VW Polo is mint (From Bournemouth Echo)

VW Polo is mint

3:52pm Wednesday 23rd December 2009 in

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VW has given a lot of thought to the new-look Polo. It now looks more like its big brother, the Golf, with sharper lines and a similar front bumper and headlight cluster, all of which has been passed down from the stunning looking new Scirroco.

The new Polo is slightly wider and longer than its predecessor yet VW has managed to save 7.5 per cent of the overall weight.

VW has also improved the rigidity of the car by using higher tensile steel throughout.

The 1.4 litre engine is smooth, quiet and produces 85bhp giving a zero to 62mph time of 11.9 seconds and a top speed of 110mph.

This model is not particularly fast but it’s not supposed to be.

If you want a faster model try the 1.2 TSi or wait for the GTi which is likely to produce around 170bhp!

VW has managed to increase fuel efficiency by 15 per cent so the new Polo manages a healthy 48.7mpg on the combined cycle.

However, on an extra urban run you could see just over 60mpg.

CO2 emissions are 135g, meaning vehicle excise duty band E and insurance group four.

The sevens-peed DSG gearbox has normal “Drive” auto or pop the gearbox into “Sport” auto which holds the revs higher before changing up; good for overtaking.

You can of course use manual mode by just nudging the DSG lever forward and backwards.

The DSG box feels very similar to that used in the Golf TSi which I particularly like.

The Polo’s also a good motorway cruiser, maintaining decent silence and cruising along nicely at the national speed limit.

Build quality is brought right up to date, as are the quality of materials used in the cabin.

The dashboard is simple, functional and in my opinion one of the best in the small hatch market.

So what’s the new Polo like to drive?

Well the answer is very, very good. VW have made the Polo “grow up”, feeling much more like the sixth generation Golf.

The 17-inch optional alloy wheels and low-profile tyres enhance driver feedback, giving a slightly firmer ride than with standard wheels and tyres.

Road holding is good, turning in there is little understeer and the Polo does a great job on ironing out road imperfections.

The driving position is comfortable and the seats supportive, although there was a lack of lumber support in this model.

Cabin space is good and five adults can be accommodated.

The boot looks a little small at first but there is a false floor which opens up giving further hidden space if required – 280 litres with the rear seats in the upright position.

Safety features include ESP, ABS, driver and passenger whiplash-optimised head restraints and side, head/thorax airbag system for front passengers.

It is likely that the new Polo will be awarded the full Euro NCAP crash rating of five stars as the new Seat Ibiza runs on the same platform and has already been given top marks.

Some of the key optional extras include a slick new five-inch touchscreen satellite navigation system which includes “AUX in” and SD Card slot for music playback, multifunction leather steering wheel and climate control.

This is a great car with an extremely good interior and class-leading build quality.

If you are thinking about buying a small car I would suggest you drive the new Polo before making your decision.