A few months before the launch of the completely new Polo, we test its 5th generation with the most powerful 1400 hp diesel engine of the VW group. Wow…
TEXT: VANGELIS PETRAKIS, PHOTO: GIORGOS KOUTOS
The exclamation does not refer to its strict inside-out aesthetics or the rest of its conventional engineering. Not in his driving behavior but in the fact that in 1.165 we have kilos 250 Nm of torque in a range from 1.750 rpm up to 2.500 rpm from a 3 cylinder 1400 hp diesel engine. So you would think that in two seconds… we got rid of the 'phenomenon'’ – in terms of acceptance and commercial appreciation- Polo. Error.
Of course, since we have mentioned its design many times, let's remember once again the strict aesthetics but also the excellent distribution in the quality of the materials and the finish. The Polo is top in these areas and we honestly wonder when – for good- the new one is presented, how much more well-made it can be. But it is strict, very strict and the only imaginative element here is the…red body color.
Inside, the checkered seats can't make it look any newer than it is. Κι εδώ είναι ποιοτικά τα πλαστικά έχουμε και μια-δύο πινελιές έξτρα ποιότητας όπως είναι το χρώμιο στους αεραγωγούς, ή το δέρμα και η λάκα στο τιμόνι. Η συνολική εικόνα βεβαίως είναι αυστηρή, bordering on indifferent.
But the spaces are anything but indifferent. Especially the passengers have very good comfort in almost all dimensions, consequence of the classic almost cubed cabin approach, while the luggage space is good as well as those for small items, glasses or bottles.