The Volkswagen Polo->ke322 is one of the smallest cars in the manufacturer’s massive portfolio, but it’s also one of its most fun and most successful models as well. From tiny fuel sipping diesels up to WRC homologation models with high-stung turbocharged engines, there are many different flavors of Polo to suit everyone. They even make a Polo GTI if you want it. Of course, the tiny hatchback isn’t for everyone, so VW make a small crossover->ke288 and a sedan->ke142 version as well.

The car has been a massive sales success for Volkswagen->ke94, and the company has been doing everything it can to keep the car competitive and fresh. Apart from the various trim levels and engine options, the car has received regular and through refreshes. The last big one came in 2009 with the introduction of Mk 5 car in 2009. Now coming into 2014, the Polo receives another refresh that brings new engines, revised looks, better fuel economy and more equipment than ever before.

Oh, and before we get too far, this is all for our Euro friends. The Polo has no US release plans.

Click past the jump to read more about the new 2015 Volkswagen Polo.

2015 Volkswagen Polo

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Volkswagen Polo
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 60 @ 5000
  • Torque: 70 @ 3000
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The Polo’s exterior design is new and refined, but there is nothing drastic happening here. If you have seen any of Volkswagen’s recent designs, you will have a good idea of what the Polo looks like. The overall aesthetic is clean and organized. The upright greenhouse increases visibility and having the wheels pushed to all four corners increases interior space and agility.

If you think the plain basic Polo isn’t interesting enough to look at, you can order a car with the R-Line package. This will add new alloy wheels in various designs, a new radiator grille, more aggressive bumpers, a small rear diffuser, chromed exhaust tips and a roof spoiler.

2015 Volkswagen Polo - Exterior Dimension

Length

3,972 mm (156.37 inches)

Width

1,682 mm (66.22 inches)

Height

1,453 mm (57.20 inches)

Wheelbase

2,470 mm (97.24 inches)

Track, front/rear

1,463/1,456 mm (57.59/57.32 inches)


Interior

The Interior of the new Polo is easily one of the best in the segment. It has that same dark and boring cave-like design as most German cars, but it is incredibly well built and features more soft-touch surfaces and high quality materials than you are likely to find in any competitor.

Aside from intelligent details and good ergonomics, Volkswagen has also fitted the Polo with a large collection of technology. Depending on your trim choice you can get one of the three different stereo systems or even a navigation unit. Bluetooth is standard on many of these systems and Volkswagen even has a MirrorLink system that lets certain smartphone apps be accessed via the car’s central touchscreen.

Drivetrain

The drivetrain is where Volkswagen is making some of the most important changes to the Polo formula. The Polo is the first car in Volkswagen history to wear a BlueMotion badge but still be powered by a gasoline engine. All previous BlueMotion models feature diesel engines.

This new engine is a small 1.0-liter three-cylinder with a turbocharger, similar to the new 1.0L Ecoboost on the Ford Fiesta. With 94 horsepower, the new TSI BlueMotion car is powerful enough to provide drivers with plenty of fun and excitement, while keeping fuel usage low. IF you still prefer the grunt and torque of a diesel, the TDI Bluemotion is returning with a revised engine as well. The TDI makes a respectable 74 horsepower, and Volkswagen is claiming that this will be the most fuel efficient five-passenger diesel car in the world.

If you like a little more excitement with your fuel savings, the Polo BlueGT should be right up your alley. It is still the same Polo you know and love with the same focus on fuel economy, but the 1.4-liter TSI engine has been massaged for more power. The result is 147 horsepower, a gain of about 9 ponies over the last model.

Aside from the BlueGT and BlueMotion cars, the Polo will be available with the traditional set of petrol and diesel engines.

Type of engine

3-cyl. petrol engine

3-cyl. petrol engine BMT

3-cyl. TSI

Effective displacement

1.0 liter

1.0 liter

1.0 liter

Valves per cylinder

4

4

4

Injection / Charge

Multi-point injection

Multi-point injection

Direct injection / Turbocharger

Power output HP

60

75

94

Max. torque Nm at rpm

95 / 3,000 - 4,300

95 / 3,000 - 4,300

160 / 1,400 - 4,000


Competition

Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta is one of the current kings in this segment. It combines Ford's impeccable ability to make a great driving car with a funky exterior design that feels youthful and fresh.

Ford->ke31 is also making great strides in matching performance and fuel economy thanks to its new 1.0-liter Ecoboost engine. It is one of the smallest and lightest production engines ever created.

Depending on the market, this will be the Polo's biggest competitor.

Opel Corsa

If you still want a German badge on your hood but you want something that looks a little more interesting than the Volkswagen, the GM-owned Opel->ke65 is here to help. The Corsa->ke1594 has a smoother, more interesting shape that splits the difference in overall look between the somber Polo and the hip Fiesta.

Since the current Corsa has been out on the market longer, there are a lot more options for you in regards to engine and model choices. There are currently nine different trim models for the UK market alone.

Conclusion

The Volkswagen Polo is not the perfect car for everyone. It is a little small and the exterior design could be called be boring, but if you are one of the many European readers of TopSpeed and you need a well-built car incredible interior quality and world-record fuel economy, you won’t find a better choice. If you wanted, Volkswagen will even sell you a small crossover version as well. Just in case your daily commute features a bit of muddy field.