2020 Volkswagen Polo Review
The Volkswagen Polo is a popular German hatchback, now in its sixth generation, and has established a solid foothold in Kenya thanks to its fuel economy, cutting-edge technology and exceptional build quality, making it ideal for both city and long-distance motorists. However, the Polo faces stiff competition from Japanese alternatives such as the Toyota Passo, Nissan March, Mazda Verisa, Toyota Vitz and Mazda Demio, which are widely praised for their affordability, reliability and spare parts availability.
Detailed Review
The Volkswagen Polo is a 5-seater mini hatchback that has been in production for six generations starting from 1975 to the present. The sixth generation VW Polo was unveiled in 2017 and is in production to date.
In the sixth generation, the Polo received a significant increase in interior and cargo space within larger exterior dimensions, together with the debut of new engines, sharper design, new ‘big car’ assistance systems, the use of a new generation of infotainment systems and the global debut of the second generation of Volkswagen’s Active Info Display.
The 2020 VW Polo comes with two engine options; the standard 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine available in the Polo GTI.
The powertrains are mated to either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox. The GTI version comes with a 6-speed DSG gearbox.
2020 Volkswagen Polo Grades
- VW Polo S- This is the base grade that comes with a choice of 1.0L engines, 14-inch steel rims, plain steering wheel, Radio/CD player and manual A/C.
- VW Polo BlueMotion- This grade comes with 15-inch alloys, start/stop function, battery regeneration, semi-automatic AC, multifunction computer midline display, Bluetooth, tyre pressure indicator, plain steering wheel and fog lights.
- VW Polo SEL- This grade comes with a start/stop function, battery regeneration, 16-inch alloy rims, semi-automatic AC, multifunction computer midline display, USB, Bluetooth, tyre pressure indicator, plain steering wheel and fog lights.
- VW Polo R-Line- The R-Line comes with 16-inch alloys, R-Line badging, a digital cockpit, Active Info Display, Auto Climate Control with Dual Temp Zones, a Black Headliner, Comfort Sport, Cloth Upholstery – Premium Two- tone, Comfort Seats Front, Digital Amplifier, Digital Cockpit, Discover Media Audio and Sat Nav System, Floor Mats – Front & Rear, Inlays Special.
- VW Polo GTI- This is a sports grade that comes with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, GTI honeycomb grille and red radiator grille louvres, uniquely shaped front and rear bumpers, 15mm lowered suspension, 17-inch Monza alloy rims, red brake callipers, chrome exhaust twin tailpipe and GTI badging.
2020 Volkswagen Polo Interior, Legroom & Space
The 2020 VW Polo features an all-black cabin with premium build quality. The overall fit and finish is of a high standard and well bolted together, despite the generous use of plastics in the interior.
The generous interior space accommodates up to 5 people comfortably across two rows. The front seats offer ample legroom and headroom for both driver and passenger. On the second, the legroom is sufficient for average-height people, but taller people will find it cramped.
The Polo comes with an 8.0-inch colour touchscreen which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, Bluetooth, a USB port and a CD player.
The multi-info display in front of the driver is a triple unit with speed and rev dials flanking the small digital display showing a range of real-time engine and drive parameters.
Cabin Storage
The cabin has several stowage compartments, useful for storing items such as smartphones, drinks, goggles, handbags, etc. In the first row, there are 4 cupholders, door panel storage, a stowage compartment and a glove compartment. In the second row, there are 2 cupholders and stowage compartments in the front seats.
Boot Space
The Volkswagen Polo has 351 litres of boot space. This is large enough to carry luggage for a family of five. If extra space is needed, the rear seats can be folded down.
Safety Features: SRS Airbags, ABS with HBA(Hydraulic Brake Assist), ESP(Electronic Stabilisation Programme), EDL(Electronic Differential Lock)
2020 Volkswagen Polo Exterior
Volkswagen has incorporated some design cues into the 2020 Polo to give it a modern look and presence on the road. The VW Polo is very similar to the VW Golf and is characterized by a wide grille that stretches across the width of the front fascia. There are also some creases in the bonnet that give the Polo a subtle aggression. Halogen headlights are standard on basic trim levels, with LED headlights only available on higher trim levels.
The side profile of the VW Polo has sharp character lines that give it a dynamic look. At the rear, a rear spoiler, shark fin antenna and LED tail lights add a sporty touch.
If you’re looking for something sportier go for the GTI or R-Line grade that is equipped with 17-inch Pamplona Dark Adamantium wheels, distinguished bumpers and dynamic chrome-look integrated exhaust panels.
Fuel Consumption
- 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine consumption: 15km/l on average.
- 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine consumption: 13km/l on average.
2020 Volkswagen Polo Acceleration
- 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 11.2 seconds
- 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 6.8 seconds
2020 Volkswagen Polo Tank Capacity: 45 Litres
2020 Volkswagen Polo Ground Clearance
Its ground clearance is 6.6 inches(168mm), which is above the minimum recommended ground clearance of 6.5 Inches for Kenyan roads. Thus, it can be driven comfortably here.
2020 Volkswagen Polo Stability and Handling
The 2020 VW Polo is comfortable and fun to drive on Kenyan roads and will appeal to both experienced and less experienced drivers. Its refined suspension system handles the roads with an ease that could be mistaken for a much larger car. The driver can choose between Eco, Normal, Sport and Individual driving modes.
The Polo’s steering wheel is one of the sportiest in the segment, making it easier to manoeuvre in tight spaces. Its small size also makes it easy to manoeuvre around traffic.
Under the bonnet, the Polo comes standard with a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 108 horsepower. The Polo GTI trim level is equipped with a powerful 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that produces 197 horsepower and 320 Nm.
2020 Volkswagen Polo Service Intervals
Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil
Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil
2020 Volkswagen Polo Spare Parts Availability, Cost & Where to buy
Service parts are fairly priced and shared with the Golf. Body parts on the other hand are expensive and mostly available in Nairobi.
2020 Volkswagen Polo Reliability
The VW Polo is regarded to have average reliability. However the Polo is not as forgiving of poor maintenance as some of its Japanese rivals. Some of the reported issues with the Polo include; child lock failure, DSG gearbox issues and DPF failure. We recommend that you do proper maintenance of your Polo to mitigate issues that may arise. Also, make sure you read the owner’s manual thoroughly, as it contains important information on the maintenance and operation of the car.
Resale Value: Average
VW Polo Competitors: Toyota Passo, Nissan March, Mazda Verisa, Toyota Vitz and Mazda Demio
What we like about the 2020 VW Polo
- Comfortable
- Efficient
What we don’t like
- Entry-level petrol lacks punch
Conclusion
The VW Polo offers a compelling package that goes from excellent build quality to good fuel economy. While it’s pricier than its Japanese rivals, the VW Polo’s pleasure of driving more than justifies the investment.
Where to Buy the 2020 Volkswagen Polo in Kenya
If you are looking to either import or buy the VW Polo locally simply give us a call at 0722469360 or email us at [email protected]. We have developed a network of trusted dealers in Japan, South Africa, the UK and Dubai who supply us with exceptionally good quality vehicles. Eliminate middlemen and showroom costs by importing the car with us and saving up to KES 500,000. The import process takes 45-60 days and the car is delivered to your doorstep.
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