Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI long term review, first report
The Polo 1.0 TSI is a car that’s built on a relatively old platform. This has recently caused quite a hullabaloo, with much unnecessary waving of hands. But does this really matter? Is it the only important metric here? Absolutely not. What matters is ability, not age. It’s all about how good something is, not how young or old. But that said, just what is the Polo TSI like to live with, and does it feel its age in certain areas? These are questions we’ll try and answer in upcoming reports.
POWER PACK: Dynamite comes in small packages; 1.0 TSI is a gem.
Unfortunately, day one of the Polo 1.0 TSI’s long-term tests coincides with day one of lockdown 2.0. The Polo, however, does display just how versatile it is. The task involves successfully transporting a four-foot-long box from IKEA. Now initially, looking at the length of the box, I assumed this was impossible. But I decided to give it a shot anyway. So, out comes the parcel tray, down goes the rear seat, and then I flip the front passenger seat down as well. Yeah, this box is tall. But, after a bit of adjusting, in it goes! And I don’t need to borrow the Renault Triber for the day and swap cars, neat.
Post this, it’s many days of staring at the black roof of the car in my parking during the lockdown and longing to take it out for a drive. Have to say, I love how the look has evolved. And that’s particularly on this sporty edition. No, I’m not a big fan of the black stickers on the doors at all, but there are plenty of nifty design touches that make it stand out. Stuff like the black roof and the neat rear spoiler, which is also done in black. Then there’s the hint of a diffuser also in matte black plastic, matching matte plastic along the running board, and I like the GTI-like nose too. Also love the stance, the wide base, the big wheels and the wheel arches that pop out. Yeah, the Polo’s muscular wedge shape isn’t new, but for me, it just hits the spot.
