Volkswagen: Polo gets turbo pace and more space

VW's Polo at its best with the perky new 1.2-litre turbo. Photo / Jacqui Madelin

I recall being a tad underwhelmed by the last Polo except in its GTI iteration, the little hooligan winning fans purely by being a touch overpowered for the run-of-the-mill chassis and thus introducing a whisker of hairy unpredictability to any drive.

But this latest Polo has grown up. It's Golf-lite; now big enough to be useful, albeit still VW-conservative in its styling. However, the naturally aspirated 1.4 litre engine powering the launch variant was also a whisker too conservative in terms of its performance. At least it was well priced at the upper end of the mainstream - line-ball with recommended retails for Honda's Jazz and Toyota's Yaris.

What it needed is a more vigorous engine and now it's got it, in a smaller capacity that uses a turbo to deliver extra power while sipping less fuel.

VW has access to some clever engineers, who are focused on wringing the most out of the conventional internal combustion engine rather than spending development money on emerging electric and hybrid tech.

Which makes sense as long as you can get the message across that good things can come in small packages - an uphill battle in countries like New Zealand where drivers think big is better.

We've already confirmed this engine is more than a match for the larger Golf. It's even perkier in the Polo when it has less weight to heft. Assisted by its seven-speed double-clutch transmission the smaller car will reach 100 from rest almost a second quicker (and over two seconds faster than its 1.4-litre sibling). And it'll drink half a litre less fuel per 100km than the same engine does in the Golf - or than that entry-level Polo.

Where the Golf would normally trounce the smaller car is in terms of useable cabin space. But this Polo is more spacious than its predecessor. Usefully so? Yes, if the high school hockey run is anything to go by. We slotted two strapping teens in the back and another up front with no trouble at all, though you wouldn't want to try three in the rear. Meanwhile sticks and gear went easily into the 280-litre boot which proved adequate for all my everyday tasks, though holiday luggage would stretch its capacity given it's 70 litres less than the Golf.

As for the open road, the little engine pulls strongly thanks to peak torque delivered anywhere from 1550 to 4100rpm - just as the best of the power's arriving. Meanwhile Polo's suspension delivers a compliant and comfy ride and competent handling.

Polo's grown up - and delivers a smart, Euro feel and a decent base specification that comes with a five-star crash test rating, all for $31,500, which still pitches it directly against the top-priced Japanese brands.

VW Polo 1.2l TSI

We like
Grown-up persona in a compact package; peppy engine

We don't like
Lacks character

Performance
0-100km/h in 9.7 seconds, 5.3l/100km (claimed)

Powertrain
1.2-litre turbo-charged four, 77kW at 5000rpm, 175Nm at 1550 to 4100rpm, seven-speed DSG auto drives front wheels

Safety
Stability and traction control, ABS brakes, hill hold, six airbags

What it's got
Engine immobiliser, anti-theft alarm, 16-inch alloys, flat tyre indicator, front fog lights, heated mirrors, climate control air con, leather trim, cooled glovebox, multi-function trip, sports front seats with under-seat drawers