After driving the other 10 contenders it was a relief to get into the Volkswagen Polo. Not only because it meant we were near the end of our alphabetical ordeal but because, well, the Polo is a nice place to be.
The Polo is a small car that’s gone to finishing school. It feels and acts like a grown up, and has the maturity and polish to be ready for any eventuality.
It needs to be a cut above -- after all, it is the second most expensive car here (at $22,350 in 1.2 turbo and seven-speed DSG form). But to put that in perspective it’s only a few hundred dollars dearer than the Mazda2, and less than $1500 away from the Kia Rio.
The former World and Wheels Car of the Year awards winner still has plenty of verve despite coming up to its third birthday – and it is still a (sizeable) cut above the competition.
Likes? The combination of comfort and handling… The quality of the cabin materials and switchgear… The overall refinement, urge and efficiency of the creamy smooth turbo engine… The classy, timeless design… The feeling that you’re driving around in something as strong as a safe…
Dislikes? Not many. For the privilege of driving a Polo you must always buy premium unleaded petrol (all other cars in this test except the Skoda can run on regular petrol) and carry only a space saver spare (at least you can buy a full size spare that fits in the boot). Bluetooth is still not standard (likely to be addressed in the new year). Servicing costs can be astronomical if you don’t shop around. And Volkswagens can still get caught out by the occasional electrical gremlin (buy the factory-endorsed extended warranty if you plan to own it beyond the standard three-year warranty period).
All in all, though, it’s a class act and worth the punt.
motoring.com.au's Light Car road-test comparison:
>> Ford Fiesta
>> Holden Barina
>> Honda Jazz
>> Hyundai Accent
>> Kia Rio
>> Mazda Mazda2
>> Nissan Micra
>> Skoda Fabia
>> Suzuki Swift
>> Toyota Yaris
The award goes to:
>> Light Car mega-test: The Verdict
Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site…