Volkswagen Polo hatchback (2009-2017) - Interior & comfort

It's inside that the Polo really makes it mark. Top-quality materials, excellent fit and finish and big-car comfort make it feel a cut above its rivals.

VW Polo dashboard

Even though design is subjective, it's hard not to argue that the Polo's interior is extremely conservative, with a much more restrained and grown-up design than what you get in the Ford Fiesta. Sit in the driver's seat and you're greeted with a slim steering wheel with a pair of simple, easy-to-read dials behind it.

The centre console is pretty minimalist, but the clear buttons on the stereo and rotary dials for controlling the heater are very easy to operate. The dashboard feels like it’s made from high-quality plastics, similar to those used on the larger VW Golf.

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The Polo offers plenty of adjustment of the driver's seat and the steering wheel to help you find a comfortable driving position. The pedals are very comfortably placed, too, and the gearlever feels good, making it very easy to get the Polo set up exactly how you like it.

Equipment

Equipment is sparse on the basic models and the Polo S does without air-conditioning, but gets a Bluetooth phone connection, colour touchscreen and electronic stability control.

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The S A/C gets exactly the same kit, but adds air-conditioning. Match models add 15-inch alloy wheels, a larger, higher-quality touchscreen, cruise control, tinted rear windows, front and rear parking sensors, remote central locking, electric folding mirrors and an iPod connection.

The Polo Beats features a 300-watt Beats Audio stereo, sports seats, the ability to connect your phone to the car with App Connect and unique Beats design features such as red mirrors and decals along the bottom of the doors.

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SEL models add useful features such as cruise control, plus front and rear parking sensors, while the BlueGT comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, an electronic differential for better handling, a BlueGT bodykit and a driver alertness warning system.

R-Line trim features its own bodykit – a discreet front splitter and rear spoiler can be seen. The trim also features some unique 16-inch alloy wheels, piano-black interior trim and R-Line embossed front seats.

The GTI adds traditional tartan cloth trim, LED headlights and an exclusive 17-inch wheel design. We've reviewed that car fully in a separate article.

Options

Unlike most of its supermini rivals, the Polo can be specified with a vast array of optional extras. All models can be fitted with a rear-view camera or a Winter Pack, which adds heated front seats and windscreen washer jets, plus high-pressure washers for the headlamps.

A factory-fitted touchscreen sat nav (£700) is also available on SE models and above, as is adaptive cruise control, which automatically slows the car down when it detects a vehicle ahead, then speeds up again when it moves out of your path.

The BlueGT is available with desirable big-car options such as Alcantara suede fabric for the seats and bright xenon headlights. And at the top of the range, the Polo GTI is available with a Sport pack, which adds switchable suspension modes and a sportier exhaust note.