This new electric car proves that it pays to complain
January 06, 2026 by Jamie Edkins
Car changing is a big deal
The new Volkswagen ID Polo’s interior brings back a feature which customers have been banging on about for years. It goes to show that you’ll get what you want if you moan about it enough.
This is the new Volkswagen ID Polo, a small electric hatchback which will take on the Renault 5 and Peugeot E-208 when it goes on sale later this year.
The exterior design is still under wraps for now, albeit behind a very thin disguise. However, VW recently revealed the ID Polo’s interior, and those of you who are sick of touchscreens will be delighted to see lots of lovely physical buttons.
New Volkswagen ID Polo interior: common sense finally prevails
Ever since Volkswagen switched to touchscreen-based controls in the latest Golf back in 2020, customers have been begging for the return of proper buttons. Well after five years, VW has finally listened.
The new ID Polo has proper buttons. Not just a cursory shortcut to bring up a climate menu, but a row of rocker switches to control the fan speed, temperature and the window defrosters.
There are also buttons on the steering wheel, and there’s a volume knob in the centre console as well. It’s proof that you can get what we want if you just keep whining.
You still get a large touchscreen infotainment system and a digital driver’s display, the latter of which has a cool feature which allows you to mimic the dials of a Mk1 Volkswagen Golf.
New Volkswagen ID Polo design: hidden for now, but now very well
The outside of the ID Polo is covered up by this funky-looking wrap for now, but it’s not hard to see what it’ll look like under the disguise.
It appears to be pretty much the same as the ID2all concept car from a few years ago, meaning it has a stubby sloping bonnet and sleek headlights, as well as an illuminated VW badge in the centre.
The hidden door handles make it look a bit more sporty from the side, and at the rear you have a chunky full-width light bar which mimics the concept car.
You’ll also be able to get a GTI version of the ID Polo further down the line, and that car features some sporty styling upgrades to help it stand out. The front and rear bumpers are lower and feature additional air intakes, and you also get larger alloy wheels than the standard car.
New Volkswagen ID Polo batteries, range and performance
Final stats for the ID Polo haven’t been announced yet, but when the concept car was revealed Volkswagen said it would have up to 280 miles of range. That’s around 30 miles more than a Renault 5 can manage.
It’ll be powered by a 226hp electric motor driving the front wheels, which should be good for 0-60mph in under 7.0 seconds. The GTI will of course be more powerful, although you’ll have to wait to find out how much. Around 320hp could be possible.
When can I buy the new Volkswagen ID Polo?
Very soon. The Volkswagen ID Polo is due to go on sale in the first half of 2026, but you’ll have to wait until closer to the end of the year if you want the spicy GTI version.
As for pricing, Volkswagen hasn’t put an exact figure on this car just yet. It did say a few years ago that the ID Polo would cost less than £22,000 though, which would put it in line with the Renault 5. The GTI will cost more, but it should still sneak in at less than £30,000.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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