Driving Volkswagen’s latest Polo hatch – a small car with a big reputation now in its sixth generation – the VW Polo has grown up over time – today very much like the Golf of old, which itself has grown from the small car I first drove around Europe in 1980. The latest Polo five-door hatch I tested was the 85TSI Comfortline with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine linked to a 7-speed DSG automatic. $22,990 drive-way now 81mm longer on a 78mm longer wheelbase and with a larger cargo capacity the new Polo above all else feels very refined although the DSG gearbox can sometimes get a little fussy at low speeds.
The 85TSI Comfortline gets 15-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, rain sensing wipers and better quality comfort cloth upholstery – the seats, a standout, both front seats height adjustable and very accommodating. Well equipped with city emergency brake and pedestrian monitoring, driver fatigue detection, a wide touch screen, and a rear view camera. I’m David Berthon
The VW Polo is classified as a light car but frankly it’s now a small car by any measure – I’ve spoken about the appeal of three cylinder engines before and it’s no different on this new Polo – flexible and torquey with nice turbo boost it makes Polo a very polished driver. There’s some nice touches that set the Polo apart from the cheaper Korean and Japanese light cars – like the leather flat bottomed steering wheel with multi- media controls. I recommend the Driver Assistance option at $1,400 which adds some really beneficial driving aids. I’m David Berthon

2018 Volkswagen Polo 85TSI Launch Edition DSG.

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