Volkswagen ID. Polo
New from £23,935
Is the Volkswagen ID. Polo Hatchback a good car?
Read our expert review
Words by: Autotrader
"Volkswagen’s electrified ID sub-brand has found plenty of buyers since the arrival of the ID.3, and spawned everything up to and including the reborn Samba bus in the form of the ID.Buzz. In a fast-moving market VW hasn’t always kept pace, though, fiddly over-reliance on touch-operated controls and screens a common complaint. The ID. Polo is the first in a new generation of electric vehicles seeking to return VW to its traditional strengths of pragmatic design, useful features and predictable driving manners born of successive generations of Golfs, Polos and others like them. As good as it is the ID. Polo still faces fierce competition, not only from Chinese competitors such as the BYD Dolphin, but also from European rivals such as the Renault 5, Cupra Raval, MINI Cooper Electric and Fiat Grande Panda Electric."
Green Rating
Volkswagen has put a considerable effort into making the entire production process for the ID. Polo as sustainable as possible. All the electricity at the production plant comes from 100 per cent renewable energy, and water consumption has been reduced by 45 per cent since 2010. The battery production follows a similar approach, with low-carbon energy being used throughout the process. LFP chemistry for the battery has an environmental advantage over NMC in some respects because it doesn't require nickel or cobalt in the cathode, and being of a smaller capacity, it uses less material overall per battery pack. The batteries are produced in Salzgitter, Germany. The interior of the ID. Polo also makes extensive use of recycled materials.
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Running costs for a Volkswagen ID. Polo
There are two battery sizes available in the Volkswagen ID. Polo, starting with a 37kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) pack. Indulge us getting technical for a moment but his composition is both affordable and durable, being capable of taking full charging to 100 per cent regularly without noticeable degradation. This is good news for those who plug in at home, as they can maximise the car’s range every charge by using cheaper domestic power. All versions of the ID. Polo get 11kW AC charging as standard, while the LFP battery is capable of DC charging at up to 90kW. The larger capacity 52kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery has more range and a higher DC charge rate of 105kW. Volkswagen offers a heat pump as an option in the ID. Polo, which can help to improve efficiency, but this is an expensive option to add.
Reliability of a Volkswagen ID. Polo
Volkswagen has already built up a high level of expertise with electric vehicle technology, and while the ID. Polo is the first of several models across the wider family to use an LFP battery this chemistry is widely used and known for its stability and durability. All new Volkswagens are covered by a three-year or 60,000-mile warranty, while the high-voltage battery is separately covered by an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty guaranteeing 70 per cent capacity retention. Volkswagen ID. models are required to be serviced every two years.
Safety for a Volkswagen ID. Polo
There is a high level of standard safety equipment in the Volkswagen ID. Polo. In addition to front airbags, there is a central airbag to prevent front occupants from colliding in the event of a side impact, and both side and curtain airbags for those in the rear. In keeping with the latest mandated safety standards, the Volkswagen features numerous driver assistance systems such as road sign recognition and audible speed limit alerts for when you exceed the posted speed limit. This system doesn’t always get it right, which can become annoying at times, though it can be muted at the start of a journey. Volkswagen’s Connected Travel Assist combines multiple assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and speed limit recognition to serve as a useful aid when driving, particularly on motorways. It can maintain a set distance to the vehicle in front and can even use navigation data to detect upcoming bends and automatically adjust its speed to make it safer and more comfortable. Drivers must still pay attention, of course, and keep in contact with the steering wheel.
How comfortable is the Volkswagen ID. Polo
Smaller cars can often struggle to provide a plush and comfortable ride on account of their shorter wheelbases and low weight. Volkswagen has done a reasonably good job of making the ID. Polo feel settled and surefooted on the road, and it’s the first of a new generation of its EV family to use a front-wheel-drive layout. There is little weight difference between the two battery sizes, so ride comfort should be consistent across the lineup. Striking expansion joints at motorway speeds can result in a noticeable thump into the cabin’s rear, though. It’s not terrible, but it’s one of the few negatives in what is an otherwise positive driving experience. Tyre and road noise at speed are also higher than we would have expected, but not to the point of it being a deal-breaker. Rear passenger space is decent for a car of this size, but better still is the amount of boot space available. Indeed, by the numbers it’s larger than what you currently get in the bigger Volkswagen Golf, and the underfloor storage compartment can easily swallow a travel suitcase.
Features of the Volkswagen ID. Polo
The ID. Polo has two displays as standard, but we’re pleased to see VW has reinstated physical switchgear throughout. To those ends the two-spoke steering wheel features buttons with raised edges that are easy to use without looking once you’ve become familiar with the car. Ahead of the wheel is a 10-inch digital instrument display that relays the relevant information clearly. One added bonus is a retro mode graphically simulating the analogue dials from the Mk1 Golf – a nice touch! A 12.9-inch touch-screen is well-positioned in the centre of the dashboard, and the latest native infotainment menu is easy to use, with sections grouped together much like apps on a phone. Smartphone mirroring is available for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Below the touch-screen is a bank of physical switches for adjusting the temperature and fan speed. A wireless charging pad, two cupholders and a storage bin underneath the armrest make up the centre console. Underneath, there is more stowage space for a small bag and here is where the USB-C charge ports can be found. A useful slot in the top of the centre console allows for these cables to be fed through while maintaining a neat appearance.
Power for a Volkswagen ID. Polo
The ID. Polo offers a choice of three power levels for the ID. Polo, starting with a 37kWh LFP battery with either a 116- or 135-horsepower electric motor. A larger 52kWh NMC battery comes with a 211-horsepower motor, making it feel brisk but not quite as rapid as that number might suggest. This battery provides the longest driving range at 282 miles. Delivery of the power is linear, and it never feels as if it's scrabbling for grip. The ID. Polo also utilises a new one-box brake pedal setup for a near-seamless blend between braking with the all-round disc brakes and energy recuperation, the latter contributing further to the car’s overall efficiency and helping prolong the range.
Lease deals
These deals are based on terms of 8,000 miles, for a 36 month lease with a 6 months initial payment.
Standard equipment
Expect the following equipment on your Volkswagen ID. Polo Hatchback. This may vary between trim levels.
- 1-Zone Climatronic
- Ambient Interior Lighting
- Automatic Dimming Rear View Mirror
- Carpet Mats - Front and Rear
- Centre Console
- Ceramique Roof Lining
- Door and Side Trim Panel
- Manual Height Adjustment for Front Seats
- Multi-Function Steering Wheel, Heated (with Buttons)
- Rain Sensor
- Reading Lights - Front x2 and Rear x2
- Standard Pedal Cluster
- Standard Seats in Front
- Sun Visors with Illuminated Vanity Mirrors
- Unsplit Rear Bench Seat, Asymmetric Split Folding Backrest
- Variable Luggage/Load Compartment Floor (2 Heights)
- Welcome Light with Surround Lighting
- 12V Socket - Centre Console
- 2 USB-C Ports in the Front, 2 USB-C Sockets on the Centre Console in Rear, Charging Capacity up to 60W
- 6 + 1 Speakers
- DAB+ - Digital Radio Reception
- Diversity Antenna for FM Reception
- Emergency Call Service - E-Call
- Infotainment System with 32.7cm Display (12.9in)
- Mobile Phone Interface Comfort with Inductive Charging Feature
- Preparation for Digital Extras; Ability for Online Updates (Except for Special Modifications)
- Preparation for Subsequent Activation - Navigation System
- Preparation for Subsequent Activation: Heated Seats
- Wireless App-Connect for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 16in Disc Brakes in Front
- 16in Disc Brakes in Rear
- 3-Point Automatic Seat Belts in Front without Height Adjustment
- Alarm with Interior and Towing Protection
- Autonomous Emergency Braking - Front Assist with Pedestrian and Cycling Monitoring
- Curtain Airbags in Front and Rear - Side Airbags in Front - Centre Airbag
- Driver and Front Passenger Airbags with Front Passenger Airbag Deactivation
- First Aid Kit and Warning Triangle and Safety Vest
- ISOFIX Anchors for Child Seats on Outer Rear Seats and Front Passenger Seat - Compatible with i-Size
- Keyless Locking and Starting Keyless Access with SAFELOCK (Radio Remote Control and 2 Remote Control Folding Keys)
- Lane Keeping System Plus Semi-Automatic Vehicle Control in a Medical Emergency
- Oncoming Vehicle Braking when Turning including Swerve Support
- Safety-Optimised Front Head Restraints
- Standard Electronic Engine Sound - Exterior Sound Actuator
- Two-Tone Horn
- Warning Signal and Warning Light for Front and Rear Seat Belts Not Fastened
- 17in Alloy Wheels - Edinburgh - Black - Diamond-Turned Surface
- 215/55 R17 Tyres
- Anti-Theft Wheel Bolts
- Black Exterior Mirror Housings
- Body Coloured Bumpers
- Exterior Mirrors: Convex on Driver Side, Convex on Front Passenger Side
- Heat Insulating Glass in Side and Rear Windows
- Illuminated Door Handle Recesses
- Laminated Safety Glass Windshield - Heat Insulating
- Nameplate Set in Basic Style
- Remote Electrically Foldable Door Mirrors - Puddle Lights and Reverse Activated Passengers Door Mirror
- Tailgate-Trunk Lid Release from Outside
- Tool Kit for Tyre Mobility Set (Includes Compressor and Sealing Foam. In Lieu of Spare Wheel)
- Adaptive Cruise Control ACC Stop and Go
- Advanced Driver Attention and Drowsiness Monitor
- Driving Mode Selection
- Dynamic Road Sign Display
- IDA Voice Assistance
- Lane Change System with Side Assist - Rear Traffic Alert and Exit Warning System
- Parking Sensors - Front and Rear
- Rear View Camera
- Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator
- Charging Cable Mode 3 Type 2, 32A
- Electric Motor, Unit 0TA
- Front Stabiliser Bar
- Front Wheel Drive
- Power Assisted Steering - Speed Sensitive
- Rear Shock Absorbers
- Standard Rear Axle
- Transmission for Electric Drive (1-Speed)
- High Beam Assist - Automatic Sensing for Switching Between Dipped and Main Beam
- LED Headlights
- LED Rear Combination Lamps
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