VW Polo Black Edition
Words by Mark Slack
Unbelievably, Volkswagen’s Polo has been with us for half a century and today’s range still pursues the original aim of affordable quality motoring. While the current range may have more competition, and at cheaper prices, the VW feeling of quality does shine through even on this, their entry level supermini.
Prices for the Polo range start from £21,470. There are seven trim levels and standard equipment across the line-up includes auto lights and wipers, cruise control, air conditioning, power folding, adjustable and heated door mirrors, LED lights, parking sensors, auto dimming rear view mirror and CarPlay plus Android Auto.
Polo power comes largely in 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol form with power outputs ranging from 80PS through to 115PS and all bar the entry-level engine, are TSi units. The Polo GTI has a 2.0-litre TSi with 207PS and a 241kph/150mph top speed with the benchmark 62mph passed in just 6.5 seconds. Transmissions are either 6-speed manual or VW’s well-known DSG 7-speed automatic.
My test model didn’t have the oomph of the GTi model but the 115PS, 1.0-litre TSi powering the Polo Black Edition, with 7-speed DSG automatic, passes the 62mph measurement in a whisker under 10 seconds and is more than capable. Priced at £26,620 standard fare on the Black Edition models is generous with heated front sports seats, smart phone charging, high beam assist, dual zone AC, heated folding and adjustable door mirrors, adaptive cruise, the list continues.
There is a welcome array of buttons and the fact the digital touchscreen isn’t overdone makes the Polo a much more useable and less frustrating drive. The seats are superbly comfortably and despite its diminutive size offers decent space for both front and rear seat passengers. Although a 3-cylinder engine of small capacity there’s an admirable refinement, unless you really push the power, and enough verve when required.
As with most VW models there is a restrained and understated style to the Polo, it’s classy and classless rather than adopting the more aggressive look of many competitors. Although there are some hard plastics inside the Polo there is a general feeling of quality lacking in similar models from other manufacturers.
If you want a supermini that’s just as at home in the city, rural lanes or motorway then the Polo ticks all the boxes. It’s discreet and has a name, VW, that is rightly considered a class above the norm. It simply has to be on your shopping shortlist.
Words by Mark Slack
