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Volkswagen is expecting to shift its Polo Match models in large numbers. Steve Walker reports

There are more exciting models in the Volkswagen Polo range than the Match derivatives we’re taking a peek at here. The SE has a hint of luxury about it, there’s the GTi for those who like their small cars to pack a punch, the Dune model has a soupcon of offroad attitude to set it apart and the BlueMotion is the solution for motorists wanting to do their bit for the planet. In comparison, the humble Match might look unremarkable but, if we’re honest, its combination of a decent specification, economical engines and low prices is what most supermini buyers really want.

Though Volkswagen has tinkered with its Polo supermini in the last few years, substantially improving upon it is a tough task. Yes, you could throw technological gimmickry at the thing in a bid to instil even more of a big car feel, but the Volkswagen has long been near the top of its class in terms of price and jacking the asking fee up still further would only alienate loyal customers. So it is that the Germans have stuck in recent times to merely finessing what has been something of a winning formula for them. The Polo is a well-rounded product that the Match trim level might just show in its best light. The Polo Match presents a choice of 1.4 or 1.2-litre powerplants but within that there’s the option of petrol or diesel. Take the petrol path and you can choose the 59bhp 1.2-litre engine that takes 16.5s to get the substantial Polo to 60mph. It’s not the most satisfying engine in a car of the Volkswagen’s weight and the 68bhp version of the same 1.2-litre powerplant is probably a better bet. 60mph is 14.5s away here so you won’t be generating a sonic boom as you move through the gears but there’s more poke for getting briskly about town. The quickest Polo Match models are fitted with the 1.4-litre 78bhp petrol engine which takes 12.2s to do the standstill to 60mph trial. That only leaves the 68bhp 1.4-litre TDI diesel which takes 1.2.8s but feels stronger than that thanks to the torque made by its oil-burning internals.

"Levels of fit, finish and comfort wouldn’t be out of place in a car costing two or three times as much."

The Polo always feels like a bigger car than it is on the road. It means that some of the agility and zest that makes small cars so much fun is lost. However, the same is true of so many supermini products these days and the advantages come in the form of superior ride comfort and composure. The Polo is at home nipping around town or stretching its legs on the motorway although, we’d select one of the larger engines if lengthy trips are a regular part of your car’s duties. The Polo’s smart front end introduced in 2005 is now the ‘family face’ of Volkswagen, with a deep grille forming the point of a V-shape which then continues up through the bonnet to the base of the windscreen pillars. The reshaped headlights lose the cute look of the old Polo in favour of something wielding a little more gravitas, the circular headlamp cutting into the bumper to give a resolutely contemporary look. At the back, the glass emulates the front-end’s V-shaped theme, while the rear lights again reprise the design from the front, with large circular elements. Otherwise, apart from a few interior trim tweaks, Polo fanciers should feel pretty much at home. As far as space and versatility are concerned, there’s plenty of headroom front and rear and a decent amount of carrying capacity. Only a lack of MPV-style oddments storage counts as a demerit. Build quality is predictably good with the Polo leading the way in terms of perceived quality in the cabin. Yes, if you look a little lower down on the fascia you’ll find cheaper, harder plastics but the main panels are expensively thermoformed. With 270 litres of boot space, the Polo, especially in five-door form, can realistically function as family transport, with rear legroom particularly generous. The Polo Match is designed to give supermini buyers that which they desire most. Namely, lots of equipment at an attractive price. Standard spec on all Polos runs to an MP3-compatible CD stereo, a heated rear window with washer and wiper, central locking and an immobiliser but it’s hardly the Ritz. The Match derivative comes in at around £1,600 more than the entry-level E model but it feels far less of a pauper. The package includes alloy wheels, body-coloured exterior trim, leather coverings for the steering wheel, gearknob and handbrake, semi-automatic air-conditioning, electric front windows, front fog lights, a 6CD autochanger and electric door mirrors. There’s more too, but you get the general idea that the Match would make a far more rewarding companion than the rather Spartan E. The key themes behind the Polo are the worthy (but slightly dull) avenues of safety and environmental friendliness. Both are top notch, all Polos being fitted with anti lock brakes with electronic braking assistance, twin front and side airbags, ISOFIX child seat mountings and a passenger airbag that can be deactivated when a child seat is fitted. The Polo Match models may lag behind slightly in terms of performance but they’re a match for most of the alternatives in terms of economy. Both of the 1.2-litre petrol engine options return 48mpg with emissions of 138g/km. The 1.4-litre petrol can deliver 44mpg and 152g/km but the diesel is star performer with an excellent 63mpg and 119g/km. Volkswagen has traditionally charged a premium for its wares compared to rival products from other mainstream brands and the Polo Match is no exception. The advantage comes on the used market where that Volkswagen badge carries plenty of weight and prices remain buoyant. A 1.4-litre TDI Match will retain a very healthy 52% of its value after the typical 3-year ownership period. Value for money is a key issue for any car buyer but in the cost-conscious supermini sector it’s all the more important. Volkswagen offers cheaper versions of the Polo than the Match models we look at here but if it’s value for money that you’re after, it’s the Match that strikes it really big. The Polo isn’t as youthful or vibrant in feel as some of its supermini rivals but it is a more grown-up proposition than virtually anything else. Levels of fit, finish and comfort wouldn’t be out of place in a car costing two or three times as much. The only thing that isn’t up-market is the price.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Volkswagen Polo Match PRICES: £9,325-£11,385 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 3-5 CO2 EMISSIONS: 119-152g/km PERFORMANCE: [1.2 60PS] 0-60mph 14.5s / Max Speed 100mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.2 60PS] (urban) 36.7mpg / (extra urban) 55.4mpg / (combined) 47.1mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, ABS with brake assist WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/heightmm [5dr] 3897/1650/1465mm