adminDebuting in Europe almost a hundred years ago, with the introduction of the beetle during the Hitler’s era and the World War, the beetle has evolved right through to the 21st century where they have revolutionised the meaning of hatchback.
We have since had the golf, the refined beetle, and the polo, which have been best sellers over the years.
In this issue I will look at the all-new and fresh Polo, which will make you want to own one, my friend does (the one I drove) and a few others that I have seen on the streets of Harare.
It is VW’s new entry-level car (slotted underneath the Golf) and will compete against cars like the Ford Fiesta, Mazda2, Hyundai i20, Toyota Yaris, Opel Corsa, and Honda Fit.
The styling is neatly tailored and crisp, while the cabin features quality materials and controls. The Polo is nearly a foot (11 inches) shorter than a Golf.
I have always had an affinity for the Polo range though, ever since I drove the groundbreaking three-cylinder 1.4TDI (sporting those characteristic dual headlights) back in 2003.
I was still young then, now almost ten years later I had the pleasure of having a feel of the newer and more improved version, which is affordable, economical and available locally at FCM.
For less than US$25 000, you can drive away in this spunky little ride and because FCM is the sole distributor, they have trained service staff who will assist and give you all the after sales service, that is stated in your warranty or guarantee agreement.
A few weeks ago I test my friend’s 1.6TDI. It has a highly sophisticated compression ignition engine, designed to pander to ultra-strict European emission control regimes.
For those of us who really respect green issues, this is perfect because its in the lower CO2 bracket.
I have to admit that I wasn’t convinced that this was true before the drive, but by the end of it I converted that Polos are refined, safe and comfortable long-distance cruisers, well I just did the Borrowdale road, but it
was enough for me to pass that conclusion.
The new car is significantly larger (54 longer, 32mm wider) and much closer in terms of design and engineering integrity to its Golf6 sibling – much more so than the previous Polo was to Golf 5.
From a styling perspective Polo cues design clues very reminiscent of Golf 6. In fact, it looks like a miniaturised Golf from a distance.
I personally feel that it’s a conservative vehicle, not over the top in terms of design, but more subtle and European.
Its styling is evolutionary. If you remember the Scirrocco you will realise the resemblance in the headlights.
VW’s cabins have, for time immortal been dark-surfaced reflections of German industrial design.
One thing is for sure its styled better and drives way better than the previous one. Is it any good to drive then? Well, yes – infinitely better than the previous one.
I would rate the new Polo’s assisted steering as perhaps the best in class (better than Fiesta’s negligibly over-assisted set-up).
It’s light enough to twirl the wheel with ease when navigating obstacle-littered urban spaces, yet manages to never feel completely detached from the resistance of those front Bridgestone 185/60s. In other words – there is plenty of steering feedback.
At all speeds cabin insulation from tyre, mechanical and road surface acoustics are so superior to anything in class, one has no qualms about challenging significant mileages in the Polo.
From a neat 250Nm at 1 500 runs per minute it turns over an impressive pace all the way through to 4 000r/min.
Even with the Polo fully loaded a simple clutch-and-shift action down to fourth gear ushered in heavy transport overtaking manoeuvres with a generous safety margin.
What more would you want? Beyond its keen performance, the Polo 1.6TDI’s economy was outstanding.
Despite its rather small 45-litre tank volume, the Polo averages 5,1 litres per 100km long distance . . . which gives the Fiesta a run for its money.
It really is a fully justifiable junior Golf 6 driving experience. If it had independent rear suspension it would probably be too close to Golf 6’s abilities and cannibalise sales.
By now you are now wondering whether to go for the Polo or Fiesta? Well let me answer this way, if you are a keen compression ignition person bargaining on fuel consumption, and like 250Nm worth of safety margin when overtaking heavy traffic then the Polo 1.6TDI or any current spec Polo is your car.
It comes in four-cylinder 1.4-and 1.6-litre petrol, four-cylinder 1.6-litre turbodiesel.
For engine specifications, test-drives and ordering of this vehicle, pricing and finance options which might work for you when purchasing this vehicle, please visit the FCM dealership.
As always, till next week be safe and happy motoring.
- Fact D. Jeke is a motoring enthusiast who has attended auto shows, rallies and has written for various publications in the region for the last decade. She can be contacted via email on [email protected]
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