The Volkswagen Polo is the smallest VW hatchback you can buy and also one of the longest-lasting continuous VW models as it was first introduced back in 1975. We are now in the 6th generation of the VW Polo which also got a hefty refresh back in 2021. The 2023 Polo is mostly a carryover model which means that it does not come with many differences compared to the 2022 Polo.
The most notable ones include a full-length lightbar at the front, slightly restyled bumpers, and a new VW logo. Other than that, the 2023 VW Polo is exactly the same as the 2022 Polo. This is nothing to really complain about because the 2023 Volkswagen Polo really is a good car overall. So, if you are interested in buying it, we are going to tell you all about 2023 VW Polo.
For starters, VW has also ditched diesel engines for the new Polo in order to keep up with the times and the ever-more rigorous emissions regulations. This means that you can choose between two gasoline engines in a few different states of tune. Design-wise, the 2023 Polo is a bit sleeker overall, but no major changes have happened except the ones mentioned in the 2nd paragraph.
Reliability-wise, the 2023 Polo is likely to remain as reliable as its predecessor. It is practical enough for its size, but don’t go on thinking that downgrading to a Polo from something like a Golf is not going to go unnoticed by the rear seat passengers.
2023 VW Polo – The Powertrain
The 2023 VW Polo gets a 1.0L 3-cylinder entry-level engine that offers 80hp and 68lb-ft of torque which is relatively weak considering that this is a gasoline engine. 68lb-ft of torque is going to introduce issues when it comes to overtaking buses and trucks which is why you should opt for the 95hp and 129lb-ft 1.0L 3-cylinder at the very least.
However, if it were my money, I would not consider anything besides the 110hp, 147lb-ft 3-cylinder as that is enough for the Polo to be quick enough, but as efficient as the 95hp engine and even more efficient than the 80hp which has to work really hard to provide enough power in everyday situations which hampers efficiency.
However, if you want it all, you should go for a 2.0L 4-cylinder 207hp 236lb-ft of torque engine in the Polo GTI, but it is going to cost a lot more money to fill it up. The most efficient engine (95hp) is going to return around 45MPG while the least efficient GTI model is going to return around 34MPG.
All Polo models come with FWD and you can choose between a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed DCT DSG dual-clutch transmission.
2023 VW Polo – Design and Driving
As mentioned in the beginning, the 2023 Polo is more or less the same car underneath as the 2022 Polo, but it does get new cooler-looking lights with a full-length light bar at the front. Some new wheel designs are also available and make the Polo look more sporty and more futuristic. The interior borrows its design cues from the VW Golf which means screens galore.
Driving-wise, the Polo feels well-isolated and solid on the road which is not something you can say for many subcompact hatchbacks. If you want a sporty driving experience, be sure to consider the Polo GTI as it is both lower to the ground and has a much stiffer suspension setup.
2023 VW Polo – Value and Practicality
The 2023 VW Polo costs around £19,030 – £24,675 in the UK which means that Euro prices are going to be between €20,000+ but have not yet been revealed. At this price range, you really are getting a lot of value for your money which makes the Polo a really competitive car overall. The GTI model is going to cost a whole lot more but is still great value considering the rest of the segment.
Practicality with the VW Polo has never been perfect which is why so many people steered away from it and went with the Golf. The VW Polo is a good city car and for those who aren’t transporting rear passengers often. It is really easy to drive, and really easy to park, but not so easy to live with if you are particularly tall.
FAQ Section
Should I buy a 2023 VW Polo?
If you are in the market for a subcompact hatchback, the 2023 VW Polo is a great option. It does seem a bit more desirable compared to something like a Ford Fiesta or the Peugeot 208, yet it can’t match the desirability of its posher brother, the Audi A1.
If the size does not matter, you will likely enjoy your time with the Polo as it really is a well-equipped and surprisingly advanced car as it gets pretty much all the features you get in the larger VW Golf. On the other hand, if you can’t fathom driving a subcompact hatchback due to lack of space, don’t attempt to.
Is the 2023 VW Polo a safe car?
As far as Euro NCAP crash tests are concerned, the 2022 VW Polo scored an excellent 94% in adult occupant protection, 80% in child protection, 70% in vulnerable road users, and 70% with its safety assist features. Since the 2023 model is going to come with more assistance features, it is likely to be slightly better than the 2022 model, but similar in other ways.
Considering the car’s size, you really can’t complain about these results as many much larger cars got results which are much worse than this one. All in all, the 2023 Polo is a safe car, especially if you plan on using it for around-town commuting.
Is the VW Golf better than the VW Polo?
The biggest benefit of the Polo is its price while the biggest downsize is surely the size. As such, the VW Golf is slightly more expensive, but much more spacious which is why it beats the VW Polo in every way imaginable. The greatest rival to the Polo is likely the Golf as most people aren’t ready to compromise on space and size that much.
