THERE is not a huge difference between the Cross Polo and the regular Polo from Volkswagen.
Yes, it’s 15mm higher, which is not a huge amount, but I suppose the main differences are around the bumper and the wheels. The 17-inch Budapest alloys attracted much attention and overall the effect around the bumpers gave the car that rugged, chunky look.
It’s not too expensive and if a young man is looking to his parents for help when buying his first car then this could be the solution. Insurance is high for young people, but with a 1.2 litre engine, cover on a Cross Polo should not be too severe.
To make it more attractive Volkswagen is now offering free tax and insurance for 12 months on new models. VW also say they will give you a
?¬500 ‘welcome cheque’.
Apart from the black bumpers the headlamps are attractive and two roof rails add to the rugged look. It’s neatly finished at the back and as usual the VW logo opens the boot where you get a divider and a full-size spare wheel.
Inside the cabin is very bright thanks to a nice touch of grey on the front and back seats. The words ‘Cross Polo’ are stitched on all the seats. There is room for five adults, although four would be more comfortable for the back seat passengers.
In the cabin all the controls are well laid out, as you would expect in a Volkswagen. Basically the dash display is the same as you’d find in a regular Polo, Golf or Passat.
Overall it’s well kitted out with goodies like air con, electric and heated door mirrors, ABS and ESP, to name just a few standard items.
The starting price for the regular Polo is
?¬14,555, while the diesel version of the Cross Polo I drove will cost you
?¬18,835. It’s also available in a 1.2 petrol engine where prices start at e17,380.
As usual you pay more for the diesel version but road tax is cheaper. There are a few extras like cruise control and flat tyre indicator available if the parents have a few more bob to spare!
I found the car easy to handle and with 75 horsepower available, it’s lively around town. However, the diesel was a bit noisy at times.
Overall, though, there was nothing ‘cross’ about this Polo. In fact, it was very friendly