2013 Volkswagen Polo Sedan Review: Affordable German Engineering

The 2013 Volkswagen Polo sedan is probably the most un-Volkswagen-like car we have experienced. It's a volume car designed to capture massive market share, competing with the likes of Honda City, Toyota Yaris sedan, and other urban compact sedans. Volkswagen indeed has some serious weapons in its arsenal.

This is an everyday car with a German engine driving experience and a price tag of a Japanese car. But is it worth the 56,000 AED starting price tag? Read below to find out:

Performance

The drive is very smooth; you get torque when you need it. It's a typical Volkswagen German-engineered engine that never lets you down. The drive is superior compared to other compact sedan Japanese and Korean brands. You'll find it handles beautifully and is highly responsive, which is fantastic if you're looking for an intuitive car. Plus, with comfortable suspension, this is where the real Volkswagen feel shows itself to full effect.

In terms of specification, it features a four-cylinder 1.6L gasoline engine, which is big enough to pack a punch but not too powerful. Despite being less stylized than other models, it's still a great-looking car, with 15-inch alloy wheels and chrome trims. It's a fantastic alternative to both other sedans and other Volkswagens as it provides a higher quality of drive than other brands, and is far more competitively priced than many other VW models. It’s an excellent way to get a little luxury at an affordable price.

Interior

The interior works well, with a simple style that will fit anyone looking for an everyday car to get them from A to B.

When it comes to comfort, you'll be pleased to find high-quality fabrics and stylish details in the Polo Sedan's interior, which set it apart from other brands. You'll also find a few additions to the GCC model to make your drive more comfortable, like climatic air conditioning as standard.

The Polo sedan offers above-average interior space. Thanks to its extended wheelbase, you'll find the rear of the vehicle offers plenty of legroom. The boot space is both voluminous and practical, with a massive 455 litres—fantastic when compared with other compact sedans. It's both long and wide, so ideal for fitting plenty of luggage in with minimum effort.

In terms of interior technology, it is quite minimalist, so you won't find audio controls on the steering wheel or automated seat adjustment controls. Is it the best set of interior features we have seen in a city car? Probably not; you may find some more amenities in Korean counterparts. However, in the overall comparison, we have to weigh that against the sheer German driving performance that completely outclasses the competition.

Verdict

Overall, the 2013 Volkswagen Polo Sedan is a good everyday car that suits someone who wants a high-quality drive without the premium price tag that might be associated with Volkswagen. It has comparatively less bells and whistles in the interior, but still offers a simple, comfortable interior. It provides good value for money.