Driving the Volkswagen Polo

If you are in the business of selling cars, you would agree that the B-segment is really a competitive market be in. Every year, car manufacturers, importers, and distributors are spending a lot to come out with a sedan folio keenly suited to the Philippine market.

However, it is common knowledge that nowadays, this niche market is dominated by the Japanese carmakers. So any newcomer that comes along would surely face tough competition to get a piece of the pie. And that’s just how the Volkswagen Polo Notch likes it. Why?

NO-FRILLS EXTERIOR

Unlike other sedans that focus too much on design, the Volkswagen Polo Notch stays to its quintessential European look–simple and elegant. The distinctive contemporary look of the Polo provides additional style points, taking the car a notch higher compared to its competitors.

Up front, there’s body-colored bumpers, a chrome-accented front grille, squared halogen headlamps with headlight-range adjustments. At the rear is a fog lamp. The 15-inch alloy wheels of the Polo Notch lend a more premium look.

SIMPLE INTERIORS

One of the things immediately noticeable in the Polo Notch is the black color scheme in the cabin. The dark background gives the car a more upscale look. Standard features include soft seat fabric, a three-spoke steering wheel, and central locking. The instrument cluster looks very conservative with two large dials housing a speedometer, digital trip meter and tachometer. The dashboard and doors are made of solid plastic, except from the soft touch of steering wheel. There’s ample space for storage.

For long drives, the center front armrest is a good tool for drivers to relax. Although, I hate to say that there are only two power windows controls for the driver. Yes, only two. If you have kids like I do, I don’t need to explain further.

POWER and FUEL EFFICIENCY

By far, the Volkswagen Polo Notch is one of the most economical sedans I drove in my entire life. I managed to tally a whopping 16 kilometers per liter in highway driving and 12 kilometers per liter driving in the city with heavy traffic. This is thanks to a 1.6-liter multi-point fuel Injection, gasoline-powered engine, which could deliver 99 hp at 5,250 rpm and 153 Nm at 3,750 rpm. I’m sure not everyone would believe the fuel consumption I claimed, but I am of the opinion that it is easy to replicate the figure through first-hand experience.

Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the car’s speed is quite exceptional, too. Driving along EDSA during rush hour is not a problem at all, as the car brings comfort to passenger and maneuvering is indeed effortless.

MY VERDICT

It does not follow that when the Volkswagen Polo Notch not being loaded with all the bells and whistles mean sit cannot do its job. After driving this car for almost a week, I hardly remember any disappointment during my drive. Priced at P840,000, the Volkswagen Polo Notch is really a good bargain for someone who wants to upgrade their drive and experience the best of German technology.

SPECIFICATIONS