When it comes to buying your first set of wheels, it can be an exciting yet expensive process. With so much to choose from it can be confusing too, and there are many options that would make for the perfect first car.
The Volkswagen Polo is a case in point. Not only does it have all of the ingredients to be a great car for new drivers, it also provides cheap running costs and a decent driving experience.
Here at V12 Sports and Classics, we’ve compiled all of the key reasons why the Volkswagen Polo could be the ideal first-time car, so read on to find out more.
It’s cheap to insure
The 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine produces 94bhp and can achieve a claimed 53mpg. (Volkswagen)
Insurance is expensive and one of the most difficult hurdles to climb for newly qualified drivers.
However, the Volkswagen Polo makes things easier, as it sits in the rather low insurance group eight.
This is thanks to its compact 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, which provides 94bhp and does a claimed 53mpg on the combined cycle.
That makes the Polo a much more attractive proposition for new drivers, as its powertrain is frugal and peppy enough, without being too powerful.
It’s easy to drive
The Polo's steering, clutch pedal and gearbox are nice and light to use. (Volkswagen)
Out on the road, the Polo is an easy car to drive, which is due to its ultra-light controls.
The steering, clutch pedal and gearbox are smooth and easy to use, while all-round visibility is excellent due to the large side windows.
Its small exterior dimensions also make it a doddle to park, and several versions come as standard with rear parking sensors, to take the strain out of parallel parking too.
It comes with lots of standard equipment
The Polo comes with a decent amount of standard kit. (Volkswagen)
If you’re a new driver, you’ll be pleased to know that all Polo variants come with a decent amount of standard kit.
The SE model comes with a great blend of standard tech and safety equipment including seven airbags, 15-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, all-round electric windows and an eight-inch infotainment system.
If you like your music, then the Polo is also available in a ‘Beats Edition’ variant, which boasts an exterior stripe across the bonnet and roof, a rear subwoofer, additional speakers in the interior A-pillar trims and a 300-watt sound system.
It’s practical
The Polo's cabin has lots of storage space. (Volkswagen)
The Polo is also a very practical supermini with lots of cubby holes dotted about the cabin.
Up in the front, there is a large glove box, deep door bins, an extra storage compartment in front of the gear lever, two cup holders and a centre armrest with some underneath storage.
In the back, there are two pockets on the back of the front seats, rear door bins and the tall roofline means there is a decent amount of space for average-sized adults to get comfortable on a long journey.
Boot space is also another strong point on the Polo, as it provides a capacity of up to 351 litres, which is 42 litres more than what you’ll find on a Vauxhall Corsa. Plus, a false floor allows for the rear bench to fold down completely flat, which extends the space into a very usable 1,125 litres.
Second-hand prices are affordable
Second-hand Polos are affordable to buy. (Volkswagen)
When it comes to second-hand prices, the Polo represents excellent value for money on the used market.
This is great news when you’re looking for your first car, as prices start from around the £8,995 mark for a four-year-old example which has covered 96,000 miles.
If you want a low-mileage car, then prices sit at around £10,795 for a 2019 SE model with 47,000 miles.
Meanwhile, Beats Edition cars are on the market from around £9,995 with 54,000 miles on the clock.
Think the Volkswagen Polo is the right car for you? We’ve got loads of examples available to look at here at V12 Sports and Classics, so check them out today.