By Ian Strachan.
I remember when the Volkswagen Polo was a small car. Not any more. The Polo has grown up before our eyes and is now closer to the size of the original Golfs.
The latest Polo benefits from fresh styling at the front and rear, higher specification, more technology and more efficient engines.
The latest Polo has a lot to live up to. The Polo has carved out a niche for itself as a well-built small car with big car credentials and has sold more than 1.6 million in the UK since launch in 1975.
I tested the entry level Life version of the new Polo, powered by a 1.0 litre three cylinder direct injection petrol engine giving 95 bhp. It may be small but it has plenty of lower end power, with handling that feels as if the wheels could never leave the ground. The engine is linked to a pleasant five-speed gearbox which means you can get 54.4 miles to the gallon despite the Polo’s more-than-adequate power delivery.
To look at, the Polo is still as understated as it ever was, though its features are more sharply defined. It has clean lines and a purposeful stance, but is still unmistakably a Polo.
Inside you get simplicity, an attention to detail and high quality materials. The seats are supportive and very comfortable.
The peppy 1.0 litre engine is smooth and unfussed, with surprisingly willing pulling power.
Handling is crisp and positive – even a little sporty – thanks to a not-too-soft suspension set-up and nicely-rated power steering. Steering is always solid and predictable, with good feedback through the steering wheel.
Standard equipment on the Polo Life is impressive for an entry level car and includes 15-inch alloy wheels, an all-round airbag system, remote central locking, air-conditioning with pollen filter, MP3 compatible DAB radio with Bluetooth and six speakers controlled via an eight-inch colour touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping aid, hill-hold function, automatic lights, electric windows and mirrors and split folding rear seat.. My test car also came with a full size spare wheel (£105), front and rear parking sensors with optical display (£470), front seat lumbar support (£115) and front fog lights (£210).
The manual Polo Life 1.0 TSI which I test drove comes in at £18,915 on the road, which isn’t cheap for a car of this size, but you are buying into solid VW brand values and resale values are good.
