Volkswagen Polo 2005 - New face

Here's a supermini that's not so mini. With a completely redesigned front end, the new Polo is sportier and more aggressive-looking than its predecessor, but retains the practical elements that make it an ideal family car.

The headlights are now trapezoidal , enhanced by the eye-catching circular element of the main headlights. This same curve contains the front indicators, with the side indicators being integrated into the side mirrors in line with the rest of the Volkswagen range.

The Polo is 19mm longer than the previous model (3916mm), entirely due to the re-designed front. The width (1650mm) and height (1467mm) correspond to the outgoing model.

The rear of the Polo also gets considerable treatment from the designers, with the rear windscreen taking a striking new V-shape in the lower frame area, this being used for the second time.

Interior Features

Getting inside the new Polo reveals how much it has retained its intrinsic values of safety, comfort and a sense of space.

The Polo was the first car in its class, locally at least, to offer front airbags as standard safety equipment. This feature remains along with belt tensioners for the front seats. Two ISOFIX anchors allow safe securing of child seats on the rear bench. The seat trim is classier than the outgoing model with "Select" and "Maxima" cloth being used.

Engines

The Polo range starts with the 1.4 fuel injected 4-cylinder engine developing 62kW at 5250rpm and 122Nm of torque at 2750rpm. With a top speed of 176km/h, the 1.4 engine propels the Polo to 100km/h in 12.4 seconds.

Fuel consumption figures are impressive with a combined cycle of 6.9 litres per 100km. Urban consumption is 9.2l/100km while extra-urban consumption is a frugal 5.3l/100km.

The 3-cylinder 1.4TDI gets a power upgrade from 55kw to 59kW at 4000rpm, but maximum torque stays at the equally impressive 195Nm. Acceleration to 100km/h is achieved in 12.8 seconds, with an admirable 174km/h top speed. The 1.4TDI was always renowned for its frugality, and this trend continues with an astonishing combined cycle of only 4.4l/100km, while the extra-urban cycle is even lower at 4.1l/100km.

The new Polo and Classic retain the trusted 1.6 74kW engine that is so popular with its customers especially given its sprightly performance and fuel consumption figures. It takes only 10,9 seconds to accelerate from standstill to 100km/h, with a top speed of 184km/h. The overall fuel consumption is 7.0/100km.

There are two versions of the acclaimed 1.9TDI engine, one producing 74kW and 240Nm of torque, and a more powerful 96kW/310Nm version. The former accelerates both the Polo and Classic to 100km/h in 10.7 seconds, with an impressive top speed of 188km/h. The more powerful Sportline (96kW version) produces a performance of 9.2 seconds (0-100km/h) and 206km/h respectively and is only available in the two-door Polo hatch.

The 74kW's fuel consumption is as good as expected on a TDI, returning figures of 4.9l/100km overall and an extra-urban cycle of only 4.0l/100km.

The Sportline engine returns an urban consumption of 6.8l/100km and 5.2 l/100km overall, while the extra-urban consumption stands at an equally impressive 4.3l/100km. To suit its sporting character, the 96kW Sportline is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, and with its abundant torque, it is not difficult to see why.

Completing the engine range is the 2.0 85kW petrol that propels the Polo and Classic to 100km/h in 9.8 seconds, with v-max at 193km/h. Overall fuel consumption is an impressive 7.6l/100km.

Body engineering

One of the key qualities of Volkswagen's product offering is superior body engineering for improved safety and comfort, and the Polo was the first of the new generation of high torsional rigidity models. This becomes obvious even to the naked eye, with the small gaps between the doors, pillars and other body panels bearing testimony to this. The body is also very well protected against corrosion (the Polo has a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty).

The chassis design is based on modern and proven principles that make it one of the safest cars in its segment.

Safety

Peace of mind motoring is one of the cornerstones of the Volkswagen brand, and this philosophy is well represented in the Polo’s active and passive safety mechanisms.

The front axle has been designed using the McPherson principle, with the lower wishbones ensuring the best possible directional stability. The sub-frame optimises the handling, reduces tyre noise and maximises the benefits of the crash safety characteristics.

Despite different specification levels, there is very little difference between them in terms of safety features. All the new models have dual front airbags as standard equipment, safety belts with pretensioners for all occupants and a high level brake light.

ABS with electronic brake force distribution is standard across the range, brake fluid warning indicators as well as a brake pressure regulator. ESP is an option only on the high-performance Sportline (96kW 1.9TDI).

All Polos with engine capacity in excess of 1400cc come standard with front and rear disc brakes. The 1.4 models have front discs and brake drums at the rear, while ABS braking is standard.

All models have a standard immobiliser, while all Comfortline, Highline and Sportline models are in addition equipped with remote central locking. The remote central locking gives the Polo owner a choice of unlocking all the doors, just the driver’s or just the luggage compartment, an important security feature in a threatening environment.

New trim and interior features

The new 1.4TDI is now a Trendline as opposed to Comfortline when the Polo was introduced about three years ago. This not only makes it more affordable, but gives the range a very good spread of specification and engine options (seven) second to none in the segment.

All Trendline and Comfortline models retain their current steel and alloy wheels, but there is a new optional 15-inch Charade alloy rim for the Comfortline. The Sportline gets a new San Merino “16 alloy rim that accentuates the car’s sporty character and appearance.

Prices remain unchanged, giving better value to customers and, according to VW, the 1.4TDI with Trendline specification is now the most affordable diesel vehicle in its segment.

Warranties and guarantees

* three-year/120 000km warranty
* 12-year anti-corrosion warranty
* Optional five-year/60 000km AutoMotion maintenance plan