After yet more grief with the sunroof on the A3 which is apparently now definitely fixed, I’m getting a bit fed up and large town/city driving is doing my head in with a manual gearbox and my occasional iffy back problems.

My sister has offered to buy the A3 from me so I’m looking at the new VW Polo 1.0 TSI DSG. It was a car I was interested in before it was released back when I bought the A3. It’s now as large as the last generation Golf so plenty big enough for me.

The issue I have is I can’t justify the outlay for the SEL or R-Line models, so I’m left with the SE or beats model. The beats has a few more extras and has a more youthful feel to it. I can just about pull off youthful

The issue for me is although I like the brighter interior of the beats, I’m concerned it will show every bit of dirt and scratches. Any experience here with lighter coloured interiors? Comparison of SE and Beats below.

Click image to enlarge

Click image to enlarge

Not liking the red interior, a bit 'down with the kidz' despite your aspirations of still being youthful. And there doesn't seem to be a hook where you can hang your backward-facing baseball cap
Imo, the grey has a classier look to it, less gimmicky

Yes I know what you mean. I’m leaning more and more towards SE which is the pick of the range according to critics. Has everything you really need. In another twist, I do like the energetic orange colour that they do  LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

I think you should go for a blue car with an amber flashing light on top

Good thinking. I’ll ask the salesman LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

Me personally I’d take the beats model, the interior looks a lot nicer. VW do the dullest interiors, so anything that makes it brighter gets my vote. 21MY Defender 90 S 3.0 D200

Been looking at the new polo,we have had and run 4 polo,s but the new one.well stripped out small engine less power ,rear drum brakes ,5 speed box and only as a five door.decided to keep our 1.2 tsi ,6 speed discs all round and three door until a better options comes up.also after the diesel gate scandal I have lost faith in the badge.

What about an equivalent Skoda/Seat , you may get more/newer car for your money .

Mark 2009 FL2 TD4 SE (Sadly gone)
2007 FL2 TD4 GS (The wifes , gone after 8 great years)
2012 FL2 SD4 SPORT LE(Gone and missing it)
2015 DISCOVERY SPORT 2.2SD4 HSE (Now gone)
2014 Ford Bmax 1.0 ecoboost ( Gone but what next )
2014 Ford Focus 2.0tdci Zetec S (Gone,but what a car)
2020 Ford Fiesta ActiveX 1.0 Ecoboost
2024 Skoda Kodiaq 1.5 Tsi SEL

Going for a test drive tomorrow. 7 speed DSG box rather than manual. LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

I'd be more worried about the DSG gearbox than the colour of the interior... Are you confident that VW have now fixed the issues that plagued the transmission when it was introduced? Torque-converter automatics are far more reliable - take a look at a Peugeot 208... Currently enjoying:
2011 Freelander 2 TD4 XS (SOLD)
2013 BMW X3 20D M-Sport Auto
2007 Jaguar XK 4.2 Coupe

Don’t like Peugeot’s. From looking on owners forums they are now ok on the whole (compared to the early days) and at least they are covered by warranty rather than playing the wear and tear card for manual clutches. LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

Well it's a done deal. I've ordered the SE in reflex silver with DSG. Remarkably smooth to drive and wouldn't even know it was changing gear. Pick it up on the 3rd of August.  LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

Enjoy  21MY Defender 90 S 3.0 D200

I think a standard good spec like the SE will always be better in the long run that having the youngster bling colours. They are nice and bright and look nice but ones ive seen have suffered badly from scratch marks from cleaning the dash, stains on the bright seats etc.

sounds like a really nice spec you have coming, have fun and enjoy

With about a £15grand investment for a Polo you could get back to your true love and drive a low mileage FL2 - you know it makes sense  MY 09 GS manual in Lago Grey, Wood Co arm rest and side bumper strips - now sold.

MY 15 SD4 SE Auto Orkney Grey with colour coded Bumper Door Mouldings