Volkswagen ID.Polo First Drive: The EV That Saves VW
- Volkswagen is launching the new Volkswagen ID.Polo electric supermini as a critical step to draw a line under its first-generation electric vehicle era and overcome ongoing financial challenges.
- While retaining the conservative exterior styling of past Polos, the interior features a remarkable change.
- During a 72km trip starting from an airport in northern Denmark with two cases and two colleagues towering well over 6ft 2’, the car demonstrated unexpected space.
Volkswagen is launching the new Volkswagen ID.Polo electric supermini as a critical step to draw a line under its first-generation electric vehicle era and overcome ongoing financial challenges. Amid massive job cuts and ongoing financial challenges that have been well aired in the media over the last 12 months, the vehicle emerges as a model carrying significant weight on its shoulders. The timing of its arrival serves as a reminder of the foundations of the German brand’s success in the past, functioning as a car that looks, feels, and functions like a Polo while being electrically powered.
Interior Ergonomics and the Return of Buttons
While retaining the conservative exterior styling of past Polos, the interior features a remarkable change. Volkswagen has reintroduced physical buttons, allowing drivers to turn up the temperature or turn down the volume without taking their eyes off the road. This marks a shift after years of defending touch-heavy interiors, serving as a corporate mea culpa. Buyers can also choose a retro instrument cluster that mimics old VW analogue dials and calculator-style digital numerals.
During a 72km trip starting from an airport in northern Denmark with two cases and two colleagues towering well over 6ft 2’, the car demonstrated unexpected space. While luggage fitted without issue, the legroom proved to be a major surprise. Both passengers sat in line with adequate space, allowing the car to cater for rear-seat passengers with feet larger than size four, unlike the Renault 5.
Driving Dynamics on Motorways and Country Lanes
The ID.Polo was tested across roughly 45km of motorway, narrower rural roads, and tight, challenging country lanes. On the motorway, the supermini settles in with characteristics associated with the Golf. Power is delivered linearly without the sudden surges typical of many EVs, reminiscent of nippy little three-cylinder versions of the past.
The ride and handling feature beautifully judged steering that builds weighting naturally through corners without artificial heft. The firm chassis set-up keeps the body tied down through bends, while the damping takes the sting out of broken surfaces.
The EV Supermini Market
The small affordable electric car market is currently active alongside premium mid-sized crossovers, with buyers spoilt for choice. The EV supermini battle features fun, often retro designs, smart functionality, and entry-level prices within shooting range of €20,000. Competitors arriving in this space include the Renault 5, Fiat Grande Panda, and Nissan Micra.