Volkswagen Polo Hatchback (2002 - 2009) 1.9 Twist SDI 5d Owner Review

Love my wee little Polo. I used to drive Volvo 940s and adored the handling and turning circle which was incredible for such a big car, easily beating small hatchbacks in maneuverability. This is exactly the same and can turn on the head of a pin, but is also dinky enough to fit into tiny car park spaces so a double win. Not bad luggage space either, particularly if you drop the rear seats and take out the parcel shelf. I've fit six large suitcases in it, two bikes (admittedly with the front wheels removed and tossed on top of the frames), and countless camping trip's worth of junk in it at different times. Mine's super reliable and keeps chugging along, despite the absolute savage mileage I do with it commuting from Sheffield, to Bristol, to Lincoln. I can go from Sheffield to Bristol and back twice, and get another one way plus a couple of shopping trips on one tank of diesel. It's amazing on motorways, keeping up and overtaking the big cars with no sweat, but is super fun and reliable around cities with the great handling, speedy starts and stops, and the overall size. If I had any complaint, it's that it could really thrive with a sixth gear. It runs so smoothly at low revs up to about 50mph, but feels as though it wants to go up a gear at around 60mph, despite being in fifth. However, I just crank the radio up and enjoy the ride, ignoring the slightly higher revs at high speeds. This is a great car, even now at 17 years old, and I'd buy another in a heartbeat. Comfy, fun, great handling, good speed, and a great five door little hatch.