Boot Space: Generous, Average, Limited; segment-relative.
- Ride Quality: Good, Average, or Poor.
| MPG | Insurance Groups | Euro NCAP | Cabin Space | Boot Space | Ride Quality | |
| Volkswagen Golf | 50.4 | 14 – 24 | 5/5 | Average | Average (381L) | Good |
| Ford Focus | 45.5 | 8 – 19 | 5/5 | Generous | Limited (316L) | Good |
| Mazda 3 | 44.6 | 15 – 23 | 5/5 | Average | Average (358L) | Good |
| Skoda Octavia | 50.0 | 12 – 25 | 5/5 | Generous | Generous (600L) | Good |
| Kia Ceed | 46.1 | 8 – 18 | 4/5 | Average | Average (390L) | Average |
| Mercedes A-class | 45.4 | 15 – 24 | 5/5 | Average | Average (370L) | Good |
| Toyota Corolla | 56.4 | 14 – 21 | 5/5 | Average | Average (361L) | Good |
| Honda Civic | 45.0 | 15 – 41 | 5/5 | Generous | Generous (478L) | Good |
| Vauxhall Astra | 46.0 | 11 – 20 | 5/5 | Generous | Average (370L) | Good |
The Honda Civic boasts class-leading cabin and boot space, except for the sloping roofline that limits headroom.
The Skoda Octavia has the largest boot of all hatchbacks, top-notch ride comfort, and superior interior quality – the ideal first car that offers excellent value for money.
For the budget-conscious first-time buyer, the Kia Ceed is one of the cheapest to insure, and the brand provides an extended seven-year warranty.
If you want a fun-to-drive first car with a premium interior, choose the Mazda 3.
Opt for the Toyota Corolla if you want a family hatchback and the most fuel-efficient first car.
Alternatively, the Vauxhall Astra is a solid all-rounder for new drivers.
VW Polo or VW Golf for First Car
The VW Polo is a supermini, and the VW Golf is a hatchback – the latter is the larger car.
Table Guide:
- MPG: (UK) real-world test; combined driving; models averaged.
- Insurance Groups: 1 = cheapest, 50 = most expensive.
- Euro NCAP: 1/5 to 5/5 stars (latest test).
- Cabin/Boot Space: Generous, Average, Limited; segment relative.
- Ride Quality: Good, Average, or Poor.
| MPG | Insurance Groups | Euro NCAP | Cabin Space | Boot Space | Ride Quality | |
| Volkswagen Polo | 46.0 | 1 – 29 | 5/5 | Generous | Generous (351L) | Good |
| Volkswagen Golf | 50.4 | 14 – 24 | 5/5 | Average | Average (381L) | Good |
The Golf is good to drive and has marginally more space than the Polo – but only because it competes in the larger family hatchback segment.
Overall, the Volkswagen Polo is the better choice for a first car than the Golf because it’s cheaper to buy and insure, and it offers excellent value for the money.
VW Polo or Ford Fiesta for First car
Both compete in the supermini segment and are comparable.
Table Guide:
- MPG: (UK) real-world test; combined driving; models averaged.
- Insurance Groups: 1 = cheapest, 50 = most expensive.
- Euro NCAP: 1/5 to 5/5 stars (latest test).
- Cabin/Boot Space: Generous, Average, Limited; segment relative.
- Ride Quality: Good, Average, or Poor.
| MPG | Insurance Groups | Euro NCAP | Cabin Space | Boot Space | Ride Quality | |
| Volkswagen Polo | 46.0 | 1 – 29 | 5/5 | Generous | Generous (351L) | Good |
| Ford Fiesta | 45.0 | 2 – 30 | 5/5 | Average | Average (311L) | Good |
The Ford Fiesta is versatile, practical, and has low running costs.
The VW Polo is also a capable all-rounder but offers a little more interior room than the Fiesta.
It’s a close call.
In the Ford Fiesta vs. VW Polo match-up, both are compelling options in the supermini class – opt for whichever design you like best.
VW Polo or Vauxhall Corsa for First Car
Table Guide:
- MPG: (UK) real-world test; combined driving; models averaged.
- Insurance Groups: 1 = cheapest, 50 = most expensive.
- Euro NCAP: 1/5 to 5/5 stars (latest test).
- Cabin/Boot Space: Generous, Average, Limited; segment relative.
- Ride Quality: Good, Average, or Poor.
| MPG | Insurance Groups | Euro NCAP | Cabin Space | Boot Space | Ride Quality | |
| Volkswagen Polo | 46.0 | 1 – 29 | 5/5 | Generous | Generous (351L) | Good |
| Vauxhall Corsa | 42.7 | 10 – 23 | 4/5 | Average | Average (309L) | Average |
The Corsa may be a chart-topper in 2021 sales, but its ride quality isn’t as polished as the Volkswagen Polo.
Opt for the Polo over the Corsa given the former’s better overall value – drives well, returns higher fuel economy, and is roomier.
Plus, the Polo is cheaper to insure if you choose the standard trim.
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