New Polo a whole lot of car

Sep 30 2009 Bruce Booth

AT first glance, you could be forgiven for thinking that Volkswagen had totally lost their marbles in a big way.

Another new Golf just months after the launch of their latest Mk6 offering?

But look a bit closer and you'll be amazed, for what you are actually seeing is the new Polo, the fifth version of the German manufacturer's loveable supermini.

It's hard to believe that it is 34 years since the original Polo hit the scene, yet down through the years it has slowly grown in stature while making it ever more appealing to young and old alike.

And with more than 10 million sales worldwide, VW are certainly doing something right.

Although always playing second fiddle to it's more popular and larger Golf sibling, the new chunkier five-door Polo, which hits UK roads in the middle of October has gained another couple of inches and is now only nine inches shorter than its big brother.

And with more and more buyers now downsizing to cut costs, it looks like that could play right into the Polo's hand.

For even though it has gained a little where it matters, the newcomer is much lighter then the model it replaces and is therefore more economical and environmental friendly.

The Polo comes with the choice of three petrol and two diesel engines, all Euro V compliant. The petrol trio consist of a pair of 1.2-litre units producing 59 or 69bhp and a 1.4-litre good for 84-brake, while a pair of common-rail oilburners, offering 74 or 89bhp, complete the range.

Four trim levels are available consisting of S, SE and range-topping SEL, while a Moda edition based on the mid-range SE and aimed at a younger age group, sports rear tinted windows, fog lights and a multi device interface with USB and iPod connections.

I've just driven one of the very first models to arrive in the UK after its long sea journey from VW's massive production line at Uitenhage, South Africa, and if you're in the market for a supermini this is a car worth waiting a few weeks for.

The overall quality is top notch, living up to VW's exacting standards, while the ride is smoother and more precise than before.

To the front, you can immediately identify the family likeness to the Golf and new Scirocco, with its flat, chrome-trimmed grille, body-coloured bumper and large air dam incorporating the front fog lamps.

Out on the road you can't fail to be impressed. It's low stance gives the car a sporty, purposeful look, and coupled with it's increased wheelbase and track, really help glue the car to the road.

Caught up in high winds, even at speed, the Polo 1.2 SE stuck to the business in hand, with little movement evident in the gusty conditions, while little road or tyre noise encroached into the cabin, making for a relaxed and pleasant drive.

Top speed is 103mph, 0 to 60 acceleration is 14.1 seconds while VW claims it will average 51.4mpg with CO2 emissions of 128g/km putting it in the £120 a year tax bracket for private buyers.

Equipment wise the Polo lacks for little. From a safety aspect there's ABS with hydraulic brake assist and electronic stability programme, which includes electronic differential lock and traction control and a full array of airbags.

Comfort features include MP3-compatible CD sound system, semi-automatic air con, electric/heated door mirrors with integrated indicators, split folding rear seat backrest and Isofix child seat mountings.

The Polo goes head-to-head with old favourites the Vauxhall Corsa and Ford Fiesta, but with its starting price of £10,035 for the entry-level five-door S model, it comes out tops in the price war, seeing off its main rivals by a whopping £1,400.

Backed by the German marque's proven residual values, it's one supermini that's certainly worth looking out for.