facelift

The world's best Polo engine?

Posted 13/11/2015 by Terje Bjørnstad

I am sure that the 1,2 TSI engines will be found in the new Polo which is expected to arrive next year.

- Is Polo okay?

The man from the rental car company smiled broadly. The Polo costs a few tens more per day than the Corsa I had actually ordered. Deep down, I had wanted to try the brand new Opel Corsa instead of the Volkswagen Polo, which I have driven countless times in the past as a rental car. But I never say no to being upgraded.

Volkswagen will soon present its new Polo. The sister model, the Skoda Fabia, is already out in a new generation. It doesn't help that the Polo got a small facelift 2 years ago. Today's model is starting to age. But one thing the new Polo will inherit from its predecessor, namely the fine 1,2 liter TSI engines with 90 and 110 HP respectively.

Look and feel

Checkered seat covers in durable material. Seat cushion that can be jacked up and down at the back. Adjustable steering wheel. All control levers are where they should be. I noticed new radio. It delivers good sound and is perceived as a class up compared to the competition. Manual air conditioning worked well, but was not really required in the Catalan November weather.

On the outside, I noted the 15-inch alloy wheels. The nice pepper gray color (Urano grey) dresses the car, and highlights the glossy strip from the last facelift, which divides the upper and lower parts of the front.

Sensible, I think. It says a four on Look-and-feel.

Driving pleasure

On our way north from Barcelona, we went up along the C-32 which meanders along the coast. With the evening mist seeping inland, we experienced a more beautiful road than the highway we normally take, - the one that goes into the country, - which continues into France, - and where the right lane consists of a continuous column of semi-trailers. Unfortunately, the nice C-32 came to an abrupt end and we had to enter a normal two-lane national road with unclear bends, hilltops and roundabouts in the direction Mediterranean Highway south of Girona. The other cars on the road were clearly known locally and kept a high pace. A bit in the fastest team, I thought, but still kept up. Occasionally I misjudged a bit, and almost had to throw the car into bends, or brake hard just over hilltops and out of bends. That's when you notice if you have a good car. The Polo is such a car. No surprises. It responds exactly as I expect, and I know exactly where I have it.

The engine delivers an almost flat torque curve from approximately 1400 to 4000 revolutions. During rapid acceleration from a standstill, the engine's sound pattern tells when the turbo is active. The good torque gives the feeling of driving a bigger car - at least a bigger Polo engine than 1,2 litres. During active driving, it is necessary to use the gear lever a bit to keep the engine speed where the good torque is located. During rapid acceleration there is therefore no point in pulling the engine all the way out on the gears, otherwise no problem as the 5-speed gearbox is easy to work with. If this isn't the best Polo engine, it's a lot of fun once you get to know it.

Comfort

The seating comfort is not up to the Peugeot 208. You have to have a bit of luck to find a decent sitting position when the height adjustment only raises the rear edge of the seat, but you still pass.

Plus the low noise level. I noticed that Volkswagen has done a good job of reducing road noise in connection with the latest upgrade. In addition, the TSI engine has a very pleasant sound, even when pushed. If you try to push it from a standstill, it sounds like not all cylinders are firing before the turbo kicks in. I would also like to highlight the radio which I notice has been upgraded. Good sound and intuitive touch screen.

Place

If you don't absolutely have to drive a car with straight arms and a straight ankle on the clutch foot, it's fine to sit 4 grown men in this car on a long drive. It's tight for fifth man, but it works. I myself am 1,88 and can barely sit behind myself. The luggage compartment with the seats folded down holds more than you realize, but with the seats folded up you only have 280 liters available in a two-part luggage compartment. It is in the middle of the tree for cars in the 4-metre class.

Safety

The newest Polo is probably one of the best in its class when it comes to active safety. I would particularly like to highlight the braking properties. Please note that only the models from 90 HP onwards have disc brakes both front and rear. The 3-cylinder models have rear drum brakes.

The Polo scored highly in NCAP when it was introduced in 2009, and still keeps pace with the latest cars. Switchable airbag on the passenger side and ISOFIX for child seats. New models can be ordered with adaptive cruise control for just NOK 2.

Economy

Our Polo with 90 horses costs 212, and is imported to Norway only in the Highline edition. There is a lot of driving pleasure for the money. For 800 you get 219 horses. It is an engine that is well suited to the Golf as well, but the price difference between the Golf and the Polo has never been more favorable than it is now. Previously, the "big" Polos moved well into the Golf's price range.

If you are thinking of buying the Polo, I recommend taking the DSG automatic transmission for a drive. The 1.2 TSI with DSG is a fantastic drive unit, with both 90 and 110 horses.

With mixed driving, it should be possible to drive well under a pint per mile with our test car. Even after 10 days, I have to admit that I never took any real measurements. I experienced the petrol consumption as low, and do not doubt the stated consumption figures: 0,60 (city) and 0,40 (country road). The petrol tank only holds 45 litres, but gives an OK range. Our car had start/stop and recovery (recuperation) of the braking force which supplies power to the battery.

If you buy a new Polo today, you can probably count on a slightly higher loss in value in the very first years than if you had waited for the new model, which will probably arrive next year. But the outgoing Polo seems reasonably priced right now, at least compared to its big brother Golf. If I were to single out something that could drag Polo's used car prices down, it would have to be Volkswagen's scandal with the emissions measurements. There have been signals that this also includes the TSI models.

So far the 1.2 TSI is perhaps the world's best Polo engine?

The torque in the motor
Very good and safe driving characteristics
Quiet

No one special.

See

kingdom of witches — 1.0 liter summer car

Volvo V60 D2

Posted 18/10/2015 by Terje Bjørnstad

I would not claim that the V60 is a premium car - nor a station wagon. It is nevertheless undoubtedly a Volvo.

Look-and-feel

A weekend with Volvo is not a bad weekend. I must honestly admit that for a man who grew up with great cars like PV and Amazon, it is always a special feeling to get behind the wheel of a Volvo. Although the V60 is far from a retro design. A modern car that challenges the Audi A4 and BMW's 3 series.

I raised the seat a little in height, adjusted the seat angle separately and the seat back continuously. The lumbar support was perfect. The only thing missing would be that with my height of 1,88 and 46 in shoes I would not find a comfortable driving position. This is, after all, a Volvo built at Volvo's factory in Torslanda - for tall Norwegians.

Before I turned on the ignition, I got the feeling of a somewhat simple and outdated driving environment. Deep clocks, small screen and center console with many buttons are a thing of the past. After all, it has been over 10 years since the special center console won awards for good design. When I turned on the ignition, however, I discovered that the instruments were digital computer screens, which raised the impression considerably.

I conclude that the interior is more than sensible, at least in the basic version with fabric seats. Yet there is something solid and robust about it – in typical Volvo fashion. The exterior design of the V60 is continued in the V50's style, and given a front reminiscent of the V70. I like the rounded back. Here, more emphasis has obviously been placed on style than space.

I am left with somewhat mixed feelings. On 16-inch standard wheels, it looks fairly ordinary, and parked alongside SUVs and large family cars, it seems a bit small. I think the rounded corners contribute to that. Nevertheless, I cannot deny that the Volvo character actually gives an ever-so-slightly good feeling - completely subjective, that is.

volvo-v60-686-1

Driving pleasure

Turbodiesel with 115 horsepower and torque of 270 Nm is not a bad source of power. After a few kilometers I thought "Citroën C4", - a car I have driven a lot in recent years. The 1,6-litre in the V60 is the same 1,6-litre The PSA group uses in its cars, and the same one that Ford uses. It is a legacy from the time when Ford owned Volvo. In Volvo's 2016 models, the D2 has been replaced with a new engine of 120 horses. Whether this is the same 120 horsepower that PSA offers in its model range, or an engine developed by Volvo, is not clear. On paper, it has the same characteristics as today's engine. Although, that can only be found out by test driving the cars that are out at the dealers these days.

Volvo has chosen a six-speed gearbox that is perfectly suited to Nordic speed limits. It's easy to find the power when you use the gear lever, and you cruise nicely in sixth gear in the 80-zone and above.

The Volvo front gives goodwill in traffic.

I also noted that the car felt a bit more like a compact car than a large car on the road, without any inconvenience. I also noted that the height difference between gas and brake felt somewhat higher than what I am used to.

Award-winning center console over ten years ago.

Comfort

The V60 in the standard version does not excel in terms of comfort - at least not on first impressions. The seats are the car's biggest plus. I could sit effortlessly behind the wheel for several hours without discomfort of any kind, - something I would characterize as discreet comfort. The comfort er there, but you don't think about it.

Considered as a premium class, the soundscape is characterized by quite a lot of unattractive engine hum, but feels more pleasant from 80 upwards with the sixth gear engaged. The suspension is a bit firm, but far from uncomfortable.

The bike test was only barely passed. — The bike test was barely passed, but this is, after all, a large men's bike with 27,5″ wheels.

Place

I usually don't focus so much on luggage space in the cars I come across, but make an exception for station wagons. The V60's body shape reveals that there isn't room for too much in the boot. It is the loading opening in particular that presents problems. My men's bike barely had room with the rear seats folded down - but only barely. The biggest problem was the width of the rear door. It was actually easier to get space for the bike in the e-Golf I tested a couple of weeks ago. With the rear seats folded down, the specs say it actually is the sea more space in the Golf than in the V60, and then we are talking about a regular 5-door Golf - not the station wagon.

However, the trunk is easy to use for more manageable items. It is easy to fold down the seats to a completely flat floor. On the rear seat backs there is a pull-out luggage compartment net to secure the load in typical Volvo fashion. I also liked that the window pillars were covered with washable hard plastic on the inside - and not fabric. Then the car stays just as nice, even after I drove a full load of waste onto the rubbish heap.

The distinctive rear lights have become a Volvo hallmark.

Safety

According to NCAP, the V60 scores almost evenly with competitors such as the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series, and thus places itself in the top tier. You can order your V60 with lane departure warning and blind spot warning, - and from 2016 also adaptive cruise control.

Economy

With a starting price of 360 without winter tires and additional equipment, the V800 places itself in the same price range as the Audi A60 and the BMW 4 series. When I watch Finn.no I see that there are high prices for used V60s, also for models before the facelift in 2014. To ensure the second-hand value, I would order my V60 with slightly larger rims. The test car had sensible additional equipment such as reversing alarm, towbar, digital instruments and automatic lighting.

The PSA engines have been praised for their low consumption and durability. They easily cover both 200 and 300 thousand kilometers without problems, not only in Volvos, but also cars from Peugeot, Citroën and Ford.

From an economic point of view, I think the D2 is the best engine choice in terms of economy.

The V60 oozes honesty, simplicity and robustness - everything we associate with Volvo and Nordic car ownership.

positive1

The Volvo seats
Interior that can withstand rough use

negative1

Small boot to be a station wagon

Volvo-V60-13

See

Tough running lights. — Tough running lights and 3 washer nozzles.

Too much zoom-zoom?

Posted 09/04/2014 by Terje Bjørnstad

While there are many reasons to buy a Mazda, there are two things that keep me away from the Mazda dealership. One is the annoying slogan "Zoom-zoom", the other is the design of the front. I have therefore taken the liberty to "PhotoShop" a bit on Mazda's new 3 series.

In the hunt for buyers, it is important for car manufacturers to create their own unique style, something that sticks. Mazda's new design language is about the design of the front. You will recognize a Mazda when it appears in the gossip mirror. Mazda CX-5 got this grill, new Mazda 6 and now – Mazda 3. When I first got acquainted with CX-5, I saw it from the back and from the side. My impression was positive until I saw the front. Then I shook my head and thought: Surely the Walt Disney Company has started car design! I understand that the designer has intended a uni-frame grill, a little aggressive, but at the same time kind.

Unfortunately, it was just "zoom-zoom".

Just nice cars?

Designing cars with personality makes them kinder. They become more humane, and like animals. Peugeot has long designed cars with clear associations with lions and other felines. It is well known in the car industry that Peugeot's lion design was not a huge success.

By using the slogan "zoom-zoom", Mazda wants to give the impression that Mazda is kinder than other cars, - perhaps they are targeting particularly kind owners, or owners who would like to be seen as kind. I have a sense for it. But when someone thinks that at the same time you stretch the kind expression a little, to make it tougher, the stylishness disappears, and you end up with something that appears tasteless, - a thought against the vulgar. The new Mazdas have a tough overall design language. It's only the grill that makes it all tip over towards the talentless.

I have redesigned the front of the Mazda 3, so that it is made more anonymous. By toning down the expression in the grill, the rest of the design of the car comes out better. Then I think it comes across as stylish, tough and a thought kind. A reworked grill makes the car more attractive, and you sense that the car has a clear wedge shape.

Mazda's toughest grill taken from the 818 series and RX-3.

Mazda's prettiest front?

The prettiest grill Mazda has ever used was on the Mazda 818 starting with the facelift in the 1977 and 1978 model years. Only the Wankel engines deserved the tough grill. My 1977 station wagon in the signal color Skyish Blue shared the 1300 engine with the 323 and with its 65 horsepower was no racer along the country road. Just tough in the face.

That's why I just as well put the 818 grill on Mazda's new 3 series 🙂

New Astra

Posted 04/08/2013 by Terje Bjørnstad

Opel Astra 1.4 Turbo — Opel Astra 1,4 Turbo

The new Opel Astra is characterized by the fact that the chrome-plated part of the grill has been given a wider smile, and with a turbocharged petrol engine of 140 horses, the Astra really offers a smile.

2013 Opel Astra 1.4/140 Turbo Excellence 5 doors

Look and feel

The latest facelift adds more elegance. Although the Astra is both modern and stylish, I think it lacks distinctiveness compared to competitors such as the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. I still can't put my finger on anything concrete.

When I open the door, get behind the wheel and close the door, I get the quality impression I expect in a German car. The equipment level in the test car includes, among other things, Opel's stylish, sporty seats made of partial leather and checked fabric. The leather steering wheel is good to hold.

Stylish button clusters, but difficult to use for us over 50.

When I turn on the ignition, however, I notice the glaring information displays in the dashboard. Red, bulky letters on an orange background are neither informative nor elegant. It is possible that it is possible to tone down the brightness of the displays, but jeg would opt for an upgraded infotainment system to ditch these hideous displays.

I also don't like the many, small buttons on the middle part of the dashboard. It looks stylish with lots of small buttons, especially in the dark - but with the level of functionality in new cars today, a more modern user interface is required. It should be possible to operate the radio and air conditioning without having to pull in to the side and put on reading glasses!

Driving pleasure

The chassis is thought to be sporty and works extremely well on the motorway. The steering and chassis give the driver plenty of driving pleasure and work equally well on both city streets and country roads.

The new 1.4 liter petrol turbo engine with 140 horsepower contributes to the great driving pleasure. My test car was brand new and I felt it sagged a bit when I tried to push it. On the other hand, I don't like to push engines hard in the very first few miles. I checked the carriage card to check that I had really received the 140 horse.

New petrol turbo engines have the same characteristics as turbodiesel engines with the same solid bottom line and the same sound profile. With an increasing focus on particulate matter and a possible winter ban on diesel cars, this is an excellent engine for Norwegian big cities.

Comfort

I sit well in the sporty seats. The first time I sat down, I felt that they pinched my butt, but this is typical for such seats. After two hours, I sat just as well.

Although the car seems a bit sporty, it is experienced as comfortable, especially on the motorway. With the 6-speed gearbox, the soundscape is very pleasant on high-speed motorways.

The "Excellence" package (equivalent to "Cosmo") includes all comfort equipment such as automatic lighting, rain sensor, automatic two-zone climate control, trip computer and more.

Place

With my height of 1,88, I sit royally in the back seat after adjusting the driver's seat to suit myself. Three adults fit fine in the back seat. Inside, it feels as if you are in a large mid-range car. But in the trunk I am brought back to small middle class (C-class). The luggage compartment has a double bottom where the cover can be folded in, or possibly taken out completely. In any case, the trunk is at least designed to function as a full-fledged family car, but as a station wagon or 4-door sedan version you get plenty of space. I give a five for the royal legroom.

Safety

The Opel Astra has all relevant safety equipment in place. The new Astra can be delivered with intelligent lighting that adapts to driving conditions. You can also order adaptive cruise control. This was not installed on the car I test drove.

Economy

Very favorable fuel consumption in relation to engine power and car size. The purchase price of this car is under 300, which is very favorable. If you choose a station wagon, you get a full-sized family car. The only thing that gives some uncertainty in terms of finances is the assumed trade-in value. As Opel's popularity has fallen - and is falling, Opel may not be in much demand as a used car.

Engine/driveline
Space in the compartment

Bright display in the dashboard
Far too many small buttons on the middle part of the dashboard