Volkswagen Polo Sport 1.2 TSI Test Drive Review
After a year in the market, the Volkswagen Polo was enhanced by a better specced Polo Sport variant late in 2011. The updated model, which is not to be confused with the similarly-named but unrelated Polo Sedan, comes with a RM5,000 inflation of its price tag, and justification of that comes in the form of added equipment, namely bigger rims, fog lights, ESP, and an improved audio system.
What you don’t get, is a new engine, so that means the 1.2-litre turbocharged mill continues service under the hood supplying 103hp and 175Nm to the front wheels via a 7-speed DSG transmission. They may not sound like much, but these outputs are comparable to naturally aspirated engines displacing 1.6 to 1.8 litres, and when all that’s asked of it is to shift 1,126kg of metal about, it translates to a very quick turn of speed.
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| Compact dimensions make the Polo a great city runabout. |
Indeed, as mentioned in our earlier reviews, the Polo was a decently quick car with a chassis that felt properly agile to string a few corners at decent pace. Overall refinement was excellent and the impression was a car that delivers the much-loved big car feel associated with Germans in a compact and reasonably affordable (though hardly cheap) package.
Criticisms delivered then included a bare-looking interior and an uninspiring appearance, especially when compared to pictures of an obviously better-specced model used in Volkswagen’s advertising posters. The Polo Sport is then VGM’s answer to those criticisms, and there can indeed be no doubt that the new 17″ alloys and front fog lamps have substantially elevated the Polo’s external appearance.
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| 17-in rims and front fog lamps the key external enhancements on the Polo Sport. |
Questions that we seek to address in this review then revolves around whether these additions have delivered worthwhile enhancements to the Polo’s package. If you examine it from the value for money perspective, the answer is an obvious yes – the RM5,000 price hike is a measly sum for the enhanced kit on offer, and most of them properly useful.
Stability control is definitely a worthwhile addition, although you certainly won’t wish to get into a situation where its services will be called upon. The newly-added USB port is similarly welcomed, as it has become an item of increasing importance to mobile device users, and any car maker seeking to position their products for the younger generation will do well to include this item into their kit count.
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| Audio system now features USB connectivity. ESP also now available. |
The new rims that round up the package look good and appear to be better-matched to the Polo’s lines compared to the previous 15″ set. There is, however, a price to be paid for those good looks, and the economic implications to your wallet are just a part of it. You will not only be forking out more money at the tyre shops; additional costs will come in the form of increased fuel consumption and wear on the wheel bearings, although these two effects are admittedly minimal.
The larger rims also directly affect the Polo’s ride and handling, and the outcome is not entirely positive. There’s more unsprung weight for the suspension to deal with, and less side wall to absorb surface irregularities. As a result, the Polo now rides more harshly than before, and the steering also feels a tad heavier, but without rewarding you with extra feel. As much as the new rims look good, there is a convincing case to made for downsizing at your first tyre change.
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Ultimately, its brittle ride quality remains the only blemish to the Polo’s otherwise spotless dynamic repertoire. The Ford Fiesta is ultimately more engaging to drive, but the wide spread of torque served by VW’s turbocharged motor endows the Polo with superb point-and-shoot characteristics. It is an excellent tool to wield when squeezing through densely populated traffic.
Inside, Polo is lined with a number of thoughtful touches, whilst not boast-worthy, is most certainly praiseworthy. Take its rear hatch for example, which comes with a two-tiered storage system, for better organization of your cargo. There is also a full-sized spare tyre for emergencies, and if you have big items to carry, the rear seats offer 60:40 split folding.
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| Boot floor can be lifted to reveal a second storage compartment. |
The availability of side and curtain airbags is worth highlighting, and the presence of ISOFIX mounts is similarly commendable. These items show that even if the Polo lacks the ‘bling-bling’ for the sake showroom appeal, Volkswagen did not cut costs where it matters – your safety. They also did not skim much on selection of materials, with exposed surfaces exuding an unmistakable sense of quality. The overall impression is that this cabin will continue to feel brand new even after five to ten years of ownership.
Cheap it certainly isn’t, and neither is it generously packed with equipment, but the Polo offers buyers with a slightly more generous budget an affordable means to a German badge and some of the latest advancements in engine and transmission technology to go with it. The updated levels of equipment introduced in our test car make it an even more worthwhile purchase, but the 17″ tyres are certainly overkill. Downsize them an inch or two, and it will be just about right.
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