Volkswagen Polo Hatchback (2009 - 2017) 1.2 TDI Bluemotion 5d (2011/60) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I hope that it says that I hate to see a petrol pump more than once a month! Especially with an average of 650 miles out of 45 litres of diesel (amazing!).

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They really like it, my family think that it's a step in the right direction. Friends sometimes cannot understand why I swapped a Focus ST for a car with a third of the power, well put simply, they understand when the see the average MPG.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I would definitely buy this car again.

What are you likely to buy next?

Might try a Golf or Passat Bluemotion. Definitely a VW.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£12,500

When did you buy the car?

October 2011

Did you get a good deal and why?

The most economic versions of any car, especially one that draws zero road tax and starship mileage from a talk of juice are always going to command a premium. I paid the middle book price for the spec/mileage/age of the car so I didn't get a 'good' deal, but I didn't get a 'bad' deal either.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

The VW quality and the economy.

What was the dealer like?

The dealer was excellent and very friendly. I travelled to actually get the car, around 40 miles from my home as I didn't really want to go through the hassle of having the car delivered to my local dealer. I cannot fault VW for their courtesy and the staff are lovely. I do feel, however, that the VW dealerships could do with a bit more of a 'homely' feel like BMW, it doesn't cost much to put in some comfy sofas and there's nothing like a free coffee to seal the deal!

What's it like to drive?

Has the feel of a bigger car, but not a hot hatch, put simply; this is not the GTi. The slower acceleration and top speed of the Bluemotion means that there's not much to worry about handling wise, unless you're a bit blind and fail to slow for a dangerous bend. But saying that the Bluemotion is a slouch is a lie, as it is true that the 1.2 TDI isn't especially powerful compared to the other engines in the range, it can still hold its own against other cars and I have comfortably overtaken more than one car in two way traffic. If you know how to drive properly and do not have to rely on the car's ability to help you drive briskly, then the Bluemotion will not disappoint here.

What's it like to park?

A doddle. But this question is a little daft as if you don't find it easy to park a car in general, even a small one, you may want to question your overall driving ability.

Have you had any problems with the car?

No problems at all.

What's most practical about your car?

There's plenty of room in the Polo and the rear bench folds down all the way. Shame that there's no 60/40 split on standard trim. I've managed to get in boxes of furniture and more besides in this baby, so if you only have one passenger, the load space is excellent.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Being a 'Bluemotion', he whole car is an option in its own right. There's stop/start, cruise control, a well functioned trip computer.