• Summary
• What's Good
• What's Bad
• On the Road
• In The Cabin
• Prices and Specs
• Owners' Reviews

Small cars don't have to be exciting to be successful as the Polo proves. It's been going since 1975 and has carved out a reputation as a well built and sensible small hatchback. There's certainly nothing wrong with that and more than 10 million people worldwide seem to agree as they've bought one. The latest version - which is now the fifth generation model - follows that trend. It's not radical or groundbreaking but it is attractive, well engineered and easy to live with.

This Polo is slightly bigger than the outgoing model but actually weighs less which helps economy. And in terms of styling it's far more in line with its larger relation the Golf, than was the case with the previous model. That's especially true at the front where it's easy to mistake the two from a quick glance. It's a huge improvement inside too with a far more appealing layout and a better impressions of quality. It's also roomier, especially noticeable in terms of elbow room for those in the front.

The standard Polo is available with a wide choice of engines: four petrol and two diesel. There are a pair of naturally-aspirated three-cylinder 1.2-litre engines with 60bhp or 70bhp, a 1.4-litre 85bhp and the 1.2-litre TSI with 105bhp which is a real gem. The two common rail TDI units are a 1.2-litre three-cylinder with 75bhp and a 1.6-litre. It's the former of these that is used in the BlueMotion model which thanks to a range of fuel saving measures is capable of averaging an incredible 80.7mpg according to the official figures plus it's free to tax. There's even a sporty GTI version which shares its 1.4 TSI engine (and platform) with the Skoda Fabia vRS and SEAT Ibiza Cupra.

However, most people choose a Polo because it's such an accomplished small car. It may not be as good to drive as a Ford Fiesta or as versatile as a Honda Jazz, but it remains a great all-rounder that's well built and thanks to the Volkswagen badge, holds its value well too. It's so good in fact, it was voted European Car of the Year in 2010.