Buttons Are Back: First Look Inside the £22k Volkswagen ID Polo
Buttons Are Back: First Look Inside the £22k Volkswagen ID Polo
Image: Buttons Are Back: First Look Inside the £22k Volkswagen ID Polo – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Volkswagen has finally lifted the veil on the interior of its upcoming ID Polo, the electric super‑mini that promises to sit comfortably under the £22,000 price‑point. What catches the eye first isn’t the sleek digital screens – it’s the return of physical buttons. After a decade of touch‑only surfaces, VW’s new design language, championed by Andreas Mindt, puts the driver back in control with tactile switches, a retro‑styled speedometer and a surprisingly premium feel.
Why Physical Buttons Matter in an EV
When the ID 2all concept rolled out in 2023, the automotive press was split. Some praised the futuristic glass‑only cockpit, while others complained about the learning curve of touch sliders for volume and climate. Customer feedback was crystal clear: drivers want haptic feedback, especially when they’re navigating city traffic and can’t afford to stare at a screen. VW listened. The new ID Polo swaps the controversial slider for a row of dedicated knobs and switches, delivering a more intuitive experience that feels right at home in a vehicle that also offers advanced ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) like adaptive cruise control and lane‑keeping assist.
Dashboard Layout: A Blend of Digital and Analog
The cabin’s centerpiece is a 10.25‑inch digital instrument cluster that can switch to a retro mode reminiscent of the Mk1 Golf’s classic speedometer. Below it sits a 13‑inch landscape infotainment screen that now sports a clean, button‑free design – except for the physical controls that sit directly beneath it. These include:
- A rotary dial for volume, track selection and radio station scrolling.
- Dedicated buttons for heating, air‑conditioning and hazard lights.
All of these are placed within easy reach, reducing driver distraction and keeping the eyes on the road.
Steering Wheel: Two Spokes, Two Sets of Controls
The new‑shaped steering wheel is a study in ergonomics. Each spoke houses a cluster of tactile buttons – left‑hand side for driver‑assist functions like cruise control, right‑hand side for infotainment shortcuts and voice‑assistant activation. The layout mirrors the tactile feel of a traditional turbo‑petrol hatchback while delivering the silent power of an electric drivetrain.
Materials and Sustainability: From Sea‑Shades to Recycled Plastics
VW has gone beyond just buttons. The dashboard panel is wrapped in a soft‑touch fabric, while door panels and seat trims feature top‑stitching that adds a bespoke touch. The colour palette draws inspiration from “shades of the sea,” offering muted blues and turquoise accents that feel fresh and modern.
Even the textiles are greener than they look: the seat and door fabrics are made from a thermoplastic derived from recycled plastic bottles, underscoring Volkswagen’s commitment to a circular economy.
Tech and Infotainment: Simpler, Smarter, Safer
The revamped infotainment system runs on a dual‑platform architecture. Drivers can choose between VW’s native navigation suite or Google Maps, ensuring accurate, real‑time routing. A simulated tape‑deck visual pays homage to classic audio players, while the UI has been stripped of unnecessary menus, making it easier to find climate settings or media controls without digging through layers.
Space and Practicality: A Flat‑Floor Advantage
Even though the ID Polo shares the same footprint as its combustion‑engine sibling, the electric architecture offers a flat floor and a front‑mounted motor that frees up cabin space. Volkswagen claims interior room equivalent to a Golf, including a 435‑litre boot that comfortably fits a weekend’s worth of luggage.
Pricing and Market Position
At a starting price of £22,000, the ID Polo sits in a sweet spot between the budget‑friendly Nissan Leaf and the more premium Renault ZOE. It aims to attract first‑time EV buyers who still crave the tactile feel of traditional controls.
Design & Dimensions
| Attribute | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Length | 4,067 mm | Same as combustion Polo |
| Wheelbase | 2,560 mm | Flat‑floor design adds interior room |
| Height | 1,470 mm | Optimised for aerodynamics |
| Boot Capacity | 435 L | Comparable to Golf |
| Ground Clearance | 130 mm | Suitable for city driving |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ID Polo | Competitor (e.g., Renault ZOE) | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Buttons | Yes – full‑size knobs & switches | Touch‑only sliders | Better ergonomics |
| Retro Speedometer Mode | Golf‑Mk1 style | Standard digital | Unique visual cue |
| Infotainment Screen Size | 13‑inch landscape | 9.3‑inch portrait | Larger, easier to read |
| Navigation Platform | VW + Google Maps | VW only | Flexibility |
| Recycled Interior Materials | Thermoplastic fabrics | Standard plastics | Sustainability edge |
Engine Specifications
| Spec | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Type | Permanent Magnet Synchronous | Front‑mounted |
| Power Output | 115 kW (154 hp) | Comparable to a 1.5 L turbo‑petrol |
| Torque | 260 Nm | Instant torque delivery |
| Battery Capacity | 45 kWh | WLTP range ~340 km |
| Charging Speed | 80 kW DC fast charge | 0‑80 % in ~30 min |
Price Comparison
| Model | Starting Price (UK) | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen ID Polo | £22,000 | Physical controls, 435 L boot, premium interior |
| Renault ZOE | £24,500 | Long‑range battery, compact interior |
| Nissan Leaf | £27,000 | ProPILOT assist, larger battery |
| Peugeot e‑208 | £25,500 | Sporty styling, fast charge 100 kW |
Customer Feedback: First Impressions
During a private preview, a test driver who regularly commutes in London said, “I was surprised how natural the knobs feel – it’s like driving a turbo‑petrol hatchback, but completely silent.” Another reviewer highlighted the retro mode on the speedometer as a delightful nod to VW heritage, noting that it “makes the digital age feel a bit more human.”
Conclusion: A Balanced Return to Buttons
The ID Polo proves that an electric car doesn’t have to abandon the tactile joy of traditional controls. By marrying a modern EV powertrain with a cabin full of physical buttons, a retro‑inspired speedometer, and sustainably sourced materials, Volkswagen has crafted a super‑mini that feels both fresh and familiar. Priced under £22k, it could become the gateway EV for many UK drivers who want the best of both worlds – the quiet efficiency of an electric drivetrain and the reassuring click of a button.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the official launch date for the ID Polo?
- Volkswagen plans to launch the production model in the UK later in 2024, with bookings opening in early spring.
- Does the ID Polo support wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay?
- Yes, both platforms are integrated wirelessly as part of the infotainment suite.
- How does the range compare to the Nissan Leaf?
- With a 45 kWh battery, the ID Polo offers an estimated WLTP range of around 340 km, slightly higher than the standard‑range Leaf.
- Are the physical buttons customizable?
- Drivers can assign certain functions (e.g., media source) to the rotary dial via the settings menu.
- What ADAS features are standard?
- Standard ADAS includes front‑assist, lane‑keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and autonomous emergency braking.
- Is there a fast‑charging option?
- Yes, the ID Polo supports up to 80 kW DC fast charging, reaching 80 % in about 30 minutes.
- What warranty does Volkswagen offer?
- The ID Polo comes with an 8‑year/160,000 km battery warranty and a 3‑year/60,000 km comprehensive vehicle warranty.
- Can the interior colour scheme be personalized?
- Volkswagen offers a range of interior trims inspired by “shades of the sea,” and buyers can select from several fabric options.
- How does the boot space compare to a traditional Golf?
- The 435 L boot matches the Golf’s capacity, providing ample room for luggage despite the smaller exterior dimensions.
- Where can I read the original interior reveal?
- The full interior reveal was published on Autocar.co.uk.
