2010 Volkswagen Polo Comfortline 1.4 86 HP DSG
Today's Polo is size-wise between Golf's edition no. 2 and 3. Although the cars are assembled in Spain, they give the same impression of quality as the Golf. After testing various Polos over long distances, it is surprisingly large differences between to drive Polos with the small 3-cylinder engines and those with 4-cylinder engines.
Look and feel
In this class, there are few cars that beat the Polo in terms of look-and-feel. The sensible Golf-like appearance gives the kind of signals and radiance such a car should have. The sound when you close the door and the solid levers for adjusting the seat in length and height give a feeling of quality. Doors with interior door trim and the placement of handles by the armrest add a touch of luxury. The steering wheel can be adjusted in all directions. The models in the Trendline Plus equipment variant have a leather steering wheel and radio controls on the steering wheel. The instrument panel and switches are clearly positioned and require no getting used to.
On one point, I feel that the new Polo has a minus compared to the previous model (2002-2009): Previously, the bonnet rose with a gas spring like on the larger Volkswagen cars. In today's models, the bonnet is held open with a brace. Not very important, but detracts a bit when inspecting the car for the first time.
Driving pleasure
Cars with 4-cylinder engines are equipped with rear disc brakes. They also have wider tire dimensions and tighter suspension than cars with small engines. The small Polos have 3-cylinder engines and rear drum brakes. They have a softer undercarriage that makes it dove and roll more on the road. There are such big differences that it cannot only be attributed to the tires that have been on the cars.
The difference is best felt when you fill up the car with passengers and luggage. Imagine a huge bump in the road just before a sharp bend. The large Polo feels much safer than the small Polo over such a stretch of road. It is undoubtedly far more fun to drive the big Polo. Safe, predictable, but not particularly comfortable.
The 7-speed DSG transmission works great. It is both easy to drive and fun to drive. Compared to a conventional automatic transmission, no power is stolen from the engine - and acceleration is therefore very fast. Full throttle from standstill to 100 km/h is experienced without drama. No jerking and snapping, - and with a nice sound image.
Of the small engines, the petrol engine seemed surprisingly nimble. Maybe because the expectations weren't that high? Both small engines occasionally feel a little underpowered at highway speeds.
Rating for driving pleasure applies to "large" Polo with DSG gearbox.
Comfort
Although Polos with small engines have a chassis with softer suspension, it does not increase comfort for either driver or passengers. It is the "large" Polos that are most comfortable. Our pictured test model had center armrests, height-adjustable front seats and an adjustable steering wheel. It is possible to find a comfortable driving position. Cars with DSG transmissions score higher on the comfort scale than their brothers with manual transmissions.
The sound image in the "big" Polo is more pleasant than in Polos with 3-cylinder engines. 3-cylinder engines may not produce much louder sound than 4-cylinder engines, but the sound is enervating on long journeys. This applies to both petrol and diesel. As soon as you start up, the engine sounds almost charming, and brings to mind outboard motors and motorcycles. After two hours on the road, however, I am sick of the sound!
Overall, it is not for comfort that the Polo scores the highest. The rating applies to the "large" Polo with DSG gearbox.
Place
Today's Polo is size-wise between the Golf MkII and MkIII. It is possible to cover a longer trip with 4 large guys in the car. Since the Polo is delivered without a spare wheel, the luggage compartment is divided into two sections so that the lower compartment can also be used for luggage. The intermediate plate can be completely removed and left at home. Despite this, the trunk does not hold much luggage. It is about the middle of the tree in this class.
Security
It's Volkswagen and it's German, so not only high security, but also felt Safety. All relevant safety equipment is in place. There is a replaceable airbag on the passenger side, and Isofix for child seats.
Economy
In terms of price, a "large" Polo falls into the Golf's price list. But the trade-in value of a Polo is at least as good as a similarly priced Golf. Operating costs otherwise have little to complain about. All Polo models have favorable fuel consumption. By far the best here is the test car with the small TDI engine with a consumption that few cars can match. The pictured model with 1.4 liter 86 HP engine and DSG had the highest consumption. With city driving without thinking about saving fuel, the consumption can easily reach three quarters of a liter per mile. Today's models with a 1.2 liter 90 HP engine have lower consumption.
Polos are very economical cars, but still don't get top marks. Over the car's total life cycle, normal maintenance costs can sometimes be quite high. Møller, for example, charges NOK 10 to change the timing belt. There is a main service every 000 km or so every year.
- Fun and easy to drive with DSG
- Feels like a quality car
- Unnerving engine sound in the 3-cylinder engines
See also:
