Volkswagen polo 2013 car review :
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| Volkswagen polo |
The Volkswagen Polo is in its fifth generation today and is based on VW's PQ25 platform, which it shares with the 2008 Seat Ibiza and the upcoming Audi A1. The latest rendition of the supermini, which was globally launched at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, has won over hearts and minds not just in Europe, where it was declared the 'European Car of the Year 2010' and America, but also here in India.
Design
Designed by a team led by Walter De Silva, the Polo adopts the design DNA of the 2008 VW Scirocco and the Golf Mk6. The designers, engineers and production experts have worked closely with each other to render the Polo with a level of style and technical quality more akin to that of a sedan. The 2010 Polo wears the new VW family face and is not visually different from the European model. The overall design is simplistic, but with a hint of elegance and sportiness.
With the new flat radiator grille and VW Scirocco like daytime running lamps, the Polo's front visage looks calm and composed, with a level of maturity rarely to be seen in a car of its class. The wide stance along with the low center of gravity adds a dash of sportiness to the persona.
The derriere of the Polo could belong to any hatchback from VW. Like the Golf, the Polo's posterior is characterized by the large tail light which flows into the bumper and the prominent VW badge which sits with much aplomb smack in the middle.
The side profile of the new Polo is as impressive as the front and the rear, if not more. The short overhang along with the rear spoiler, slopping roof and front overhang gives the hatchback a definitive sporty appearance. Adding to the sporty visage is the strong character, which stems from the very prominent shoulder line and the large set of wheels.
The interior of the Polo has been completely redesigned and hence is ergonomically, visually and qualitatively richer than the previous model. Volkswagen interiors are all about convenience, functionality and comfort and the Polo is a true testament of this. The new car boasts of a center console that has been slightly turned towards the driver for convenience. The redesigned console features controls that are within easy reach of the driver. The quality of materials used has been generously improved as is evident from the high-end soft to touch surface structure (Slush Technology) of the instrument panel. Visually, the front half of the car with the chrome decked console, multi-information display, sporty three-spoke steering wheel and the smart chrome kissed gearshift is impressive and delightful, without being over the top.
The fifth generation Polo is 36mm longer and 32mm wider than the fourth generation model. What this translates into is enhanced seating space for the five adults the hatchback can accommodate. Kneeroom and shoulder room has gone up substantially and so has the boot space. With the rear 60:40 split seats folded, the 280-litre boot goes up to an impressive 952-litre.
The Polo's driver, front and rear passenger seats are extremely well-designed and offer considerable amount of comfort and under thigh support.
Comfort
The new Volkswagen Polo features a series of redesigned entities, one of them being the chassis. With an increased track width of 30mm and 29 at the rear and front, comfort and dynamics has been considerably boosted. The McPherson front suspension and the rear semi-independent suspension render the new Polo with a smooth ride. The suspension has been fine-tuned to handle Indian terrain and hence absorb bumps effortlessly. In matters pertaining to ride quality, the Volkswagen Polo stands out head and shoulders above its competitors.
There is a series of comfort and convenience enhancing features onboard the new VW Polo. While the entry Trendline trim features basic equipments such as power steering, front power windows, central locking and driver height adjustable seats among others, the Comfortline trim boasts of semi-automatic climate control, height adjustable front passenger seats, and heated and electrically adjustable outside mirrors, in addition to the standard equipments. The top of the line Highline trim among others features a chrome trim radiator grille, 15-inch alloy wheels, leather wrapped steering wheel, front center armrest, multifunctional display, as well as height-adjustable front sports seats.
Engine, Transmission and Performance
The new Volkswagen Polo offers owners the flexibility of choosing from three engine variants and trims. The petrol Polo is powered by a 1.2-litre, In-line 3 cylinder engine, which generates 75PS of maximum power at 5400rpm and peak torque of 110Nm@3750rpm. The engine is a heavily modified and improved version of the Skoda Fabia's and is at its prime in the midrange. The petrol has a top speed of 163kmph and takes 14.2 seconds to touch 100kmph from zero. While speed might not be the forte of the base petrol version, the car quite easily meets the demand of a regular city commute. The petrol VW Polo however excels in matters of fuel-efficiency, delivering 17.2kms to a litre of petrol.
The second engine in the VW Polo line-up is not much unlike the petrol version when it comes to numbers and statistics. Like the petrol, the diesel variant too features a 1.2-litre, In-line 3 cylinder engine. Maximum power output also stands identical at 75PS, but while the petrol has its redline at 5400rpm, the diesel churns its power at 4200rpm. Peak torque on the other hand stands at 180Nm@2000rpm. The Polo's 3-pot engine is incredibly peppy and rev happy and like the petrol possesses a strong midrange. There is however a hint of turbo-lag under 2000rpm. The naught to 100kmph timing of the petrol and diesel version is almost identical, with the diesel making the jaunt in 14.4 seconds, while top speed stands at 164kmph as against the petrols' 163kmph. However, when fuel-economy is concerned, the diesel is miles ahead of the petrol, with a mileage of 22.07kmpl.
The most potent engine in the Polo range is the 1.6-Highline, which under its hood features an In-line 4 cylinder petrol engine. Generating a whooping 105PS of maximum power, with the redline being at 5250rpm and peak torque of 153Nm@3750rpm, the 1.6 Highline is the car is to have if one wishes to own a hatchback that has the speed, rate of acceleration and power of a sedan. The top-end Polo is among the fastest hatchback in the country today, with a top speed of 184kmph and the ability to race to 100kmph from zero in 11.1 seconds. All three engines are fixed with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Safety
The new Volkswagen Polo is regarded to be the safest Polo ever and has attained the new 5-star Euro NCAP rating, known to be extremely strict and comprehensive. The hatchbacks highly rigid bodyshell creates a cocoon of protection for the occupants in case of a head on collision with another vehicle. The front bumper has been designed in a manner so as to absorb the impact of the collision and transfer it to the part least affected by the collision, which in case of a head-on happens to be the sides. The rear of the Polo features strong side frames as a means of reinforcement, while the fuel-tank is protected by a strong outer body.
The fifth-generation VW Polo displays an array of highly effective active and passive safety features depending on the model or variant. Multiple airbags, head restraints, belt tensioners, seatbelt limiters and warning indicator work alongside features such as Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) and ABS in ensuring a safe environment for the occupants.
With the latest rendition of the revered Polo, Volkswagen has once again brought to the fore, a car that epitomizes the principles of the venerable German automaker. It might not be the sportiest car in the segment, but it sure is spacious, reliable, well-built, visually appeasing and marvellously frugal, and for discerning car customers, these are incidentally the aspects that matter the most. And what more, with prices starting from Rs. 4.34 Lakhs (ex showroom Delhi), the Polo is affordable and well within the means of a middle-level salaried individual.
Specifications-
Engine
Installation :Front, transverse
Bore/stroke :76.5/86.9mm, 79.5/80.5mm
Compression ratio :10.0:1
Valve gear :4 valves per cyl, DOHC, 4 valves per cyl, DOHC
Power :74bhp at 5400rpm, 74bhp at 4200rpm
Torque :11.2kgm at 3750rpm, 18.3kgm at 2000rpm
Power to weight :71.84bhp per tonne
Torque to weight :10.87kgm per tonne
Transmission
Type :Front-wheel drive
Gearbox :5-speed manual
