Volkswagen Polo 2014-2017 review | Mat Watson Reviews

The Volkswagen Polo is one of the most popular small hatchbacks around, and its posh badge tempts many buuyers away from rivals like the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa. However, does it deserve the praise reviewers lavishly pour upon it? Does a bias towards practicality and comfort take the edge off the fun? Find out in my in-depth video review
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Volkswagen Polo infotainment and interior review -
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[@carwow]

Our new Volkswagen Polo review is now live! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hF7ZiWSDftGIgck

[@lydiembwese1838]

Like the AUDI RS 4 CARWOW

[@huxleyjaxtyn4892]

I realize I am kinda off topic but does anybody know a good place to stream newly released series online?

[@fabianallan6270]

@Huxley Jaxtyn I use Flixzone. Just google for it =)

[@johndavidson3424]

How underrated,lol. Anyway I've been watching(even before I made this You tube channel) carwow since 2012. But I started commenting since 2020.

[@adamle2011]

Best car I ever owned, when my third child came along, I moved to the SUV , the Tiguan , I owned the polo for 18 years, the Germans are great with cars , truly speaking

[@soumaknandi9218]

anyone saw the polo rings in the glovebox? @ 0:44

[@navneetverma1000]

A polo in a polo, and golf ball in a golf and the speed never goes up in a up.

[@yvonnetownsend4999]

Police

[@yvonnetownsend4999]

Policeu

[@MiddleBencher1989]

Navneet Murti ...indian style

[@Arxhiemtb]

Navneet Murti it’s difficult to believe how good that was

[@danielhasson6985]

Balloons in the up*

[@sbomorse]

I have OCD and that volume knob would be adjusted to whatever sound left the symbol in the correct position!

[@scottsherman7069]

Samuel Brooks Same, my Citroen C1 has it and I refuse to change the volume via the idiotic design and just use he buttons on the steering wheel.

[@carwow]

We can confirm this is also an issue with that other Polo rival, the Ferrari California T…

[@scottsherman7069]

carwow Dammit, can't buy a Ferrari California T then... What a bummer...

[@owenrichards2622]

Way to avoid it: Never use it and just use the one on the steering wheel controls. That is what we do in our polo

[@callumhardy5098]

Samuel Bomorse My aunt had a Passat with the same radio and it pissed my off every single time i got in that car.

[@Lucy-lu7zk]

The only car review videos I watch! Always engaging and informed

[@ILQA1]

I recently drove both a 2016 Polo and a 2016 Fiesta when I was looking to buy my first self bought car. The Polo has a nicer cabin, but I think the Fiesta is better looking and it is much more enjoyable to drive. Comfortable yet very precise in corners. Also the Fiesta was a little cheaper (comparing top level trims) at least here in Finland so I went with that. Btw, thanks Matt for your reviews, it was because of you that I actually found out about the Fiesta. 🙏

[@virgin26]

@Joe Owen The front of the Fiesta is lovely

[@ralphyabby7547]

Good stuff guys!!!! I'm not even British but I love your videos. Much love from the Philippines!!!!

[@cammy944]

Polos in the Polo nice one.

[@tranquiljoe7816]

I own the entry level 2017 polo and its my first car and I don’t think it’s basic for a first car it perfect. I love it 😊

[@stuarttimocin7929]

I have this car, weird watching a review on it lol

[@simonboyes2550]

Ditto. I had no idea the back seats folded down like that

[@furkannn2000]

Same lol

[@wesleysolomons4322]

Same..

[@sarahwells3734]

I have this car but not the match. I have the SEL version.

[@alaeeddineelkhalat3498]

Hey was wondering if you had the polo 2014 and if it is reliable as a first time car

[@christianplummer3315]

I have the mark 4 facelift, it's my first car and I love it, I'm sticking with it for 2 years and after I'm picking up the mark 5!

[@ASTMA193]

Nice to hear a local accent I can identify with (and understand). I laughed so much at this video. Great stuff, Matt. Keep it up, (impressed, of Wolverhampton).

[@LetsHaveALuke]

I have the 1.2 Polo TSI SE Design and it's fantastic. Upgraded to Apple car play, rear camera and all the fancy gadgets such as cruise control stop start etc. Absolutely awesome car.

[@1seipai]

Your videos are individual which is great.

[@eriktenhag2022]

Meanwhile in India, in a board room meeting VW: best money minting method - infinite facelifts of the same car for a decade.

[@Enfielder1985]

Agreed. We should have the new model on our roads already. But then cost is a concern in our rather conservative auto market. For those who have safety as the main aspect followed by comfort, timeless design and then features, this is built like a tank and not everyone wants a tin can with plethora of features, most of which we wouldn't even use in India. You certainly know those cars... 😉 It's aged well and there are takers for this car, especially TSI GT. Pretty sure that's all VW wants instead of 5000+ number per month of every model they make. Quality over quantity stuff.

[@Enfielder1985]

Also if you observe the seatbelt's buckle, it has Audi logo on it... Certainly speaks a word on the quality of stuff in it.

[@vedanttaneja4428]

Enfielder1985 sell both the polos

[@khairunisa5497]

I downloaded this car wow app to see all the list of vehicles under each model, goddamn i was shocked, indian car market is 5 per cent of uk

[@mayurbhande9807]

@@khairunisa5497 I did not understand, what did you mean?

[@Bawa3]

Everyday I was looking for POLO review in your channel and finally you did it, I recently bought a new one and just wanted your review on it. Cheers Matt

[@carwow]

How're you getting on with it Rishi?

[@Bawa3]

Really good piece of kit, dead easy to use all the gucci controls but as you mentioned it got bit of body roll around corners and when joining the motorway its just fell embarrassing as my 1 litre 75 HP struggle to get some momentum. However I enjoy driving it in city.

[@bewise91]

You should make a review videos about used modern cars in every category, from small city car to SUV. I think it would be really good.

[@MC_AFC]

Can you do a review of the new Seat Leon FR model soon? Love the videos as always Mat!

[@erichahn8970]

If you are considering a Polo 1.0 Bluemotion 75HP or the 1.2TSi Bluemotion, save yourself the hassle and buy the 1.2. I originally bought the 75HP and although a great car it lacked the get up and go. I traded the 1.0 in for a 1.2TSi and it is the perfect balance of power for the car. Surprisingly the fuel consumption on the 1.2 is less as well compared to the 1.0 as you have to work the engine harder on the 1.0 - which uses more fuel. Moral of the story buy the 4 cylinder 1.2TSi from the start. Great car

[@HnK_Alex]

I also have the 1.2 TSI with the CUP version so it has wider tyres @215mm. The engine is really good, has enough torque and power but there is quite some turbo lag which can be annoying. I also get about 45mpg on average.

[@danielfl.9347]

Thanks

[@curiousgeorge6921]

Tsi is diesel?

[@selphy_]

@@curiousgeorge6921 no it's oetrol

[@markuspekkonen9457]

@@selphy_ petrol

[@YusufAryaPratama]

Spilled your coffee and suddenly showed up in the glove box. Magic!

[@paultasker7788]

My first car also a polo in pistachio green was my mums old car. 95M 1.3cl. 55bhp. Even Austin got more power out of a similar sized allegro engine! My friends 1.0 3 cylinder corsa was as quick. Overtaking and joining slip roads were scary. Despite that it was quite pleasant to drive, It never broke down and did 40mpg. Less than the 1.4tsi 140bhp Fr leon family estate I have today. I guess it had to work hard. Award winning in it's day the crazy colour meant I could find it everywhere in under 10 seconds.

[@ViktorPlays321]

You had me at the volume part! :D

[@carwow]

All carwow savings correct at time of publishing. Head over to our deals page to find all the latest offers - www.carwow.co.uk/volkswagen/polo/deals?KZbin&Make-volkswagen-Model-polo-Type-deal

[@markturner-smith5309]

Just brought a ex-demo October 2016 blueGT 1.4TSI 150ps ACT it's fantastic brilliant price - pick of the range Matt if brought as stock or ex-demo (to cut price) It's fun/super economy will tied down (comes with sport's suspension) none of the body roll you described very direct/response car. Do hope they keep a blueGT TSI in the new Polo's. They are in fact quite hard to find Polo blueGT's too.

[@selinahegarty7902]

Ive got the 66 plate red 1.2 match tsi petrol & i love it!!🙂🙂🙂

[@SuperDraupnir]

This guy is the God among car reviewers. He has really perfected the art.

[@forsnowboard]

It’s been one year with mine and I love it. I got the 1.2l tsi 90hp it’s great and it responds very well but you kinda feel it needs a little bit more power. Maybe the 110hp? Maybe not but I Recommend it as a first car 100%.

[@thierryvt]

my first car was a 98 polo with a 1.4 petrol that put out a massive 55hp while also maintaining a whopping 35mpg. The stereo needed about 5 minutes to "warm up" before it started playing and the starter motor was shot. The first night I got it it froze -10°C so the first ever time I wanted to drive it to school the locks had frozen... So I had to go get some hot water and thaw the damn thing. Not to mention the seals were busted so Ice would form on the inside. Other than that nothing ever broke on it and even with the broken starter motor it always started (except for when the battery died). I did like the little car though, don't regret buying it one bit.

[@clayvisual]

I've been waiting for this

[@Lytinwheedle]

Had one as a rental, and even the cheap and cheerful version felt quite solid and well-thought-through. I would get a Ibiza for the flair, or a 208 for the style though, but if you want a unit of standard car that doesn't get many things wrong, and are a bit beige, get the Polo. Could be a lot worse.

[@reececollison5101]

I have this car in Mayan Blue and I LOVE IT it’s my absolute baby. But yes I HATE how when you turn the volume nob the on/off sign turns with it. It HAS to be pointing straight up no matter what 😂 and I never knew the glovebox was cooled by the aircon!!!!

[@SeanMidlandstransporthub]

Currently learn in one of these and love it

[@virajmahindru2009]

At 4:43 the speedometer says car is not in motion as the speed is 0 M/H, yet Mat is looking down while the car is in motion for the Average Fuel Consumption.

[@AllAboutXPERIAL]

thank you mat for the video!!!

[@Horizon301.]

Quality is far better then the fiesta, the fiesta has no nice feeling materials and it's a dust and dirt magnet. We had both ad the polo was worth more after two years both new and it was a far better car overall and in conclusion after two years the fiesta was the one we sold

[@dublinairportplanes]

the fresta is way better then the pug 208 look at autoexpress 1st car on the supermini class

[@Horizon301.]

K_Q_ J_H the fiesta is better then a Peugeot but I would still argue the VW is far better then all of them

[@marcuswoodgate4026]

K_Q_ J_H Peugeot 208 is definitely better

[@dublinairportplanes]

K_Q_ J_H at least ford don't spend every 5 mins in the garage getting fixed, don't forget the fresta is much older like it came out in 2008 times in design have moved on, next fresta will have a touchscreen

[@dublinairportplanes]

while the quality is better in the polo, the polo does not stand a chance in terms of how the fresta drives, very little body roll in cornors, direct steering, great brakes, its a mini 3 series to be honest if not better to drive, it puts it to shame, the polo is a great car but come on dude its in a different class completely

[@faisalrahman7]

My first car was a 1996 (N reg) 1.6 Polo and I loved it :) had it for 3 years trouble free and it hit £130K mile on the clock and it all went wrong but I had 40k trouble free miles over almost four years so £750 well spent.

[@Frader1981]

Ive got the GTI and i love it!

[@Louis0wen]

Had the 2017 1.0 Match for about 6 months now and I agree, it’s a very sensible and easy to drive car. I’d definitely agree through.. if you can, go for the 1.2 because the 1.0 is mind numbingly slow!

[@damiandynski1804]

1.2 is also pretty lifeless, 88hp is just enough to comfortably commute around city however entering any road above 40mph will make you want to walk as it's probably faster lol.

[@levisanderson6951]

I knew that Polo Mints would be the Easter egg!

[@katdes7305]

a fair review, most reviewers are brown nosing every VW, but this is almost perfect, good and bad. well done

[@davidhayes4814]

When my Jazz was thumped up the rear and written off, I seriously thought about getting a Polo. I was very disappointed with how cramped it felt, after the Jazz which is massive inside for a super mini. I have a Golf on order, since only that can match the Jazz's roominess. It was my 3rd Jazz, so I wanted a change.

[@roadreg1820]

My Dad has the 1.2 Blue Motion with DSG. Great little car. Lovely steering wheel. The gear box (auto) is awesome. It reminds me of a 'baby golf R' going through the gears, haha. I find the best way to make it go fast is by driving it like a turbo diesel, as it seems to have peal power really low down. It feels like it dies at around 4.5k. Matt, sorry for the random question but is that a new phone you got there, old chap?

[@nikvee6330]

0:00 When you are a foreigner watching Peaky Blinders and understand😂

[@JimmyMcGillsg]

what would you guys choose from a polo comfort line executive edition 2016 or a audi a1 sportback 2017 just having navigation

[@Driziationz]

Do a Dacia Sandero next, I think a lot of people wants to know how good the most affordable car in the UK fares.

[@aimilios7542]

you are the best car reviewer!!!!!!

[@swanblake]

Really you wished they would offer this car in the states. Great looking and engaging

[@CodeSOS]

I love the gear system of Polo. It's so smooth. Love the solid feel drive of this car. German cars are the best!

[@incognito3223]

Great video👍

[@aurghh]

love the polo in the glovebox

[@Martini109]

Do a review of the Mazda MX-5 and/or Fiat/Abarth 124!

[@Dr.AbyPJohnson]

0:47 - Polo mint😂👏🏻.....

[@eattherich9215]

Good review. I shall have to replace my ancient Skoda Fabia next year and the VW Polo Match continues to be a contender. I could have gone for a used top of the line Kia Picanto with all the bells and whistles, but it's TINY. A 2016 mk5 Polo is about the same size as the Fabia whilst having vastly superior specs. Wind down door windows, anyone? 😂

[@bilalahmadghuman]

Hi Matt, reviews of Japanese cars are long awaited. Like Honda jazz, Toyota yaris and Suzuki swift.

[@ovidiucarstea2649]

Another great one, Matt! Congrats! As for the exterior, I think that the designers worked their butts off and did completely nothing, besides the small mods on the front bumper.... Build quality good, design crap.

[@AKILESHKUMARMG]

Ovidiu Carstea come 99

[@Mr1Yannick1]

Dear Carwow is the 75hp Polo good enough for Autobahn driving and is it also good for fuel saving on the Autobahn (120-130Km/h)?

[@ThinkCleverAndSmart]

That volume knob isn't anything new. It's the only thing I really hate of the skoda octavia, and it seems like it's on pretty much all of Volkswagens cars!

[@carwow]

Oh yes, we know. It just upsets our OCD. We have a fast loud yellow Italian convertible in today and it does the same thing. It's a bit more expensive than a Polo too.

[@ThinkCleverAndSmart]

carwow Haha, I often turn the radio off, and then rotate it just to get it straight! XD

[@Hamachingo]

Yea, the knob is actually very Volkswagen, kinda ruins the whole cockpit. Every other carmaker gets this right. Maybe there's aftermarket covers for that knob?

[@philipscott1128]

The MINI Countryman is the same story. OCD overload!

[@burso83]

I use the steering wheel controls only, the knob is not to be touched!!! :)

[@tenderpoison182]

I just like watching Matt.

[@tommyg9995]

I like the subtlety of the polo mints

[@TheRandomTechGuy]

Nice.. Thr is a Polo Mint in the Polo's Glovebox at 0:46 !!

[@grantkidd4142]

I've got the Polo Beats and it's excellent

[@vulturebeast]

awesome video 👍

[@g00dfeeling]

Good door closing sound and nice detail with gloves box but it is so dull. Fiesta is second dullest. I would just go with higher end Clio.

[@MrRohanThomas]

Higher end and you pick a french car, that is a bad decision

[@selinahegarty7902]

High end & clio shouldn't be in the same sentance. French cars are crap.

[@spookypineapple]

Love the video and the car, I just wish I could buy it in America!

[@theyruinedyoutubeagain]

5:40 I feel like this channel is slowly turning into Mat's dream adult video career

[@paultasker7788]

I've rented these. The 1.4 version with no turbo. That ain't quick so 1.2tsi is a good replacement. Had this engine on my last leon in the more powerful 110bhp guise. It's decent. The ride of the polo is good. The steering too light with virtually no feel and too much body roll. It's nicely refined but getting on a bit now. Like the fiesta it's beginning to look a bit dated. This is virtually a mark 5. If it gets latest platform it could be a fun drive.

[@joaopedropaixao9485]

The air conditioning thing on the glovebox, it exists on the 208 as well.

[@roberto28briggs]

Great review Matt. Can you review the Renault Clio?

[@AKILESHKUMARMG]

Roberto Wilson ñ

[@mhcreations9091]

I like the way of your entry

[@mitch9225]

Looks much smarter than the Fiesta on the inside but I’m still not sold on it. That engine isn’t doing enough for me, the eco boost in the fiesta screams fun.

[@dsldude1152]

Review for the new Nissan Micra please, never thought I would ever say that!

[@carwow]

We'll review the new one as soon as we can get our hands on it. Looks like a complete turnaround!

[@zomocide8789]

I have a 1.6 TDI polo stage 1 and it’s a blast. Love it

[@HliasPalaiologopoulos-bt1th]

The review says it ain’t that much fun to drive but I do have a question : does the steeeing wheel feel dead? Like does it feel like you’re actually driving or is it a completely bland experience?

[@zomocide8789]

@@HliasPalaiologopoulos-bt1th I have 6r polo (mk5 and the video shows mk5.5) and it’s great. Steering is great. Handling is nice. Overall much fun

[@rush_hour1304]

can you do a review of the Hyundai i20 sport?

[@Fc-cb3tn]

Aircon as standard, wow! We're actually back in the 70s.

[@Namrod9885]

I just bought a polo...but the gti! Been too scared to test the sport button haha

[@4TheExec]

I just love these videos, but the volume of the audio needs to be increased. If I don't use my headphones, I don't hear well enough!

[@pushbikeman]

This is a good information video but even 5 years ago reviewer Mat Watson wears sneakers that seem a bit too young for him, thankfully in this 2016 review, he contains the excesses of what I see as an irritating tendency for irrelevance but here he stays if only just on the right side of quirky. So if you are considering a used VW polo this car wow video is a good enough place to start and the review seems fair and balanced. As for the Polo, I do like it but is it only me or is it a boring car? but then if it works and works well and remains reliable then it has to be considered.

[@skyblues8785]

I saw the polo mints in the glove box

[@renburton1026]

Review the seat Ibiza please

[@erahman95]

Is the car suitable for petite people- I’m 5ft and my legs are short. I currently drive a Corsa and the seat moves quite forward. What’s the polo like?

[@chandler123]

Can you rivew the gtc astra limited edition plz

[@gaurisankars7086]

This car is freaking being sold even now in India and its touted as a driver's car here. Irony.

[@nastyscorp]

is polo supermini is a good car for a family of three ? or should one wait for next gen polo

[@Memories-_]

Am i sad or is Matt funny? Because some of the stuff he says and does on these reviews really makes me laugh 😂😂

[@Bawa3]

Dezz9820 he is the best in his class 💁‍♂️🚗🚕🚙🚜

[@lisaonn4811]

I am looking at a 2016 petrol polo and have gotten confused between BlueMotion and non BlueMotion. When you say 1.2 turbo petrol is that BlueMotion? I just want the most economical engine (as I am leaving a beloved toyota yaris 2004 diesel that gave me 69-70mpg). My driving pattern has changed and my country hence a petrol. Any help please! Lisa

[@donyoucef4693]

when are you going to review the 208 ?

[@detective3728]

Matt. What happened to the guy who wished for the a review of the BlueGt version?

[@paulpope5157]

my gosh, that volume button twisty thingy would definitely mess with my OCD

[@basantwali7232]

best car reviewer!

[@Zorxh]

Just got my VW Polo yesterday. It's the 1.0 Bluemotion with 95hp. It's fantastic and not slow at all. It's my first car & to everyone out there who's looking for a car the in that category I'd recommend the Polo. I test drove most cars in the same price range & the polo was so much better to drive than the others.

[@chickensoupfortheloser8515]

Set Zorah People will probably mistake you for a pensioner tho :D

[@alexmetaxa1559]

Set Zorah .

[@Zorxh]

MRsjovealek I've been driving my parents cars for almost 2 years where one is a 5 series bmw. I can tell the difference between fast and slow

[@Zorxh]

Chicken Soup for the Loser rather have that than waking up every day knowing that your car is garbage

[@chickensoupfortheloser8515]

Set Zorah Having a good first car isn't something I'd consider a big priority though, and tbh there are better alternatives to the predictable conservative polo which is getting replaced next year.

[@serdardurdyyev5236]

pls make a 2017 polo review

[@PatoTeuceda]

Here, in South America (i live in Argentina), this car use the older 1.6 (101hp) engine, only the Up! use that 1.0

[@svenczyborra]

I wish I could save 3.600 pounds on average, but I don't know where

[@nastyscorp]

i imagine a world with 2.0 liter TDI polo with 143 bhp, hot hatch fast plus fuel economy

[@attackonpieck2789]

Polo R (actual R not R-Line) WRC 2.0 pushing like 200bhp if I'm not incorrect? Really rare to come across though

[@ashikanwar1780]

cool presentation

[@MohamedSKhan]

Matt .. what cars can we expect next ..give us some clues

[@connorellis34]

I’ve been looking at loads of polo gti 2017 and either they don’t have CarPlay or the dealers are not putting it in its description.

[@memberofthelegion5626]

European journalists : In terms of handling, this is quite boring to drive… Asian and South American journalists : OMG, this is so fun to drive!

[@trendyone30]

Is it me or Matt only always recommends SHORTLISTING from the list.