Volkswagen's diesel drive

Spurred on by a 50 per cent take-up rate on diesel variants of its fifth-generation Golf, the German marque has announced its intention to eventually offer a compression-ignition variant of every model in its Australian range.

The latest recipient of a diesel donk is the pint-sized Polo 1.9 TDI, which earns the distinction of being the cheapest diesel passenger car on the market, with entry pricing starting at a keen $22,990.

Essentially the same unit offered in the Golf, the 1.9-litre turbo diesel pumps out a respectable 74kW, but more impressive is the chunky peak torque figure of 240Nm, which comes on tap from just 1800rpm. A five-speed manual is the only transmission offered -- so if you like driving an auto, you'll need to look elsewhere.

The TDI's standard active safety features include Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD). Also included as no-cost features are semi-automatic air conditioning, keyless entry, dual airbags and lap-sash seatbelts for all five seats.

Visually, the updated Polo loses the awkward four-eyed look of the superseded model and now has more in common with its Golf big brother.

CarPoint had the opportunity to drive the Polo TDI at the vehicle's media launch last week and can confirm that it's a smooth, refined performer. The engine's fat band of torque means it's easy to drive in traffic, and it's also a relatively effortless cruiser.

Also worth noting, given the soaring fuel prices, is the frugal rate at which it sips fuel -- Volkswagen quotes an overall consumption figure of 5.0 litres/100km.

Log on to CarPoint on Wednesday to read a detailed review of the hottest addition to the new Polo range -- the turbocharged GTI.