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20/10/2008
By EWAN KENNEDY
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The Polo is the smallest Volkswagen sold in Australia, it had a slow start in its early days in Australia after first going on sale here in October 1996. That was partly due to its being relatively expensive when compared to Asian cars, though its rather bland styling at the time did it no favours.
The Polo is like every other Volkswagen in displaying impressive stiffness that bodes well for long life.
 Sales of the Polo picked up significantly during the early 2000s. That was partly due to significant price cuts, though better promotion on the new-car scene certainly played a part, as did the introduction of a significant number of new variants. However, the Polo still tends to languish behind the VW Golf in the minds of Australian drivers. Principally due to that car’s larger size and greater refinement.
Though it had been on the mundane side in the styling department, the new model introduced in July 2002 was a real improvement. It was still no fashion plate, but some of the previous rather severe German lines had been toned down and were more to Australian tastes.
Most Polos sold in Australia are hatchbacks, with either two or four passenger doors, but an interesting Polo Classic four-door sedan was imported, from China of all places, during 2004 and 2005. The latter wasn’t a success due to dubious quality control. However, Volkswagen, like just about every other car maker on earth, is working hard in China as we speak, so we could see models come from that country of cheap labour again. Presumably with much improved quality.
Another interesting model is the ‘Open Air’ of 1998 to 2000. Though a five-door hatchback it had a huge sunroof that could let in plenty of fresh air when opened to its full extent. A VW Eos it’s not, but the Polo Open Air can be used a low-cost substitute.
Handling is nothing special as the little Polos are inclined to too much oversteer. It can show up in anything more than moderate cornering and is presumably in there to maximise safety in the hands of clumsy drivers. This was pulled way back in the new model of 2002, but is still there at extremes, which is exactly the way it should be in a road car aimed at the average person.
 Most Polos in Australia have petrol engines. Capacities in the standard models were 1.4 and 1.6 litres. Performance from the smaller engine is better than you might expect due to the little VW's relatively light weight, but try one for size before coming to a decision. The 1.4 engine from the year 2000 was a more modern unit than the one it superseded so is the one to aim for.
Interestingly, the 1.6-litre engine used in the Polo Classic (the Chinese model) uses a twin-cam setup, whereas the others have a single-cam head. In both cases there are 16 valves per cylinder.
Polo GTi isn’t the real pocket rocket its name might suggest, chiefly because the turbocharged 1.8-litre engine is running only modest boost, and develops just 110 kW, 150 horsepower. However, it work very nicely is in mid-range torque, making it reasonably fast but not flighty in its characteristics. Firmer suspension and added precision in the steering means the Polo GTi gives you a lot of driving fun at a pretty modest price.
Volkswagen Polo joined the diesel car brigade in Australia in November 2005 when a huge 1.9-litre engine was installed. Having 240 Newton metres under the bonnet of a small car like this gives it surging acceleration that’s great when you want to overtake rapidly, or simply get off the line at a good pace. These little diesel cars are still not all that common on the used-car market, but the number is starting to grow significantly.
Transmission options are five-speed manual and four-speed auto in most models. The Polo Classic sedan, GTi and TDI diesel are only sold with the manual.
Volkswagen has undergone a revolution in Australia in recent years thanks to a smart new management team. This has led not only to better sales results, but also an increased number of dealerships, many with impressive facilities. Service and repairs are moderate in price, though they can be higher than for equivalent sized Asian cars. We have heard of no real complaints about cost or availability of spare parts.
 A good amateur mechanic should be able to do a fair bit of their own work as the Polo has a simple mechanical layout and the underbonnet area isn’t too crowded. Have a repair manual at your side, and keep well clear of repairs that could affect the car’s safety.
Insurance costs are about average for a car in this European class. You are likely to be charged extra, possibly substantially extra, to cover the Polo GTi because of its turbo engine.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
The VW Polo is solidly built and long lasting, however the quality of assembly on the Polo Classic left something to be desired. Check the interior, in particular for things that haven’t been screwed together properly.
Check the engine kicks over quickly and that it idles reasonably smoothly as soon as it fires up.
Engines aren't the smoothest of units, but if one seems too bad it may be due for major repairs, though a tune up may fix the problem.
Gearchanges should be reasonably light and easy, with no crunching when you shift down quickly.
Cabins that have been continuously scorched by the Aussie sun through lack of garaging may start to fade. The dash top and luggage cover will be the first to suffer. Look and feel for cracks and a generally dry feel.
Look inside the boot for signs of harsh treatment as small cars sometimes get treated as trucks by inner-city residents.
CAR BUYING TIP
Always use a cold-hearted approach to car buying. Let your head do the work, instead of having your heart talk you into buying the wrong car.
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