Review: Volkswagen Polo 77TSI

[jnrdavo]

Rorty with something to prove, little brother follows in Golf's zippy yet refined tyre tracks, writes JEZ SPINKS.

<LI style="DISPLAY: inline" class=thumbs-up>Good

• Smooth and punchy engine
• great gearboxes
• comfortable ride refinement
• interior quality build quality
• clever and plentiful storage options.

<LI style="DISPLAY: inline" class=thumbs-down>Bad

• Runs on premium unleaded
• consumption spirals in city driving
• high starting price for five-door model.

2 Minute road test (See full review)

Price and equipment


You can get into a Polo from $16,690 (plus on-road and dealer costs) but you'll only get three doors. VW's most affordable five-door Polo starts at $19,850 (plus costs) - much higher than rivals such as the Mazda2, Ford Fiesta and Toyota Yaris. These cars, however, need to be in their loftiest trim levels to match the newcomer for equipment.
The Polo, for example, is the first city car to introduce six airbags and stability control as standard across the range. Other standard features include 15-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, multi-function trip computer, single-CD audio with six speakers, leather steering wheel with audio controls, and power windows and mirrors.

Under the bonnet


Volkswagen is doing a better job than any other car-maker at making Australians comfortable with small-capacity engines. The Polo features another example of how a one-point-something-litre engine can be both effective and enjoyable.

The 77TSI's 1.2-litre uses a turbocharger to generate 77kW of power (hence the model name) and 175Nm of torque.

The super-smooth engine pulls well from low revs but is especially lively from just below 2000rpm when the turbo is coming on boost. There's a rorty soundtrack as you rev the engine towards 6000rpm and maximum torque delivered between 1500 and 3500rpm ensures there's strong mid-range response.

Transmission choices are both excellent: a slick six-speed manual or, for an extra $2500, a dual-clutch automated manual that brings quick-witted computer-controlled shifts and a more pronounced exhaust note.

The "DSG" gearbox's only niggles are tendencies to hesitate if you try accelerating from standstill too quickly, and changing gears too early. It can claim a benchmark-setting figure (for a petrol engine in this category) of 5.5 litres per 100 kilometres, though, in terms of running costs, this is offset by a need for pricier premium unleaded. Our test average was 7.8L/100km, with a figure closer to 10.0L/100km during city driving.

How it drives


The engine and interior are not the Polo's only refined elements. The suspension shrugs off road blemishes such as potholes, drain covers and ridges to provide a smooth, comfortable ride.

Expertly tuned damping also keeps the Polo's body controlled over bumps at speed. Head into a series of corners and decent grip and predictable handling awaits. The car's natural tendency is to understeer (run wide of your intended line) when pushed, but it's telegraphed early. The steering is pleasantly linear and unfazed by bumps; its lightness makes it user-friendly for low-speed twirling around town. Small cars often struggle to keep a lid on engine and road noise because of reduced soundproofing (for cost purposes), yet neither wind rustle nor tyre roar intrude on cabin ambience.

Comfort and practicality


The Polo starts its "miniature Golf" act as soon as you step into the cabin. Not only are there familiar switches, dials and buttons, but the Polo also replicates its bigger brother's thoughtful mix of high-quality surfaces.

The bulk of the dash is soft to the touch, while the main surround for the audio and ventilation controls is smooth plastic. Grab-handles are also damped. A minor disappointment is that the dash's spongy plastic isn't carried over to the door trim, while more nit-picking discovers plastic trim in the footwell that isn't fitted properly. There are plenty of storage options up front, which include large door pockets, deep twin cupholders and a sizeable glovebox that has a clever secret compartment for the owner's manual and a little tray for coins.

There's a flip-down armrest, too, which includes another mini cubicle, though it's best for use while cruising as it otherwise interferes with gear changes.

Rear-seat passengers aren't as well catered for, including legroom that is no more than reasonable. Boot access borrows a trick from the Golf with the rear VW badge that flips to open the hatch door.

Inside is only 280 litres of space for luggage, though this is still decent for the class. A removable cargo floor reveals a secondary compartment, under which lies a full-size spare wheel.

Doors that close with a solid thud contribute to an overall impression that the Polo is as well put together as the Golf.

Safety


Cruise control; 15-inch alloy wheels with full-size spare; semi-automatic climate control; leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls; auxiliary audio input; trip computer.

Overall verdict

• Four Star

The Polo has often been tagged the "baby Golf" during its 35-year lifespan. But never has it been more appropriate than now, mimicking its bigger sibling in looks and driving experience. And that's no bad thing because it means the Polo 77TSI establishes new light-car benchmarks in terms of safety, drivetrain and refinement.


Nuts & Bolts

Price
From $19,850 plus on-road and dealer costs
Engine Size/Type
1.2-litre turbo 4-cyl
Power
77kW
Torque
175Nm
Transmission/Driven Wheels
6-speed man or optional 7-speed dual-clutch auto/ FWD
Fuel Consumption
5.5L/100km
Safety Equipment
5-star crash rating; front, side and curtain airbags; stability control; anti-lock brakes.
CO2 emissions
128g/km



[source: smh.com.au]

[Lams]

my mates were looking at the 1.2TSI with no options and the best they got was 22500
they picked up a Fiesta 5 door for 20500, and it had bluetooth, bodykit, 16" alloys, a more powerful 1.6L engine (with comparable fuel economy)
An equivalent Polo would have to be around 26-27k... it's nowhere near

[Aussie Volks Guy]

wonder what the country of manufacture is (and for the Ford as well?)

[Lams]

I heard SA for the Polo
and the Fiestas should be coming from Thailand now

[phaeton]

Fiesta = Germany
Polo 5dr (77TSI & 66TDI) = South Africa
Polo 3dr(Trendline) = Spain