In many ways, the Volkswagen Polo is like a Sodastream machine or a toasted cheese sandwich maker. I make this comparison fully aware of how silly it sounds, but let me explain. Every household owns a long-forgotten kitchen appliance, left on a shelf or in the back of the cupboard, doomed to collect dust for the foreseeable future. However, you know that one day you’ll feel like eating a toasted cheese sandwich or a Sodastream drink and for a while you’ll fall head over heels in love with that appliance again, even if only for a brief period of time. The Volkswagen Golf reminds me of a forgotten appliance; he is always able to put a smile on your face, but for some inexplicable reason you have forgotten about him.

The VW Polo has a magnificent pedigree and each edition has continued to live up to the successful legacy that began in 1975. Recently, however, there have been a few distractions if you were in the market for a hot new hatchback. The New Ford Fiesta has been making an industry splash and the Vauxhall Corsa is taking its fair share of the supermini market. Among others are the Fiat 500, the Toyota Aygo, the Suzuki Splash, the Mitsubishi Colt and the Seat Ibiza, all justifying their existence. Suddenly, everyone seems to have forgotten about the Pole. That is until you drive one again.

The distinctive feel of the VW Polo has remained throughout its 30-plus-year tenure, except now with precise steering, a wide choice of diesel and gasoline engines, and reliability rarely afforded to motorists. ; The kind of reliability Volkswagen owners are used to. Precision engineering has earned Volkswagen an enviable reputation for economical and eco-friendly engines, both of which are also not short on performance.

El Polo is also a pleasant place to find oneself; the firm but comfortable seats, the excellent driving position and all the comforts you would expect from a quality firm like Volkswagen. For a while you will be healing that you once forgot about the driving experience that the Polo provides. Unfortunately, this feeling will eventually come to an end and you will again be distracted by the Fiestas, Corsas and the Aygos of the world. The Pole will begin to collect dust again. So why is this happening?

It can be simply explained as the ‘Wow Factor’. The Fiesta’s sexy new look is sure to appeal to plenty of supermini customers and the Corsa’s sporty look will work equally well for Vauxhall. Both of the aforementioned cars have a bit of dynamism that continues to attract punters. The Pole, well… erm… no.

This is the one area where the Polo fails, and while it’s essentially just a cosmetic issue and the car-buying public should perhaps not be so superficial, it can contribute to the Polo being overlooked as a viable option. Dependable German engineering and a smooth ride hardly scream excitement, but long after the Fiesta’s sleek new metallic paint has peeled off, the Polo will deliver a reliable, powerful and trouble-free drive.

The Sodastream may be in the closet right now, but I have a feeling it’s due for a renaissance.