THE VW Polo that I drove last week was really lively and I think most females and males cannot but be impressed when they look at the fifth generation of the car.
Volkswagen are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the first Polo and over the past 39 years the car has been a great seller for the company with over 12 million sales worldwide. The first Polo in 1975 was based on the Audi 50 hatchback; now the Audi A1 is based on the Polo.
The changes to the new version are discreet and at first glance not immediately visible to the casual tyre-kicker. The improvements are more in the technology and efficiency departments.
It’s certainly a case of revision rather than replacement. However, the front of the car now has a much neater look to it and I suppose it would be true to say that, overall, the Polo is now even more like a mini-Golf.
I drove a 1.0-litre version with 60 brake horse power and it was really fast. Although officially it would take you 15.5 seconds to get from zero to 100km.h, I didn’t need to set any land speed records when taking off, yet still found it very lively.
No supporters of two-door cars in our family, so thankfully the version I tested had four. The six-inch screen display on the dash is taken from the Golf and I’m sure VW fans will not be complaining about that. The front seats are comfortable and there is room in the back for three adults, at a squeeze.
I had stop-start technology and plenty of cubbyholes in the cabin to hold drinks and anything else you need to carry. Boot space is just about average and in the second layer underneath you will be pleased to find a full-size spare wheel.
I drove a Mayan Blue coloured car which was really lovely. But if blue is not your colour of choice, the Polo is also available in Flash Red, Pure White, Black or Urano Grey.
Prices start at
?¬14,995, while the Trendline version I drove starts at
?¬15,995. Road tax is
?¬190 per annum. Polo’s biggest rivals in the Irish market are expected to be the Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio and Toyota Yaris.
But if you’re looking for a neat car that provides great fuel economy, is comfortable and lively to drive, I would certainly recommend a test drive in the new Polo.