Car Test
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R0251 | |
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July 2002 |
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| VW Polo SE | ||
| Printer Friendly Page | Featured model: 1.4 TDi and 1.4 petrol 5 door | |
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VW POLO, SEAT IBIZA, SKODA FABIA - they’re all variations on the same theme, sharing engines and underpinnings, but dressed to suit owners with varying priorities.
These 1.4 Polos are more expensive than their in-house counterparts; the three-cylinder diesel is unique, in fact, although the four-pot 100bhp version is available with all three badges, as is the 75bhp-petrol version, also assessed here. The Polo’s biggest problem is weight - 160kg more of it in the case of the 1.4TDi, for example. As a result, both engines fail to match the acceleration or the frugality of their predecessors. Yet the TDi makes the petrol version look a wimp when pulling from low speed. However, both are outstanding in terms of mechanical smoothness and quietness (apart from some wind noise), with a real air of quality and refinement, both in ride comfort and visual appearance to back up these good manners. The Fabia has more rear passenger space; nevertheless, there’s more room to stretch your legs in the new Polo (and Ibiza) compared with their previous namesakes. Curiously, the new Polo has a load cover behind that restricts height and therefore load area volume. They all have a full-size spare wheel, though, and the cushions, as well as being split/fold, can easily be removed entirely, for carrying longer items. Up front, the new Polo’s seats offer real comfort and support, with lots of adjusters to ensure longer journey bliss. There’s an impeccable fully automatic climate-control system for £300 more than the entirely competent semi-auto arrangement (you set your own direction controls) - the latter is standard on all except the E version. The S is the best value in the range, but engine choice and power are restricted- unlike the Seat and Skoda equivalents, you have to resort to the stiffer-sprung Sport to enjoy the benefits of 100bhp under-bonnett. Yet even in the £800 costlier SE version, there’s a curious mixture of paucity and generosity: a gas-strut-assisted bonnet yet no door sill protectors; lined oddment spaces yet no carpet under the back seat cushion (as Skoda provides). In terms of ride and handling, there’s little to criticize, with ideally weighted, deft steering and a remarkable ability to accommodate optional alloys with low-profile tyres, without significantly spoiling ride comfort. It stops well, too, and safety credentials are impeccable - so long as you’re not a pedestrian. This, and good security keep insurance rates low: the S version of our 1.4 petrol is group 3. |
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