The POLO From VW




This has allready proved a winner at Auto Express, taking last year's New Car Honour for the Best Small Car. The reasons for this cars dominance shine through the opposition. From its perfectly proportioned shape to the spacious and classy cabin, the Polo gives the impression of being a much more substantial car than it actually is.

If you're the kind of person attracted to the youthfull charms of the Micra or Saxo, you may find the Polo to be a little on the dull side.

Sit inside and you can't escape that hewn-from-granite feel. Where the switchgear of some other cars feels flimsy and weak, in the Polo you believe that you could kick the trim and your shoe would fall apart first. Ergonomics could hardly be better, with just a slightly fiddly radio to complain about. There's a wide range of adjustment in the driver's seat, forward/reverse movement as well as height adjustment. The same is true in the back, where the Polo is certainly the most comfortable of the five tested here. The Polo is easily the more practical option in the group, being able to take four six foot adults without compromising boot space.


Pamper It also comes out top in many areas on the road. Drive a Polo and you don't notice the way that it handles but the way in which it pampers you while driving. The gearchange is slick and the clutch smooth, making easy progress, especially around town.

The Polo has strong pulling power, which on the road means fewer gear changes and a more relaxed drive. It's helped by short gearing, which makes the most of the engines limited power reserves. In fact the Polo seems prety quick and responsive to the throttle.

With the suspension set for compfort rather than sport, the Polo tends to roll more than the others through bends. But you will quickly forgive this when you experience the smooth ride offered.

The Volkswagen Polo offers that all-important feel good factor, which comes from the classy cabin, solid build quality and a good drive. It may not be the most exciting car to drive, but thanks to the refined engine, slick controls and soft ride, it's at least a very easy one.
On the road price:
�7,945
Engine:
4 cyl in-line
Capacity:
998cc
Transmission:
5-spd manual fwd
Dimensions (L:H:W):
3,715:1,420:1,832mm
Fuel tank capacity:
45 litres
Insurance group:
3
Basic Warranty:
3 years unlimited mileage
Service intervals:
10,000 miles
Recovery:
1 year VW Emergency Assist
Test Results:
0-60 (secs):
14.9
30-70 thru gears:
16.6
30-50 in third:
6.8
30-50 in fourth:
9.8
50-70 in fifth:
15.5
Top speed:
96mph
Braking 30-0mph:
11.5
What You Get For Your Money:
  1. Electric Windows: �410 option
  2. Central locking: �130 option
  3. Sunroof: �410 option
  4. Driver's airbag: �275 option
  5. Passenger airbag: �275 option
  6. ABS: �550 option
  7. Immobiliser
  8. RDS Radio Cassette
  9. Rear wash/wipe
  10. Seatbelt pre-tensioners

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