The latest Volkswagen Polo now offers something a bit different
City cars seem to be the new superminis with original favourites like Corsa, Fiesta and Polo growing all the time, with the latest Polo now bigger than the Golf Mk IV.
The trend for more ‘funky’ models is also growing, customisation all the rage in many quarters. The traditionally slightly conservative Polo does offer something a bit different with the beats model which features a 300 W premium sound system from audio specialists Beats AudioTM, promising a state-of-the-art sound experience.
Other features include go-faster stripe on the bonnet and roof, coloured door mirrors and a gloss black radiator grille.
New LED headlights replace all Xenon headlights while LED daytime running lights are also standard on the car.The interior is, as you would expect from VW, of the highest quality and this one has “beats” design seats and door trim panels, matching funky painted panels, coloured seat belts and a leather covered multi function steering wheel.
The system’s 300 watt, 8-channel amplifier is fitted with a digital signal processor (DSP)with seven high-end loudspeakers distributed around the interior: two tweeters in the A-pillars, two woofers in the front doors, two broadband loudspeakers in the back as well as a subwoofer integrated in the spare wheel well.
So if you like you music loud it will not disappoint. The beats logo is also to be found on door sill protectors and 'beats' foil on bonnet and roof.
Other nice touches include the 16-inch Torsby black diamond-turned alloy wheels and tinted rear glass.
Definitely a departure from the standard Polo, but not blinged up beyond recognition.
The success of the car is pretty phenomenal with 14 million examples worldwide.
The latest seven-model line up seed more space in the cabin and stowage area. The boot volume has grown from 280 litres to 351 litres and 1125 with the seats folded.
There is a range of engines including the punchy three cylinder, one litre petrol engine on this model.
With the throaty rasp the three pot engine delivers under acceleration it does complement the ethos of the model.
It is well equipped with the infotainment system operated via the standard eight-inch touchscreen which incorpoates Car-Net ‘App-Connect’ which combines the functionality of Apple ‘CarPlay’, Google ‘AndroidAuto’ and ‘MirrorLink’ allowing mirroring of smartphone display on the infotainment touchscreen via USB connection, not to mention control of the mega sound system, sat nav and Bluetooth connectivity.
For safety, it offers emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring, adaptive cruise control and and blind spot detection.
All engines have stop-start system and a regenerative braking mode, and this engine, mated to a five-speed box offers an engaging drive with decent economy, with a claimed 62.8mpg.
It definitely feels sporty even if the acceleration of 0-60 in 10.8 seconds seems relatively modest, but it handles well, feeling stable on country lanes.
Definitely a funkier looking model, packed with equipment. No, size isn't everything.
FAST FACTS
VW Polo beats 1.0 TSI
Price: £17,360
Mechanical: 95ps, 999cc, 3cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via five-speed gearbox
Max Speed: 116mph
0-62mph: 10.8 seconds
Combined MPG: 62.8
Insurance Group: 8E
C02 emissions: 103g/km
Bik rating: 21%
Warranty: 3yrs/60,000
