Volkswagen ID Polo Review: £24k EV Marks a Return to Form

Volkswagen is back at its best with the new Volkswagen ID Polo 52kWh Style, an electric vehicle that combines a solid real-world range, mature driving dynamics, class-shaming practicality, and a user-friendly cabin. The model tested is priced at £30,245, including the UK ECG, while the lineup starts at £24,000.

Developed and built in Spain, the ID Polo feels remarkably like the petrol Polo, offering supportive seats, good cabin space, plentiful performance, and proper usability for both inter-city journeys and short-haul driving.

The car features a permanent magnet synchronous motor with a front, transverse FWD driveline layout and a 1-speed reduction gear. Its drive battery has a usable capacity of 51.8kWh and a total capacity of 56kWh.

Performance-wise, it pushes out 208bhp and 214lb ft of torque, sprinting from 0-62mph in 7.1 seconds.

It delivers a range of 278 miles with an energy efficiency of 4.5mpkWh, zero CO2 emissions, and sits in the 4% BIK tax band.

Review highlights praise its balance of range, fast charging, and comfortable, poised driving dynamics, alongside a large boot and roomy interior that restores essential physical buttons.

Downsides noted include plain interior colour choices, scratchy door plastics, slightly less agility compared to some rivals, and a motorway range drop that limits long-distance touring. Its class rivals include the Renault 5, Mini Cooper E, and Hyundai Ioniq 3.