Model tested: Polo SE 1.4-litre
Price: £12,450
Date tested: July 2009
Road tester: Keith Collantine

The Volkswagen Polo European Car of the Year 2009 - surprising many industry experts who tipped the Toyota IQ to win. After spending a week in one, there's no doubt the Polo was a worthy winner.

Auto Trader ten point test rating: 91%

1: Looks
The new Polo takes on the looks of its big brothers, the Golf and Scirocco, and arguably wears it even better than they do. It's a mature but modern style which is a little more reserved than the outright funkiness of the Ford Fiesta.
9/10

2: Looks inside
The interior oozes quality; the switches have a distinctly up-market feel and aluminium highlights add class. All but the tallest passengers should find the rear seat space sufficient.
10/10

3: Practicality
This Polo is roughly the same size as a Mk2 Golf. The 280-litre boot isn't huge, but the rear seats fold flat easily, increasing space to 952 litres - that's 78 litres less than the old Polo.
8/10

4: Ride and handling
Although the new Polo is longer and wider than its predecessor, it's also lighter and 5mm shorter; the effect on the handling is noticeable. The steering is light and precise and the ride good, if a little firm.
9/10

5: Performance
Volkswagen promises efficiency improvements of up to 20% over the previous Polo. The diesels are particularly economical, but the 1.2TSI is the most interesting engine, offering the best fuel economy of the petrol motors and the best acceleration.
10/10

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6: Running costs
The smaller-engined Polos are cheap to insure and very economical. The forthcoming Bluemotion should qualify for free road tax.
9/10

7: Reliability
Volkswagen has a strong reputation for reliability; the Polo feels solidly built inside and out, and should be dependable.
9/10

8: Safety
All Polos have ESP, traction control and ABS while both front passengers get airbags, side airbags and anti-whiplash head restraints. There are two ISOFIX mounts in the rear and the SEL has a tyre pressure sensor and indicator.
9/10

9: Equipment
All Polos have front electric windows, an immobiliser and reach/rake adjustment for the steering wheel; posher cars get front fog lights, tinted rear windows and MP3 connections, plus climate control.
8/10

10: X-Factor
The Polo is Car of the Year prize because it's a high-quality product at an exceptionally reasonable price. Between this and the Ford Fiesta, supermini buyers are spoiled for choice. You can't go far wrong with either car, but the Polo is likely to appeal more to buyers who want a product with a premium feel.
10/10