by Kelly Fisher
If you’ve read any reviews by me in the last few years then you will know three things about me: 1) I am team auto; 2) I don’t like cars with gimmicks; and 3) I like a good no fuss, easy-to-use car. So imagine my um… delight when I heard that an automatic Volkswagen Polo was on its way to be tested. This one was right in my comfort zone. A car that is reliable, easy to drive and well-specced. Yes, please.
Ok, so if you are a petrolhead (can you even afford to be one in this economic climate?), this vehicle is not going to excite you, despite the groovy R-Line styling pack and Vibrant Violet metallic paint. It didn’t excite me either, to be honest, but that’s not its job. Its job is to be a comfortable, safe and dependable b-segment hatchback. And that it is.
The Polo is one of the top-selling passenger cars in South Africa. It’s also really expensive to insure, but that’s another story. It has carved a rather big market for itself across all demographics – from students to parents to business people and more. The Polo has made enough of a name for itself that it’s no surprise that the recently updated sixth generation is expected to do equally as well as all that has come before it.
Exterior design changes include a new look to the headlights, an updated grille and bumper design and new split tail lights. The interior of the Polo feels sophisticated and everything feels intuitive. In this facelifted iteration there is a new multimedia screen that makes it easier to access the media player and other vehicle features and settings. Nice-to-have features across the range include a digital instrument cluster, a multi-function steering wheel and electric windows. There is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration on the updated Polo. Being a VW, the options are endless. And, of course, the higher up in the range you buy, the more you will get as standard. There are four trim lines to choose from: base, Life, R-Line and GTI. Our test unit was the 1.0 DSG Life.
This until pushes out 85kW and 200 N.m of torque from its three-cylinder turbocharged unit. Sending drive to the wheels is a six-spedd dual-clutch gearbox. Together, the engine and gearbox do a fine job of powering this hatchback. It’s a bit slow off the line, but no one’s racing anyone in any case. Not in this economic climate.
Speaking of, a 1.0-lire turbocharged unit is perfect for those wanting to reduce their fuel consumption. VW claims that the Polo consumes 5.5-litres/100km. I have no complaints about the way the Polo drives. I can’t tell you exciting stories about it either, but that’s ok. No one’s wanting this 1.0-litre unit to be a hot hatch. No one with good sense rather.
The automatic Volkwagen Polo is the kind of car that does exactly what it says on the box. And for many, that is exactly what is needed. Should you get one? It’s a bit pricey and it has no real personality. If that’s your vibe, then by all means, go check it out. I would not be doing due diligence though if I didn’t tell you that you could pick up one of its rivals (Suzuki Swift, Peugeot 208, etc) for a more pocket-friendly price.
Volkswagen Polo 1,0 TSI 85 kW Life DSG
Price: R380 000
Engine: 999 cc, 3-cylinder, turbopetrol
Power: 85 kW @ 5 000 r/min, 200 N.m @ 2 000 r/min
Economy: 5,5 L/100 km claimed
Transmission: 6-speed DSG