Far behind the French stars in the sales rankings in France, the German city car remains a classic of its kind.
Which version to choose?
Whether it makes 95 or 110 hp, the 1.0 TSI has no shortage of arguments. Supple, silent, with a reasonable appetite, this 3-cylinder turbo petrol is brilliant. But in the second variation, it delivers an additional torque which befits more especially the versatility of this city car. Once associated with the 7-speed dual-clutch robotic gearbox, invoiced at € 1,675, this unit even seems to do more than the power indicated.
Always on the right gear, the DSG transmission emphasizes its responsiveness at the lowest tachometer. Too bad Volkswagen does not give the possibility of combining this engine with the most modest finishes to make it accessible to as many people as possible. Otherwise, to be satisfied with the 1.0 80 hp entry level in order to save money is a bad idea as this engine lacks momentum.
Qualities
You may not need more than a city car, but still want to feel upgraded. Over its six generations and even before the emergence of rivals from premium brands, the Volkswagen Polo has made a specialty of responding to this paradox. By focusing mainly on a build quality that rarely lends itself to criticism and a presentation of frenzied classicism, but rewarding, a recipe repeatedly tested by its big sister the Golf.
This sixth opus pushes to this point the mimicry with its glorious elder of the superior category that the Dimensions of its interior are not far from worthy of a compact family. It is even more obvious when the tailgate is opened, it giving access to a trunk accumulating a minimum of 351 liters bench seat in place.
What is hidden under the hood also gives good reason to rejoice in general. By drawing from the heart of the group’s inexhaustible engine bank, this Volkswagen is based on mechanical and very accomplished transmissions, the sparkling TSI petrol pairing particularly well with the DSG double-clutch robotic gearbox.
Defaults
The Polo is inspired by the higher category and sometimes a little too much. Itsarifs often turn out to be at least a few hundred dollars higher than those of its direct competitors. And for all that its standard endowment is not the most generous in general and requires the addition of some welcome options.
While waiting for an imminent restyling, nothing will unfortunately be enough to brighten up a serious interior too much, even frankly austere compared to that of more dashing rivals like the Peugeot 208, among other examples. This lack of joviality is also verified while driving, the star of Wolfsburg being satisfied with a very calm road behavior. And as the endearing GTI has disappeared from the catalog, opportunities to smile are decidedly rare.
Notice
Having reached mid-career, this sixth generation struggles to retain the light within our borders. Which doesn’t make it a bad choice.
Technical sheet
- Engine: 3-cylinder turbo petrol
- Weight (kg): 1 202
- Lon.xlarg.xhaut. (m) : 4,05×1,75×1,46
- Max speed: 195
- CO2 (g/km)/malus : 129-148/0-400 €
- Chest at 5 / at 2 (l): 351/1255
- Country of manufacture: Spain
