| Road Test Volkswagen Polo 1.4 TDI Three-Door |
||
 |
||
|
Torque, Economy, Noise The 2000 Polo is a transitional model, because it's on the same platform as its predecessor. The next generation Polo will take over the platform from the Skoda Fabia, first of the group models to use it. Body finish and panel fit on the 2000 Polo are close to Golf standards, and there's a 12-year anti-perforation warranty. We think of the Polo as a German car, but it was production lines in Pamplona and Bratislava which had to be upgraded to raise the build quality. It certainly feels very solidly put together, the shell is firmer, and this is the first car in its class of which all versions come with anti-lock brakes. Many reports have concentrated on the first-ever Polo GTi, but the really significant version is the three-cylinder TDI using Volkswagen's unique PD unit-injector technology. VW has various colour codes in its badges these days, and the DI letters on this model are in red. The T is still in chrome. No, I can't remember exactly why. The TDI comes only in SE specification, with six-spoke Kyalami alloy wheels, foglights, a good sound system, height adjustment for both front seats, and, for an extra payment, air conditioning in place of the otherwise standard sunroof. As usual with Volkswagen, there are rather a lot of extra-cost options. One of the advantages of the PD engine, a common rail design with electronic control of the very high pressure fuel injection system, and an injector at each cylinder activated by a mechanical cam, is that it starts instantly. It also offers, for its capacity, tremendous torque - 144lb/ft at 2200rpm. And in economy as well it's way ahead of the 1.9-litre SDI version, with its older style of engine. Are there no drawbacks to this wonder machine? Well, y-e-e-s-s-s. As the four-cylinder PD115 Golf shows, Volkswagen's part-mechanical injector system is noisier than the PSA all-electronic common rail diesels. Despite being a balancer-shaft design with lots of attention having been paid to the problems of NVH, the three-pot Polo diesel can be pretty raucous. While it's not meant to be any kind of sports model, the TDI has firm suspension which lets it handle smartly on country roads, but lets you know all about deteriorating surfaces. And there's a lot of tyre noise on some of those surfaces too. Only half marks, then? Oh, far more than that. You simply can't argue with the stunning economy and colossal, for the class, mid-range acceleration. I think an owner would get used to the initially annoying noise levels, enjoy the performance, appreciate the build quality and, while possibly muttering about the price of the car itself, be delighted about the fuel bills. Price: £12,620
|
With some exterior styling changes to make it look more like the Golf, and a fascia reminscent of the Lupo, the latest Polo might have ended up like some kind of mongrel, but it keeps a clearly defined place in the VW catalogue between the larger and smaller models which surround it.
