Volkswagen: Fresh-faced Polo looks a winner

Volkswagon's Polo offers European cachet at a competitive price. Photo / Jacqui Madelin

Volkswagen could have a winner with this new Polo. Its Golf-reminiscent looks and larger cabin hit the spot, and with exchange-driven price mayhem it's priced amidships of mainstream offerings like Honda's Jazz and Toyota's Yaris.

What's new
This bigger body features the new VW face with smart updated head- and tail-lights, fresh wheel-tyre combinations and a sleeker profile: it's 54mm longer and 32mm wider than its predecessor, but 18mm lower.

The boot is 10 litres roomier, too, with the false base offering either a flat load floor and hidden compartment - or more space.

Despite the size increase, this car is 7.5 per cent lighter, achieved by tweaking the mix of metals used to construct it.

An extra two airbags takes the total to six, with stability control now standard - hence the $1000 price increase, and the five-star crash test rating.

The 63kW 1.4-litre engine?

A goodie, a development of the earlier 59kW unit, and now mated to VW's clever double clutch seven-speed DSG auto.

The company line
There'll be a new 1.2-litre 77kW TSI-engined Polo next year, with GTI and Polo-cross variants under consideration.

Volkswagen New Zealand general manager Dean Sheed expects Polo to sell in greater numbers now it's priced competitively, especially given this is the big growth segment in the market. VW already has 27 per cent of the European sector, and must attract mass market buyers for continued success.

What we say
This is an engaging little car and a cut above previous Polos. The more spacious cabin is smart and well laid-out, and the body a better looker than its frumpy ancestors.

On the road
The Polo's zero to 100 time is nothing to write home about, though it's perky enough around town.

Hit the "sport" button for brisker acceleration, and appreciate the more confident handling that lets you keep the momentum up if you fancy a bit of a play.

For this car feels nimbler than its rather pedestrian predecessor. The wheels are set 30mm further apart, the fronts forward and offset for greater straight line ability, while the suspension components were rearranged to allow larger wheels.

My short drive was of the standard car, which proved delightfully keen to be hurled around; will the sports suspension be any better, or merely firmer? Either way, the quick-shifting double-clutch DSG transmission is standard, and lets you make the most of the relatively modest 63kW and 132Nm on offer. There's a shorter first gear for better off-the-line acceleration - and a long seventh for improved economy.

Given how frugal this petrol engine is, with its 5.8l/100km claim, it's no wonder VW won't confirm a diesel - factor in the road user charge and it'd cost more to run.

Why you'll buy one
Polo is a smart, well-built, pleasant-handling car with a perky yet frugal engine, a decent features list and a five-star crash test rating. It also comes with European cachet at a price that's now competitive with mainstream brands.

Why you won't
You want cheaper - or bigger. Either will be hard to find at this quality without going the second-hand route.