adminBeetle during World War II – Hitler’s era to the 21st century – where they have revolutionised the meaning of hatchback.
They have introduced the Golf, the Beetle, and the Polo which have been best sellers over the years. In this issue I look at the Polo, all new and fresh which will have you wanting to own one, my friend does (the one I drove) and a few others I’ve seen on the streets of Harare.
It will be 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 28cm shorter than a Golf.
I’ve 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. Boy, was I younger then, well still am, it’s just the years that are accumulating, now almost 10 years down I got to jump into the newer and more improved version which is so affordable and economical and available locally at FCM along Samora Machel Avenue. I would like to call it a perfect under-25, not the age but the pricing, for less than US$25 000, you can drive away in this spunky little ride and because FCM is the sole distributor, they have the right trained service staff who will assist and give you all the aftersales services which are stated in your warranty or guarantee agreement.
A few weeks ago I test drove the current 1.6TDi. This is 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 wasn’t convinced, I got that conviction now Polos are refined, safe and comfortable long-distance cruisers, well I just did the Borrowdale Road, but it was enough for me to make that conclusion.
The new car is significantly larger (54mm longer, 32mm wider) and much closer in terms of design and engineering integrity to its Golf 6 sibling – much more so than the previous Polo was to Golf 5.
From a styling perspective the Polo is 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 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 for sure. it’s 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 500r/min it turns over an impressive turn of 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 45l tank volume, the Polo averages 5.1l/100km long distance . . . which gives the Fiesta competition, stiff competition.
It really is a fully justifiable junior Golf 6 driving experience — and that’s saying something. If it had independent rear suspension it would probably be too close to Golf 6’s abilities and cannibalise sales.
Although there were some ergonomic foibles to irritate me, you probably just want to know one thing: Polo or Fiesta?
If you’re a keen compression ignition man bargaining on fuel consumption, and like 250Nm worth of safety margin when overtaking trucking traffic when transporting your family, Polo 1.6TDi or any current spec Polo is the only game in town. 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 along Samora Machel Avenue and speak to the sales team. They will be happy to assist you. Also if you can’t buy it you can win it in the Telecel Mega Promotion. They are giving away a few of these tomato red polos in the Mega draw, so enter the promotion to increase your chances of getting it for free.
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] or on Facebook: torque with Fact Jeke.
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