It has been a while since we last written an automobile post and with so many things to do in recent weeks, it was really hard to find time to write but anyway; now that we manage to squeeze out some precious time, we really want to share our review/opinion about the Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI that we drove last month.
First Impression
When we went to the Volkswagen Car Showroom to pick up the Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI, the blue Volkswagen Polo immediately stood out and we were very impressed with its strong racy character. When compared with its predecessor, it is pretty hard to differentiate one from the other but the facelifted Volkswagen Polo definitely looks sportier and maybe more curvy.
The crisply contoured shoulder line and protruding front end make the Volkswagen Polo appear longer without sacrificing any of its compactness.
Details such as the distinctive body-coloured exterior mirrors with integrated indicators and the roof spoiler reinforce the impression of dynamism and agility.
The design of the Volkswagen Polo’s rear end is moulded by crisp edges, clear lines, and a compact form. The rear lights, the reflectors and even the licence plate holder add some stunning touches that help to make the Volkswagen Polo a real eye-catcher from behind too.
The Driving Experience
Though the facelifted Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI is a sight to behold, it certainly does not drive like a sports car; after all, it is only propelled by a 1.2-litre engine that produces 89bhp and 160Nm of torque. Despite the unimpressive figures, the driving experience still surpassed our expectations because after all, our regular car is only a 1.1 manual Kia Picanto.
When I sat down in the driver’s seat, it was really comfortable. The headroom and legroom was adequate for me and all the controls were within reach. The interior is no doubt classy for a super minicar and I like the fact that the handbrake lever, steering wheel, and gear lever are all wrapped in leather.
The decent 280-litre boot space is also adequate for storage of baggage and shopping bags. Just so you know, with the split-folding rear seats; the storage capacity can increase up to an approximate 952 litres.
In terms of the driving performance, the Volkswagen Polo felt sturdy but because the steering is so light and the feedback from the road is little, it was quite hard for us to gauge how much grip the vehicle has when cornering. Overtaking cars may also be slightly challenging for our busy roads but if you are a defensive driver, it doesn’t really matter.
When we drove the Volkswagen Polo, the engine is rather refined and quiet. However, when we floored the accelerator all the way down, the engine sprung into beast mode and lets out a sporty roar that was quite evident from the cabin.
What really impressed me the most was the fuel economy of the Volkswagen Polo and that itself is a major plus point for car buyers. Even during extreme driving circumstances i.e. heavy traffic jams with excessive revving and waiting, we were able to achieve a decent 18KM/L; a feat that even our Kia Picanto can’t beat.
Conclusion
If we had the dough, the Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI would definitely be one of our consideration for our next car once our current COE is up. But looking at the current circumstance i.e. overpriced COE and strict loan restrictions, we probably might make a switch over to riding a motorbike instead. Should you be looking for a no-frill decent hatchback that offers an effortless urban driving experience, the Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI is definitely a worthy contender.
For more information about the Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI, do check out Volkswagen Singapore Official Website and like Volkswagen Singapore Facebook Page.