VW Polo 2009 Pictures 
The Understudy?
No longer a second choice or an obvious sign that your penny-pinching, this Polo can raise the roof on its own merits.
gallery (3 photos)
And so, like a group of expectant fathers waiting outside the maternity ward, we, the great and the good of the UK’s motoring press, were introduced for the first time to the fifth generation of Polo. No more is this the nearly-run of the VW family – a car for those who want a Golf but either can’t afford one or it’s just too large. This Polo, like its bigger and newly revamped Golf brother, carries the faith – and hope- of the future of Volkswagen.
The VW bigwigs were keen to point out this Polo had has as much new engineering input (both in its design and mechanical set-up) as any of their bigger vehicles. And you know what? It certainly shows. To be honest, I approached the Polo launch without any expectations. The new Golf, for all its greatness, is/was, quite frankly, overwhelmingly boring. This Polo, however, is everything the Golf isn’t, and is. Let me try and explain: There’s nothing wrong with the styling of the new Golf, it just looks much like the previous model, just a bit sharper in a boring Teutonic way. That was one of the biggest gripes. But hey, if it ain’t broke why mend it? Where as the old Polo could never be called ‘cutting edge design’ and as for its drivability? Forget it. Now the tables have been turned. Looking at it from the curb-side and it really stands out from the crowd; yes, in a Mini-Me-Golf-type-of-way.
And the Golf-ability factor extends to underneath its skin. The biggest seller out of the five engine line-up will unquestionably be the 1.2-litre petrol unit with a choice of two outputs ; either the 60PS or 70PS, neither is rip-roaringly fast but, and I hate harping on about the Golf, it handles just like….you’ve guessed it, the Golf. Just when you think things couldn’t get any better, Volkswagen pulled another rabbit out of the hat; opt for the lower output model with the basic (very basic, admittedly) S trim and one of these could be sitting on your driveway for £9000. No, it’s not the cheapest car in its segment, nor for that matter is it the best equipped for the price, however what you get is worth much more than air conditioning and rear electric windows. The only complaint to the finish of the interior perhaps extends to just the rudimentary hard plastics which seem to be abundance. There after, the rest is master class for all other to take note. There’s space in the back seats for those who aren’t vertically challenged and the boot, although not voluminous, still has ample room for a couple of overnight cases and a bit more besides.
The bigger 85PS, 1.4 TSI petrol engine and the new 1.6-litre common-rail diesel (two outputs; 75 and 90PS) are going to the be the drivers choice by default (that is until the Gti version arrives). Not only are both these lively little performers, the oil-burner promises to average over 67 mpg. VW will also offer the 7-speed, flappy paddle, DSG transmission for the first time on the Polo, although they’ve yet to announce which engines it’ll be available with (don’t hold your breath on the 1.2 60PS though) until nearer its launch date in October 2009.
It has been a very long time since I’ve returned from a new car launch and been completely blown away by the product. Now that might be because I’ve become a little bit cynical by the whole “this much better the previous model and oh so much better than the competition” spewed from the mouths of the relevant spin doctors, but this Polo really is. I liked everything about it and would have little compunction in steering anyone who is in the market for a smart 4-seater city car which can also handle itself away from the urban environment towards this Volkswagen. And after that, there’s little more to say on the subject.
Technical Spec:VW Polo 1.4 TSI 5dr
Engine: 1390cc
Transmission 5-spd
Max Power: 80@ 5000 rpm
Max Torque: 97@3800 rpm
Top speed: 109 mph
0-62 mph: 12.2 seconds
Combined Cycle Fuel consumption 44.8 mpg
Price: £11,115
CAR MAKE & MODEL
VW Polo 2009 Pictures
CAR REF NUMBER
22119
CAR COLOUR
Red
VIEWS: 67
TOTAL VIEWS: 3,244
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