This car is awesome, I just don't know where to start, it's that good!
The car I am writing about is a 2003 model and has done 40,000 miles. This model has mod cons such as electric windows, electric mirrors, abs, cd player etc
Let's start off in the heart of the car, the engine. This engine is a little 1.4L diesel that has had a turbo strapped to it. According to the statistics on the internet this car has 84bhp, but it feels like so much more. When you first start the engine it sounds like a normal diesel but after 5mins of the engine running you could be forgiven for thinking that it is petrol. The diesel engine seems like any normal diesel until you hit 2500rpm, it's at this point you're pulled back in to your seat and the car just comes into its own. It's not only the performance of this car that shocks me but it's the fuel economy. You would think a car with this much accl would just drink the fuel but it barley ever has to go the garage to fill up. I think that (this is just an estimate) the car is doing about 60mpg.
[NOTE] - accl = acceleration
This car has the best of both worlds, a small economical car that has amazing accl and pulling power with a classy comfortable feel to it.
But it doesn't stop there. The seats and door cards all have a stylish and comfortable touch to them, making the car a pleasure to drive. Where most cars fail is the cheap looking plastics that cover the dashboard, but not in this car, the dash is plastic but because of the style it works with the car. The dials on the dashboard are not over complex and easy to understand. Also the lighting on the dashboard is perfect giving a stylish purple glow to the clocks that allows you to see the Speedo etc. but its not harsh or distracting so you have full concentration on the road.
The carpets and mats are all fastened to the floor to prevent them from moving while you're driving, however they're bit of a nightmare to get out when you want to clean under them.
The accelerator is very sensitive, this could take some getting used to if you are an inexperienced driver but there will never be a problem (with the possible exception of whiplash) with the brakes. These brakes are very sensitive and responsive and are able to bring the car to a sudden stop, and with the aid of the abs then it's very rarely that you'll skid or lock up.
Foot space in the front of the car is more than satisfactory but sadly I found the back seats were a little cramped. Although there was room to fit 5 people in the car, the back seats would be cramped, so I wouldn't travel too far if you had a full car.
The boot of the car is surprisingly large; you can fill the car boot up with food shopping for a week and still have room for more. If your one of these DIY people the back seats folds down flush and you are able to put small - medium peices of furniture in to the back of it.
You can have a tow bar fitted to the back of the car but I would only use it for small trailers, I wouldn't recommend using it for something like a caravan, although the engine has the power to pull it I don't think the chassis was built for such uses and the car tends to sway.
The external design of the car is rather modest and rather simple. The car is easily parallel parked but be warned I found that you will have to use the mirrors a lot as the pillars tend to give you a lot of blind spots.
Over all I would say that this is a very versatile car that satisfies the needs of a wide range of people.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Hatchback - Front (FWD) - 6 Speed Manual Gearbox, 6 Speed Manual, 6 Speed Automatic - 1598 cc - Max Speed: 119 mph - 115 bhp - Petrol - Available Trims: Sport, SE, S
aw my mums just picked up a little silver polo now! the dashboard lights are a nice illuminous blue! great review! :) x
killiefan 20.02.2006 16:40
I used to have a VW polo and they are very good cars. Scott
Badger_Boy 20.02.2006 16:30
After moving from Citroen to VW, I know what you mean about the sensitive brakes! After owning a Golf GTi I'd never own anything (apart from a Zonda) other than a VW just simply because they are indestructible and incredibly well built.
Feb 20th, 2006
(Feb 21st, 2006)
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