Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TDI BlueMotion, road test (Part III)

We conclude our analysis of the Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion with this third part, where we look at the equipment, our overall assessment and the Polo’s prices. So far we have already seen how it performs, with its 75 CV TDI engine, a three-cylinder unit with enough power for relaxed driving, but which above all stands out for its consumption figures of around 4 litres per 100 km on the open road.

In the second part of the test we focused on the exterior design, which has quite a few differences from the rest of the Polo range, mainly to improve the car’s aerodynamics and thereby help reduce consumption. Inside, it is the same as the rest of the range and offers high-quality finish and enough space for four adults.

Equipment

When we review the equipment we always start with the safety features. In this case, even in base trim, the Polo comes with front and front side airbags, as well as head airbags, with rear curtain airbags available as options. It also has stability control as standard, along with ABS with emergency braking assist, while fog lights are optional.

As for crash tests Euro NCAP, the Polo has achieved five stars, with a fairly solid score, one of the highest in its segment. Moreover, since 2000 the VW Polo has already held four stars. It is therefore a vehicle that is quite complete when it comes to safety.

The standard equipment of a VW Polo includes front electric windows, power steering, central locking, 14″ steel wheels and a CD-MP3 radio with four speakers. Sometimes, however, there are promotions offering more complete equipment, including air conditioning for example, at a lower price.

The equipment levels are as follows: Advance, BlueMotion, Sport, Cross and GTI. I will therefore focus on the standard equipment specific to the BlueMotion level, which is the one in our test. The equipment includes air conditioning, a CD-MP3 radio with four speakers, the version’s specific wheels with 185/60 R15 tyres, and fog lights.

There is not much to highlight about the equipment on our unit, except the good performance of the radio (it is the one fitted as standard on any Polo) and the sound quality it offered. Perhaps we missed audio controls on the steering wheel in this BlueMotion version, but otherwise the equipment is basic but has everything necessary.

Overall Assessment and Prices

The Polo is available from 13,330 euros (10,950 euros with promotion), a good starting figure for a well-built model with a good interior finish. However, the BlueMotion version starts at 17,000 euros (14,955 euros with promotion), a price that is perhaps somewhat high for the basic equipment this eco version offers.

In its favour, it has an excellent three-cylinder diesel engine that achieves consumption figures more typical of a hybrid than a diesel, recording consumption of around 4 litres per 100 km on the open road. It is not an engine that stands out for performance, but that is not what it is aimed at, while the Polo’s stability is good, holding its line very well in tricky conditions while still providing comfort on board.

In the interior we find a sober but well-finished vehicle, with enough space for four adults and just enough for five, mainly in width. In short, this version delivers on its promise of lower consumption and offers a car in which to cover many kilometres, but in exchange we get somewhat basic equipment (an area for improvement) and a rather high starting price (with the promotion it is more reasonable and becomes more appealing). It should also be noted that a hybrid vehicle (which improves on consumption except in town) is somewhat more expensive.

Photos | Test team