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29 Jan 2010

Press “B5” for a Polo

Xerox it! Photocopying technology has helped Volkswagen to score a Euro Car of the Year for 2010 gong. 

Make: Volkswagen

Model: Polo

Release Date: December 2009

Price: S$69,300


Is the German manufacturer planning to buy some American companys to expand it’s already impressive brand portfolio? For instance, Xerox Corp? This is not a groundless speculation as Volkswagen has been employing some serious photocopying technology in terms of engineering their cars. Our featured car of the week, the new Polo appears to be like an exact copy of the iconic Golf, albeit smaller.

Using the same template, a Golf MK VI and hit “A2” to get a 2011 Volkswagen Touareg. Hence it’s safe to say that the Volkswagen Group does “Xerox” with cars better than anyone else. To be honest, jokes aside, one would use words like elegant and timeless to describe the looks of the new Volkswagen Polo. Not the usual choice of words used to describe a small car.

A design penned entirely by car-style guru Walter de’Silva, the thankfully chrome-free Polo might not have the youthful vibes of a Ford Fiesta or Mazda2, but it succeeds at carrying enough “klasse” not to shame owners while parked next to the usual sausage-like executive sedans.

Aside from the “shrunken” exterior design, the Polo spots a similar interior like it’s bigger sibling, the Golf. Of course, it’s smaller inside and not as spacious, but the essence of a high quality and well designed cabin is clearly evidenced here. To put some perspective, the Polo’s interior feels better built than the previous Golf (MKV).

On the driving front, there are rivals that offer a more fun driving experience, but the German supermini counters with unrivalled supple ride and refinement. Perhaps the Polo’s triumph card would be it’s 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch) gearbox, while key rivals are still offering antique 4-speed automatics or teeth-jarring sequential rubbish gearboxes.

Until the arrival of the 1.2 litre turbocharged and 1.4 litre turbocharged GTI, the 85bhp 1.4-litre will be the top dog and the only model on offer in Singapore. Any complaints for the lack of pace will be squashed by checking out Polo’s competitors and the impressive fuel efficiency (5.8 liters per 100km).

Guess the development brief was to keep the Polo a hush and posh affair, which it excels brilliantly. Think the Polo as the boyfriend that you want to bring home to your mum, rather than the unpredictable fuck buddy. Priced at S$69,300, which incidentally undercuts the Honda Jazz by S$800, the accomplished Volkswagen Polo will be a common sight on our roads.

Engine 1390cc inline 4
Transmission 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
Wheels Driven Front
Max. Power 85bhp @5000rpm
Max. Torque 132Nm @3800rpm
0-100 km/h 11.9 secs
Top speed 177km/h
Fuel Economy 5.8 litres per 100km
CO2 Emissions N.A
Dimensions (L x W x H) / Weight 1129kg
Price with COE* S$69,300

Reader's Comments

1. 2010-01-29 23:41  
I must test drive this one, I got my boss to buy the previous Polo as her second car, and it drives like a snail, but quite solidly built. Common phrase when we do drive it around for meetings would be: "Common' Matilda, you can do it, move...move!" But I must say the latest Polo looks pretty cool, saw a few on the roads already so far, smaller in the metal than on pics, but very nice nonetheless. Heck, even the transmission is the same as my bloody A3, and you pay less than half of what you would have to fork out for the four-rings.
2. 2010-01-31 16:14  
I think Toyota Vios is still the most value-for-money car.
3. 2010-01-31 21:01  
i was driving a vios rental or a while, you're right, it sips petrol, but just doesnt feel solid enough. :)
4. 2010-02-10 18:26  
I'm happy owner of 2007 VW Golf 2.0 TDI with 6 speed DSG auto. New VW Polo looks nice for reasonable price around mid A$20K. VW dealer lent me new 2009 VW Golf 2.0 TDI (DSG - MK6 Golf) for a day while mine at service, feel more robust and bit more smoother than MK5 Golf. Once I drove my VW to Sydney from Melbourne, about 900 km and still have 1/4 of diesel left in tank and cost me A$62 to fill up full. Very easy to drive thanks to TDI engine with 320NM torque. I noticed some AUDI A3 use same TDI engine made by VW, still paying for e.g. AUDI A3, for around A$10K more.

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