Despite the emergence of a serious competitor in the revitalised Mazda2, Volkswagen’s diesel Polo picked up a second consecutive Best Small Car award.
Although its considerable price premium ($6000 over other finalists) lost points, the VW scored well in other critical areas (running and repair costs, fuel consumption, environment).
Frugal fuel use is a strong point, thanks to relatively light weight and an impressive 1.9-litre, turbocharged, diesel, four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission.
There is still no auto transmission, which is disappointing.
The new breed of Euro turbo-diesels are beauties, offering minimal emissions, good power and oodles of useable torque.
The Polo’s powerplant delivers a modest 74 kW but, as with most diesels, it’s the meaty 240 Nm of torque, from 1800 rpm to 2400 rpm, that impressed the most and helped the Polo match the performance score of the excellent Mazda2 engine.
It’s quiet and it uses the latest engine-management technology, so there is little evidence of turbo lag.
In design and function criteria, the Polo scored well for its practicality and was unmatched for ergonomics. Four doors and a comparatively spacious interior are handy. The wide-opening rear hatch provides easy access to luggage.
The Polo is zippy, nimble and easy to manoeuvre, but does not compromise ride quality.
The safety and luxury equipment are impressive for this class, including features like steering reach and height adjustment.
It would take a long while to get close to recouping the extra outlay over its competitors, but the diesel Polo’s a better drive and a class act.
Full Details: www.australiasbestcars.com.au.
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