Poised, polished professional Polo

For me, the only negative I could find with the arrival of the Volkswagen Polo is the fact that it’s wider and longer than the outgoing model, writes DAVE FALL.

NO manufacturer, it seems, is able to contain the size of their cars when they upgrade them or implement the nth-generation into the marketplace. Take the new Volkswagen Polo that was launched late January for instance: it almost feels as big as anything in the Golf range, that’s my opinion anyway!

There are three engine powerplants in the six car line-up on offer: two petrol derivatives, a 1,4, and a 1,6; and a top-of-the-range 1,6, 77kW turbodiesel unit that can honestly brag from the mountaintops 250 Nm of torque. If you wanted confirmation of this new car please bear in mind that it has just been voted European Car of the Year 2010.

The Western Cape is always a firm bet at this time of the year to launch a model weatherwise: and what a great choice of roads the organisers have on offer. Our selected route was from the main Cape Town airport to Tulbach and back to the city centre — a round trip of around 250km — time enough to discover that the Polo is simply superb to drive in every way.

Comfort features are particularly strong across the range in true Volkswagen fashion — but remember there are two trim levels — but even the “basic” Trendline ensures air conditioning, power windows, mirrors, central locking and more. A special guest at the launch was the introduction of the head of interior design in Wolfsburg, Germany: Oona Scheepers . . . yes, a South African female that really knows her stuff!

There’s every good reason to consider Polo ownership, it seems, because it’s one of the most comfortable yet adaptable cars out there. The cargo area is excellent for a hatchback in any event, but fold down the seats and I swear a six-foot long ladder could be transported within. Five adults really could be transported over distance — and that’s a fact.

Volkswagen reckon this is the safest Polo yet with its crumple zones, optional ESP, rear fog light, high level rear brake light and ISOFIX child seat mountings. Four airbags complete the picture — sorry, nearly forgot — there’s ABS brakes, naturally.

At prices starting at R144,900 (1,4-litre, 63kW Trendline) rising to R166,900 for the 1,6-litre, 77kW Trendline and a not unreasonable R209,900 for the flagship turbodiesel Polo beaut.

The new Volkswagen Polo comes standard with three-year/120,000km- and 12-year anti-corrosion warranties. The price of a five-year/60,000km service plan is optional, and will set you back R6,856; while the company’s AutoMotion Maintenance Plan is priced from R9,141 . . . servicing is required only at R15,000kk intervals — and that includes the turbodiesel model.