ID. Polo named 'One to Watch' by News UK

The upcoming small electric car, which is set to arrive at Breeze Volkswagen in 2026, picked up the One to Watch award from News UK – in other words, the most hotly anticipated car next year among News UK experts.

Will Dron, Digital Driving Editor at The Times and Sunday Times, said: “The mere fact the Polo name lives on into the electric era is enough to get excited about. But there’s more to look forward to than that: a choice of batteries offering up to 280 miles of range, the potential for very attractive pricing, and the use of more sustainable materials and construction processes have certainly whetted our appetites. The confirmation that we’ll also get an ID. Polo GTI is the icing on the cake. Without doubt, ID. Polo is our One to Watch.”

Launched in 2018, the News UK Motor Awards bring together the editorial expertise and audiences of The Times, The Sunday Times, The Sun and talkSPORT. The awards are judged by leading automotive journalists from across News UK’s titles and champion best-in-class cars in all segments, including luxury, sports, family, adventure and electric.

Awards for Golf, Tiguan and ID.7
The Volkswagen Golf, Tiguan and ID.7 also won trophies in the days leading up to the News UK awards.

Just 24 hours before the ID. Polo accolade was announced, Diesel and Eco Car published its annual Diesel Top 50 special issue. The Golf – Volkswagen’s biggest-selling car in the UK – was named Best Diesel Medium Car and the Tiguan – Volkswagen’s most popular car globally – was crowned Best Diesel Medium SUV.

“A facelift has revitalised the Golf, keeping this icon sharp as it approaches its sixth decade,” said Ian Robertson, Editor of Diesel and Eco Car. “The latest 2.0-litre TDI engine is smooth and frugal, returning just over 64 mpg at its most economical, while still providing ample performance. It remains the benchmark medium hatchback – familiar, but always excellent.”

Commenting on the Tiguan, Ian added: “The latest Tiguan has moved upmarket with sleeker looks, more space and improved technology. At its heart lies the dependable 2.0-litre diesel unit, paired to an automatic gearbox for smooth progress. The cabin features a huge new touchscreen and there’s space to spare for families. Its 652-litre boot is one of the biggest in class, cementing the Tiguan’s reputation as the SUV that simply works.”

Last, but not least, the ID.7 has been named Best EV 2025 at the Leasing.com Awards. “The Volkswagen ID.7 shows just how far EVs have come,” said Leasing.com CEO Mike Fazal. “It offers the practicality and range that customers demand, while bringing genuine desirability to the electric market. It’s been one of the stand-out EVs on Leasing.com this year.”

String of awards for Volkswagen cars
These awards from News UK, Leasing.com and Diesel and Eco Car add to what was already an impressive list of trophies and plaudits for Volkswagen cars this year:

Passat

Estate of the Year at the What Car? Awards 2025
Tow Car of the Year at the What Car? Awards 2025
Safety Award at the What Car? Awards 2025
Best Hybrid Estate at the What Car? Electric Car of the Year Awards
Category win (1,150 kg to 1,169 kg) at the What Car? Camping and Caravanning Club Tow Car Awards
Overall Towcar of the Year and categories (Family Towcar and caravan weight 1,300 kg to 1,500 kg) at the Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar Awards

Golf