Volkswagen says that the new bodyshell has best-in-class torsional rigidity, with significantly enhanced safety qualities. The new Polo scored four stars in Euro NCAP crash tests. Everything about the body spells high quality; from the excellent paint and trim finish, to the solid feel of the doors and rear hatch when closing, and to the small panel gaps that are achieved through laser welding processes. The body, which is made from high-strength galvanized steel, carries a 12 year anti-corrosion perforation warranty. However, the Polo isn’t quite as ‘concentrated’ as it used to be. The new body, with its stylish looks, is longer, wider and taller. This has brought some welcome improvements to interior space, both for occupants and their luggage. Polo buyers can choose between three model types. There’s a base (price leader) Polo 3door, and there are S and SE variants in three and five door versions. Automatic or manual transmission is available on all models. Prices start at $19,800 for the base three-door, the S 3-door costs $20,800 and the SE 3-door is $22,500. Prices for the five-door models are $21,800 (the S) and $23,500 (the SE). Automatic transmission costs an extra $2,000. The base model comes with dual front airbags, five lap-sash seat belts and five head restraints, electro-hydraulic power steering, engine immobiliser, heated and power adjustable exterior mirrors, steering column adjustable for tilt and reach, a single CD audio system and a 60/40 split fold rear seat.

The S model adds air conditioning,, but you have to go to the top SE model to get an alarm, remote central locking, sports front seats with height adjustment, power front windows, a multifunction trip computer, front fog lights, a centre sun visor and a luggage compartment light! Options include ABS brakes for $700, and an electric glass sunroof for $990 on all but the base three-door. Metallic paint costs $490. The test Polo was an SE three-door and this model provides good space and comfort for two adults up front, and reasonable room and comfort for two or three smaller occupants in the rear. As with most two-door vehicles, the Polo has quite large doors in order to provide reasonable DISLIKES Performance lacking at times, particularly the automatic version Purchase price higher than similar size Japanese or Korean-sourced hatches Runs on PULP access to the rear seat and not only do these doors need a lot of space to fully open, they are also fairly heavy to open and close. Also, the positioning of the body B pillar and the seats means that front occupants have to stretch backwards to reach the seatbelts. The driver’s belt in the test car was slow in its return action when released, but I suspect that this may have been just a one-off fault. The best part about the Polo’s driving characteristics is undoubtedly its fine handling qualities. The chassis dynamics are way above the usual standards for compact cars, with excellent stability and roadholding exhibited in the varying conditions of our test course. Pleasingly, ride comfort has in no way been sacrificed for good handling; the Polo rates well above average on this aspect as well. The body felt tight as a drum over uneven surfaces, with no creaking or flexing, and noise levels were commendably low. With all these pleasant driving attributes, it’s a pity then that the Polo doesn’t have a bit more urge under the bonnet, particularly in view of the fact that this new model is around 70 kg heavier that its predecessor. The 1.4 litre engine’s modest power output is not so noticeable in the manual version (especially if the driver is happy to swap cogs fairly often), but the auto model struggles at times. Drivers will need to be aware of the time and space required when attempting overtaking manouevres on the highway, particularly with more than one occupant on board. Around town, the Polo is quite adequate in the performance department, keeping up satisfactorily with the general traffic flow.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Type Four cylinder, in-line, OHC, 16 valves Capacity in litres 1.390 Induction Multi-point fuel injection Fuel recommendation PULP Claimed max. power 55 kW at 5000 rpm Claimed max. torque 126 Nm at 3800 rpm Specific power output 39.6 kW/litre TRANSMISSION Type Five speed manual Driving wheels Front Speed per 1000 rpm in top gear 33.5 km/h WHEELS Steel, 6J x 14 inch Tyres Michelin, 185/60 R14 Spare Matching size and type STEERING Type Power assisted rack and pinion Turns lock to lock 2.9 Turning circle (measured) 10.3 metres DIMENSIONS Mass 1025 kg Length 3897 mm Width (incl. mirrors 1905 mm) 1650 mm Height 1465 mm Ground clearance (measured) 117 mm Seating capacity 5 Fuel tank capacity 45 litres TOWING Max. towed mass (trailer plus load) 1000 kg Max. towball download (laden trailer 50 kg NRMA THEFT RATING Points on 0-110 scale (high score best) (SE) 96 WARRANTY Three years, 100,000 km MANUFACTURED IN Germany

Download Volkswagen Polo SE Manual 3-Door Hatch PDF