The quality of fit and finish Rates well on safety Top ranking security score Volkswagen describes the fourth generation Polo hatchback as representing “quality in a concentrate” and that’s pretty apt, considering it’s arguably one of the best quality cars in the small hatchback class. For example, Volkswagen says that the new bodyshell has best-in-class torsional rigidity, with significantly enhanced safety qualities. The new Polo scored four stars in Euro NCAP crash tests. Everything about the body spells high quality; from the excellent paint and trim finish, to the solid feel of the doors and rear hatch when closing, and to the small panel gaps that are achieved through laser welding processes.
The body, which is made from high-strength galvanized steel, carries a 12 year anti-corrosion perforation warranty. However, the Polo isn’t quite as ‘concentrated’ as it used to be. The new body, with its stylish looks, is longer, wider and taller. This has brought some welcome improvements to interior space, both for occupants and their luggage. Polo buyers can choose between three model types. There’s a base (price leader) Polo 3door, and there are S and SE variants in three and five door versions. Automatic or manual transmission is available on all models. Prices start at $19,800 for the base three-door, the S 3-door costs $20,800 and the SE 3-door is $22,500. Prices for the five-door models are $21,800 (the S) and $23,500 (the SE). Automatic transmission costs an extra $2,000. The base model comes with dual front airbags, five lap-sash seat belts and five head restraints, electro-hydraulic power steering, engine immobiliser, heated and power adjustable exterior mirrors, steering column adjustable for tilt and reach, a single CD audio system and a 60/40 split fold rear seat. The S model adds air conditioning,, but you have to go to the top SE model to get an alarm, remote central locking, sports front seats with height adjustment, power front windows, a multifunction trip computer, front fog lights, a centre sun visor and a luggage compartment light! Options include ABS brakes for $700, and an electric glass sunroof for $990 on all but the base three-door. Metallic paint costs $490. The test Polo was an SE three-door and this model provides good space and comfort for two adults up front, and reasonable room and comfort for two or three smaller occupants in the rear. As with most two-door vehicles, the Polo has quite large doors in order to provide reasonable DISLIKES Performance lacking at times, particularly the automatic version Purchase price higher than similar size Japanese or Korean-sourced hatches Runs on PULP access to the rear seat and not only do these doors need a lot of space to fully open, they are also fairly heavy to open and close. Also, the positioning of the body B pillar and the seats means that front occupants have to stretch backwards to reach the seatbelts. The driver’s belt in the test car was slow in its return action when released, but I suspect that this may have been just a one-off fault.
Download pdf (1 page) Volkswagen Polo SE Manual Sample
