Test drive VW Polo: increase in size
The goal of the new edition of Polo is simple and clear - to conquer the top in the small class. Nothing more, nothing less… First impressions of the ambitious fifth generation model.
Until now, the small model of the Wolfsburg giant could boast of hegemony over its competitors only in its native German market, which clearly did not fully satisfy the Volkswagen leadership. Thus, the development of the new Polo includes all the efforts required to achieve the sales championship on a European scale, and the desire of marketing strategists to take advantage of market conditions and launch a modern small model in markets such as Russia is only a few steps away. the idea of an offensive in the United States. But let's not get ahead of ourselves ...
Acceleration
In fact, the fifth edition of the model is not small. Its length has increased by almost five and a half centimeters compared to its predecessor, and the decrease by one and a half centimeters in height is fully compensated by the sensitive expansion of the case (+32 mm) and is dictated, above all, by the desire to change proportions in a dynamic direction. ...
A stylistic evolution personally carried out by Walter da Silva has led to the creation of a classic hatchback with a pronounced wedge-shaped profile that radiates the same paradox as the Golf VI - the fifth generation Polo looks more like a direct successor to the third, albeit rounded. and a more clumsy proposal, the fourth edition is somehow alienated from the line of development, like the "five" Golf.
There is nothing wrong with that, because the taut features and the swift cleanliness of the surfaces harmoniously complement the ideas embodied in the physiognomy of the Polo V - the third interpretation of the face of the new VW brand imposed by Da Silva. The theme of precise and simple styling runs as a leitmotif in the graphics of the lines and the impressive precision of the body joints, and the forms are reminiscent of the Golf, adding additional dynamics and plasticity in the execution of some details. The dynamic impression is complemented by the trapezoidal silhouette of the rear, pronounced wing arches and small body overhangs.
Assault on the compact class
The interior has changed a lot, and here we can talk not about the continuity of generations, but about the stylistic transfer from the upper class. The layout and arrangement of the dashboard follows the logic of the Golf, many parts and integrated systems look the same. The compact-class Polo V front seats are the ideal size, with dense upholstery that promise comfort even when driving out of town.
It's the same with the luggage compartment - the range from 280 to 952 liters speaks of full possibilities for family use and throws away the prejudice that the small class is narrow, uncomfortable and mediocre cars for exploring the city. In terms of workmanship, the new version of Polo certainly exemplifies, catching up with some representatives of the compact class both in the type of materials and in the accuracy of assembly.
The comfort is also impressive. Along with the extremely quiet operation of the engines, which we will talk about a little later, the Wolfsburg engineers managed to create a perfectly balanced chassis, in which the main design changes are the upgraded McPherson-type front axle. Polo is confident and stable on the road, demonstrating maturity in overcoming inequality and competence in difficult situations. The new generation can only speak of a conditional predisposition to childhood diseases of the front transmission, such as understeer, and a strict formulation of the ESP system, whose intervention, with its mild but timely character, makes a pleasant impression.
Green wave
Half a dozen engines will be added to the market premiere of the model, five of which are completely new - two 1,2-liter three-cylinder petrol engines and three 1,6-liter TDIs. In contrast to the upsizing and ambitions in terms of market performance, the Polo V powertrains are a true downsizing celebration with a power range from 60 to 105 hp. With.
According to their creators, the gasoline models will achieve 20% fuel savings over the previous model, and the combination of the new TDI with Common Rail and standard Blue Motion efficiency measures can reduce average consumption to an astonishing 3,6L / 100km. ... The extremely economical 3,3-cylinder Blue Motion model with 100 l / 1,6 km is expected later, but for now I would like to draw your attention to the most modest version of the 75-liter TDI with 195 hp. ... from. and a maximum torque of XNUMX Nm.
Pump nozzle rattling is part of automotive history. The new Direct Rail direct injection machine starts unusually quietly and does not raise its voice even when deliberately boosted. Startups may not be as explosive as some models using the old system, but if you try to keep the turbodiesel revving, it will provide more than decent performance. This is not a problem as the gearbox is well organized and the gear changes are done with VW-like precision. Overall, the potential of this 1.6 TDI version isn't anything special, but it's enough to easily maintain legal speeds on the highway, and the low noise and fuel consumption promise peace of mind for the senses and wallet when traveling long distances. distances.
In short, the Polo V impresses as a mature and grown-up model not only with its ambition, whose serious intention to rise to the top of sales is illustrated by the price of the 1.6 TDI with 75 hp. – despite the fact that there are still no official prices for the Bulgarian market, the level of 15 euros in native Germany promises difficult times for competition.
text: Miroslav Nikolov
a photo: Miroslav Nikolov
