PoloDriver

Following its return to the UK’s top 10 most popular cars list last month, once again the Volkswagen Polo was the fifth most sought-after model during May 2018, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). A total of 3,961 Polos found homes in May, a scant 29 units ahead of its Vauxhall Corsa rival. The Ford Fiesta once again beat both, though, with an almost double 6,896 registrations tally.

Volkswagen’s perennial best-seller, the Golf, slipped to third place with 6,372 units registered, though with 33,057 cars with new homes, it stays in second place for the year-to-date. Here, too, though, the Ford Fiesta leads the market with 47,515 examples registered since January. The UK market as whole grew 3.4 per cent in May, with 192,649 cars registered. In May 2017, the market saw a -8.5 per cent decline, while 2018 year-to-date figures also record negative values, the UK market falling 6.8 per cent.

Other figures of note are that of hybrids and plug-in cars which rose more than a third (36.1 per cent, 11,240 units) to take a record 5.8 per cent market share, while superminis (the Polo’s segment) were up six per cent. Diesels fell by 23.6 per cent, while petrol-engined car totals rose by 23.5 per cent. The UK’s top 10 most popular cars during May 2018 and the year-to-date (sales figure and position in brackets) were as follows:

1 Ford Fiesta: 6,896 (47,515, 1st)
2 Ford Focus: 6,573 (25,917, 4th)
3 Volkswagen Golf: 6,372 (33,057, 2nd)
4 Nissan Qashqai: 4,956 (26,127, 3rd)
5 Volkswagen Polo: 3,961 (16,533, 9th)
6 Vauxhall Corsa: 3,932 (21,927, 5th)
7 Mini: 3,505 (17,802, 7th)
8 Mercedes-Benz C Class: 2,955 (16,414, 10th)
9 Mercedes-Benz A Class: 2,939 (17,788, 8th)
10 Audi A3: 2,791

(The UK’s 2018 year-to-date top 10 most popular car absent from May’s registration figures was the sixth-placed Ford Kuga, with 18,570 registrations recorded.)

Further afield, the sixth-generation Polo has overtaken the fifth-generation Polo-based Polo Vivo as the best-selling passenger car in South Africa. During May 2018, 1,979 examples of the latest Polo found new homes in South Africa, beating the Polo Vivo by a mere 75 units. The Polo Vivo has been consistently top of the registrations chart since its introduction in 2010.

After five months out of the UK’s top 10 most popular cars list, the fifth-placed Polo has returned to the chart. A total of 2,995 Polos were registered in April 2018 according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), and we can only attribute the temporary lack of presence in the chart to the changeover from the fifth-generation Polo to the new sixth-generation car.

Predictably, the Ford Fiesta held the top spot in April, with 7,811 units finding homes, while the Polo’s bigger brother, the Golf, held firm in second place with 5,482 registrations. The Polo’s lack of chart presence since November 2017 means it falls out of the top 10 most registered car chart for the year so far, for now. We have seen a handful of them on the roads this week – as well as examples of VW’s T-Roc compact SUV – so can only presume Polos ordered when the latest model went on sale in October have just started being delivered.

As a whole, the SMMT states that with 167,911 units, UK new car registrations rose 10.4 per cent in April, as the passenger car market rebalances following the VED disruption in 2017. 2018 year-to-date figures are still down 8.8 per cent, though, as ‘uncertainty continues to affect the overall market’, according to the UK organisation. The UK’s top 10 most popular cars during April 2018 and the year-to-date (sales figure and position in brackets) were as follows:

1 Ford Fiesta: 7,811 (40,619, 1st)

2 Volkswagen Golf: 5,842 (26,685, 2nd)
3 Nissan Qashqai: 4,257 (21,171, 3rd)
4 Ford Focus: 3,784 (19,344, 4th)
5 Volkswagen Polo: 2,995
6 Ford Kuga: 2,769 (15,865, 6th)
7 Vauxhall Mokka X: 2,694 (13,579, 9th)
8 Vauxhall Corsa: 2,643 (17,995, 5th)
9 Mercedes-Benz A Class: 2,636 (14,849, 7th)
10 Mercedes-Benz C Class: 2,627 (13,459, 10th)

(The UK’s 2018 year-to-date top 10 most popular car absent from April’s registration figures was the eighth-placed Mini, with 14,297 registrations recorded.)

Despite a new model waiting in the wings, the Volkswagen Polo is still one the of the UK’s most popular cars. According to the latest figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), 2,703 fifth-generation Polos were registered in October 2017, the model sitting in eighth place in the UK top 10 passenger car registrations chart. Overall, 43,158 Polos have found new UK homes in 2017 so far.

The SMMT’s October 2017 figures state that the new car market saw a double-digit decline when compared to the same period in 2016. A fall of 12.2 per cent saw a total of 158,192 new cars registered last month, with the year-to-date tally of 2,224,603 cars down 4.6 per cent on last year. Diesel sales have slumped 29.9 per cent. The UK’s top 10 most popular cars during October 2017 and the year-to-date (sales figure and position in brackets) were as follows:

1 Ford Fiesta: 7,256 (83,070, 1st)
2 Volkswagen Golf: 5,547 (62,565, 2nd)
3 Ford Focus: 4,503 (62,029, 3rd)
4 Nissan Qashqai: 3,923 (57,120, 4th)
5 Mercedes-Benz A Class: 3,390 (37,937, 10th)
6 Kia Sportage: 2,850
7 Audi A3: 2,764
8 Volkswagen Polo: 2,703 (43,158, 6th)
9 BMW 4 Series: 2,558
10 Ford Kuga: 2,493

(The UK’s 2017 year-to-date top 10 most popular cars absent from October’s registration figures were the fifth-placed Vauxhall Corsa, the seventh-placed Vauxhall Astra, the eighth-placed Mercedes-Benz C Class and the ninth-placed Mini with 43,315, 43,116, 41,281, and 38,964 registrations recorded respectively.)

Free insurance offer on new Polo
With the sixth-generation Polo already on sale in the UK from £13,855 (RRP OTR), Volkswagen has announced a free insurance offer on the new model, the first deliveries of which should arrive in January 2018. One year’s free comprehensive cover applies to qualifying customers aged between 18 and 80*, and customers can also receive a deposit contribution of £500 when they buy a new Polo with a Volkswagen Financial Services’ Solutions Personal Contract Plan** at 5.9 per cent APR representative.

While Volkswagen’s free insurance offer for the new Polo provides a great incentive for car buyers, it’s essential not to overlook the importance of securing one’s life. Life insurance plays a crucial role in ensuring financial protection for individuals and their families, offering peace of mind beyond the realm of automotive concerns. As prospective Polo owners explore the comprehensive cover provided for their vehicles, it’s also an opportune moment to consider the broader spectrum of insurance needs. To gain a better understanding of available options, individuals can explore LIFE INSURANCE QUOTES that align with their specific requirements, providing a holistic approach to safeguarding both assets and loved ones. Planning for the future encompasses not only the safety of your car but also the well-being of your loved ones.

The new Polo has also been added to the list of models included in Volkswagen’s Scrappage Upgrade scheme. Owners of diesel vehicles registered before 2010 that comply with pre-Euro 5*** emissions legislation will qualify for the scrappage upgrade. The vehicles can be traded-in to benefit from incentives ranging from £1,800 to £6,000 against the new Polo and other VWs and have been owned by the customer for at least six months. Orders must also be placed by 31 December 2017.

For more details on the Volkswagen Scrappage Upgrade scheme, please visit www.volkswagen.co.uk/scrappage.

Polo Vivo number one in South Africa
Elsewhere last month, the Polo surrendered its second most popular car status in South Africa, slipping to fourth spot with 1,950 examples registered. With 2,851 cars registered, the entry-level Polo Vivo held onto its number one position. Based on the revised fourth-generation Polo sold in Europe from 2005 to 2009, the Vivo has dominated the South African new car sales charts since it was introduced in 2009, when it took over from the fondly remembered Citi Golf as Volkswagen South Africa’s lowest-priced model.

*One year’s insurance included at no extra cost from Volkswagen Insurance is available on new Polo models ordered from 3 October 2017 to 2 January 2018 and registered by 31 March 2018 for drivers aged 18-80 (GTI is 25 and over). Drivers under 18 are not eligible. Excludes Northern Ireland. Drivers aged 18-24 are required to share their driving style data with a telematics product. Other eligibility criteria apply. Go to www.insurewithvolkswagen.co.uk/polo for full terms and conditions. This offer may be extended, changed or removed at any point. Volkswagen Motor Insurance from Volkswagen Financial Services is arranged and administered by Carrot Risk Technologies Limited.

**At the end of the agreement there are three options: i) pay the optional final payment and own the vehicle; ii) return the vehicle: subject to excess mileage and fair wear and tear, charges may apply; or iii) replace: part exchange the vehicle. With Solutions Personal Contract Plan. Subject to Status. 18+. T&Cs and exclusions apply. Indemnities may be required. Offer available when ordered by 02/01/18 from participating Retailers. Offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer and may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Accurate at time of publication 07/11/2017. Freepost Volkswagen Financial Services.

***Euro emissions standards: the ‘Euro 1’ standard was introduced in 1992 to help reduce vehicle emissions. Progressively more stringent Euro standards have been implemented since then – helping to lower emissions still further – with Euro 5 being introduced in 2009/2010. ‘Euro 6’, the standard that all new petrol and diesel cars must meet, is currently the toughest yet.

Continuing its success story, the Volkswagen Polo remains one of the most popular cars in the UK according to the latest figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). During September 2017, it was in sixth place in the UK top 10, with a tally of 8,189 Polos registered. A total of 40,455 examples of Volkswagen’s small car have found new homes in 2017 to date. It’s even more impressive given that these figures refer to the outgoing fifth-generation model, the sixth-generation car has just gone on sale with first deliveries expected in January 2018.

With 426,170 units registered, the September 2017 UK new passenger car market dropped by 9.3 per cent, the sixth consecutive monthly decline. It’s also the first time the traditional new registration month of September has fallen in six years. The UK’s top 10 most popular cars during September 2017 and the year-to-date (sales figure and position in brackets) were as follows:

1 Nissan Qashqai: 13,499 (53,197, 4th)

2 Volkswagen Golf: 12,800 (57,018, 3rd)
3 Ford Fiesta: 10,826 (75,814, 1st)
4 Ford Focus: 10,235 (57,526, 2nd)
5 Vauxhall Corsa: 8,562 (46,600, 5th)
6 Volkswagen Polo: 8,189 (40,455, 7th)
7 Mini: 8,137 (36,784, 9th)
8 Nissan Juke: 7,757
9 Mercedes-Benz A Class: 7,672 (34,547, 10th)
10 Mercedes-Benz C Class: 7,584 (39,055, 8th)

(The 2017 year-to-date top 10 most popular car absent from September 2017’s registration figures was the sixth-placed Vauxhall Astra with 41,250 registrations recorded.)

Elsewhere last month, the Polo held onto its second most popular car status in South Africa with 2,324 examples registered. Once again the entry-level Polo Vivo claimed the number one spot, with 2,942 cars finding new homes. Based on the revised fourth-generation Polo sold in Europe from 2005 to 2009, the Vivo has dominated the South African new car sales charts since it was introduced in 2009, when it took over from the fondly remembered Citi Golf as Volkswagen South Africa’s lowest-priced model.

In a repeat of July, the Volkswagen Polo steadfastly remains one of the UK’s most popular cars, according to the latest figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). It held on to fifth place in the UK top 10, the position it climbed to in July. A total of 1,834 Polos were registered in August, with an overall tally of 32,266 examples of Volkswagen’s small car finding new homes so far in 2017.

The Polo’s larger sibling, the Golf, sat atop the August UK chart, 43 units ahead of the Ford Fiesta in second, with 2,236 registrations. The small Ford is still king of the pile when it comes to year-to-date figures, though, its 64,988 units and 17,697 unit-lead over the Focus looking unassailable.

With a total of 76,433 units registered, August 2017’s UK new passenger car market dipped by 6.4 per cent, the fifth consecutive monthly decline. The SMMT states that demand still makes it the third largest August in 10 years. Superminis – of which the Polo is one – and family cars remained the most popular choices. The UK’s top 10 most popular cars during August 2017 and the year-to-date (sales figure and position in brackets) were as follows:

1 Volkswagen Golf: 2,279 (44,218, 3rd)

2 Ford Fiesta: 2,236 (64,988, 1st)
3 Vauxhall Mokka X: 2,063
4 Ford Focus: 1,995 (47,291, 2nd)
5 Volkswagen Polo: 1,834 (32,266, 7th)
6 Ford Kuga: 1,769
7 Vauxhall Corsa: 1,659 (38,038, 5th)
8 Kia Sportage: 1,541
9 Vauxhall Astra: 1,485 (36,360, 6th)
10 Nissan Qashqai: 1,484 (39,698, 4th)

(The 2017 year-to-date top 10 most popular cars absent from August 2017’s registration figures were the eighth-placed Mercedes-Benz C Class, the ninth-placed Mini, and the tenth-placed Mercedes-Benz A Class with 31,471, 28,647 and 26,875 registrations recorded respectively.)

In South Africa, the Polo retained its second best-selling car status with 2,096 examples rolling off the forecourts. Predictably, the entry-level Polo Vivo claimed the number one spot, with 2,340 cars registered. Based on the facelifted fourth-generation Polo sold in Europe from 2005 to 2009, the Vivo has dominated the South African new car sales charts since it was introduced in 2009, when it took over from the fondly remembered Citi Golf as Volkswagen South Africa’s entry-level model.