Polo Sedan, I think, no one needs to introduce. Thanks to an excellent balance of characteristics and, let's not hide a sin, an emblem highly respected in Russia, the car feels good throughout all the years of sales in our country. Well, the latest published statistics stated that during the crisis, Polo Sedan improved its performance by 12.8%, taking 5th place in the sales ranking. Could it be the new motor?
The engine is relatively new though. The Volkswagen concern is slowly withdrawing its 1.6-liter 105-horsepower “veteran” of the CFNA series and changing it to a new 110-horsepower, CWVA series.
We managed to get acquainted with this engine back in December 2014, when we found out how the replacement of engines affected the Skoda Octavia, and then the Yeti.
It had a positive effect, it must be admitted: both Octavia and Yeti, having lost their base 1.2-liter turbo engine, with a new aspirated may not grab stars from the sky in terms of dynamics, but confidently and comfortably pull at all speeds allowed by law, and most importantly, cause less buyers' suspicions.
In November 2015, the same engine, already assembled in Kaluga, reached the Polo Sedan in two boost options - 90 and 110 horsepower. We tested a more powerful version with a manual transmission.
The last time the Polo Sedan was restyled was in the summer of 2015. The car received updated bumpers, headlights, grille and rims. In addition, new previously unavailable options appeared in the car, such as xenon and a beige interior. The result is obvious - the Polo Sedan began to look and position much more solid and modern.
Inside, on the one hand, everything is still the same. The same well-trained ergonomics, and the same inexpensive, but solidly assembled finishing materials. However, the interior began to look smarter and richer, thanks to one single detail: a new glossy black steering wheel, sheathed in soft leather and sporty filed at the bottom - like on older Volkswagen models.
The instrument panel is an example of conciseness and clarity, as well as multimedia and climate control. The adjustable armrest is neatly trimmed from the inside with pile - German attention to detail.
The front tight seats with a good but unobtrusive side profile allow the driver of almost any build and height to easily tune in so that the convenient manual gearbox lever fits exactly in the right hand - the ranges of all adjustments are sufficient.
Rear passengers of a comfortable sofa can only complain about the lack of a center armrest. And so for them and a folding cup holder, and pockets in the doors, as well as in the backs of the front seats. The truth is one thing - you need to perceive the Polo Sedan as a four-seater car: the central rider is hindered by a high tunnel, and even adults in tight clothes, both in front and behind, will remind you of a sense of elbow. Otherwise, in terms of convenience and attention to detail with the interior of the Volkswagen Polo Sedan, only a “relative” in the Skoda Rapid concern can argue.
A neatly trimmed trunk with a good volume of 460 liters lacks only the traditional Volkswagen functionality - compartments, hooks and shelves.
The first impression that comes to mind while walking is silence. One of the main advantages of the new motor compared to its predecessor is acoustic comfort. Well, the main thing is revealed after - the new unit made the Polo Sedan a very dynamic car. Although if you look at the performance characteristics, you won’t immediately say - for a car weighing a little less than 1.2 tons, the Polo accelerates to 100 km / h in an average of 10.4 seconds.
However, the reality is different. Dynamics is reinforced by unquenchable traction at low and medium speeds. The Polo Sedan pulls very confidently up to 120 km / h without losing the acceleration rate. Reinforces the energy of movement and an informative accelerator, and literally the “mechanics” lever jumping into the grooves of the gears.
Add here and revised in favor of greater comfort suspension settings, which made the car smoother on bumps, and all without compromising stability and steering feel. Against the background of its predecessor, the updated Polo Sedan is a true Volkswagen, and not a compromise “state employee” for developing countries, which they tried to fit under the requirements of a respected European brand.
What is the bottom line?
Why the updated Polo Sedan, despite everything, is growing in demand after a test drive, it became clear. The car, as they say, was “polished” to a full-fledged Volkswagen level, so that the buyer would not suspect hack work or outright savings in any of the parameters. According to the balance of all driving parameters, the Polo in its class can now be recognized as a standard, a kind of micro trade wind. And if you also take into account that the prices for the Volkswagen sedan start with sane numbers, the sales growth of 12.8% can be considered incomplete.
The editors of the magazine "Dvizhok" expresses gratitude to the company "Volkswagen Center Tallinn", the official dealer of Volkswagen in St. Petersburg, for the provided car.
An absolutely new car from Volkswagen, designed "specially for the Russian market", which is assembled in Russia for the domestic market and the CIS countries. What kind of animal is this, the Russian Volkswagen understands the people's test drive together with Autoua.net readers and forum users.
Volkswagen Polo Sedan is a front-wheel drive five-seater class B sedan. The car was designed "specially for the Russian market", and later went on sale in other markets of the CIS countries. Volkswagen Polo Sedan is designed taking into account the climatic and road conditions of Russia and Ukraine - the car has a fully galvanized body, reinforced suspension and a ground clearance of 170 mm. The car is produced on the assembly line of the Volkswagen AG plant in Kaluga.
With a cardesigned "specially for the Russian market"Volkswagen hit the mark. It embodies everything that most users like. The sedan body, station wagons have not yet taken root enough. Gasoline engine, since the quality of diesel fuel leaves much to be desired, as well as gasoline, too. Large trunk and spacious interior, for this class of car. And competitive price.
In order to understand how accurate the hit was on the target, and to find out the opinion of ordinary drivers, we took a Volkswagen Polo Sedan 1.6 MT Trendline for a public test drive.
3D panorama of the interior of the Volkswagen Polo Sedan*
*To view the image, move the mouse cursor while holding down the left button.
My review will be a little different from the usual Autoua.net format and I will just share my impressions of the car. Outwardly, personally, she “does not cling” to me at all. But these are my feelings, for this price she can be forgiven for everything. $13,300 for a real Volkswagen, even if assembled in Russia.
Well, let's open it ... And then the first surprise, you have to open it with a key, no button and a cheerful wink of headlights. We get into the car, look around - everything is also ascetic here, it is clear that they tried to make the car cheap and “lightened” it to the maximum. No music, no power mirrors, forget about air conditioning. But the windows are electric, but for some reason there is a fly in the ointment. The driver has control only for the windows of the front passengers, there are no buttons for controlling the rear windows (
The dashboard is well readable, all the knobs and switches are conveniently located, and you can’t call the cabin cramped. They got it, let's go. Let's start with the bad. Noisy engine, you can hear it well in the cabin, and the lack of music only emphasizes this shortcoming. A strange box, with a very short first gear (I recalled the classic VAZ), a very long clutch, which is enough at the very top.
Of the pleasant - the work of the suspension. Moderately soft, perfectly swallowing all the bumps, the test with tram rails on Glybochetskaya also passed perfectly. Surprisingly high-spirited engine, which is always enough for a car. There were no issues with build quality either. Nothing creaks, does not knock, does not fall off) In general, a good car for little money, and I'm looking forward to test driving the Zaz Forza to compare.)
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Total So, what we have in the bottom line is stylish and recognizable, comfortable and roomy, high-quality and not pretentious. And most importantly - at a reasonable price! It seems to me that this car will take its rightful place on our roads and will not give the Volkswagen Group a reason to be ashamed of this simplicity. And if the quality of the Russian assembly remains at the German level, then this car has a great future in our country. |
Pavlyuk Alexander
With us with: 25.09.2009
34 years old, driving experience 16 years
The idea of a people's car was born exactly when the world's first self-propelled carriage was created. The first who managed to somehow bring her closer to the people was Henry Ford. Years passed and, surprisingly, Adolf Hitler managed to realize this idea in full. When creating Volkswagen, he pursued a single thought - the production of an affordable, convenient and economical car. And he did it. The forces of the great designer Ferdinand Porsche built just such a car. Which was produced for several decades and, in the end, became a legend. Until the 90s, the philosophy of the Volkswagen group remained practically unchanged - they made good and affordable cars. But approaching the new millennium, their philosophy has changed a little - they headed for the premium segment. Beautiful and affordable cars under this brand began to gradually rise in price. On the one hand, this is commendable, but the original idea has been lost. And taking into account, also our customs legislation, the price of "people's cars" has become absolutely unaffordable.
Now the situation has changed a little. Finally, the Germans remembered about us sinners - "pepper hulks" of the entire CIS. Meet the Volkswagen Polo Sedan starting at $13,900.
Appearance
Completely new design. Strict and modern. Excellent head optics. And it looks and shines according to all the requirements of the time. No extra lines - the exterior is strict, but pleasing to the eye. This is definitely a Volkswagen, it is recognizable at first sight.
Salon and ergonomics
The interior is designed in the same strict colors. Like all new Volkswagen models, it is comfortable. Ergonomics are on top, but somehow it is not emotional. Doesn't evoke any feelings. At all. Build quality is top notch - everything fits perfectly. There are no creaks or knocks. Although only hard materials are used. But you quickly get used to it, and practically stop noticing it. Adjustments of a driver's seat are enough for the driver of any build. The steering column is adjustable in two planes (!). The rear row, unexpectedly for this class, is very roomy. I managed to sit comfortably behind me (about 190cm tall).
The trunk is also not bad - wide and deep with a convenient loading opening. And by folding the back of the rear seat (I emphasize - this is a sedan!) Its volume can be doubled. The finishing materials of the luggage compartment were a little disappointing, but you probably shouldn’t expect anything else for such a price. A full-fledged spare wheel and a minimal set of tools for its installation are hidden in the underground. Separately, I would like to mention the dashboard - perfectly readable, with excellent white backlighting and a full-fledged trip computer. In general, everything is done in German - soundly, but not catchy.
Engine, transmission, drive
To be honest, I did not expect something supernatural on the go from this car. But I was pleasantly surprised. The motor spins perky and easily pulls a fairly large sedan. The gearbox engages clearly and effortlessly. But the first two gears, as for me, are too short. In dense metropolitan traffic, this causes inconvenience - too frequent switching. I was disappointed with the clutch pedal - a long stroke and pickup at the very top, I hope only the test copy sins with this. Suspension is beyond praise. Moderately elastic, it painlessly swallows absolutely all the "roughness" of the Kyiv roads. And regardless of the speed limit. And even for a moment it begins to seem that the city authorities are still doing something. The soundproofing is a bit weak in my opinion. In the cabin, you can clearly hear the work of all vehicle systems: engine, chassis. The owner of the car will have to work on this additionally.
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Total In general, given that this Polo Sedan without ABS, air conditioning and even a radio, and in fact without sound insulation, is also assembled in Russia, one would like to say that this is a “severe Chelyabinsk Volkswagen” :) But, in this case, rather "Kaluga", since it is there that the plant is located, where these cars are assembled. In general, now I know what a German Lanos looks like :) These cars will surely become popular with buyers who really want a VW, but the budget doesn’t really allow it. And plus, our people are often very greedy for inexpensive things, but with rather eminent "expensive" nameplates. There's nothing to be done, such a mentality, a good show off is more expensive than money :) |
Subetov Taras
With us with: 30.03.2004
28 years old, driving experience 5 years
Appearance
When you first look at this car from the side, somehow it doesn’t immediately occur to you that this is a Polo. Not only is it so unusual to see this car in a sedan, but also visually it seems to be quite impressive in size and Bora / Jetta / Golf comes to mind faster, but not the Polo baby.
And just coming closer, you realize that it's him, Polo, but not a baby anymore. And so in appearance there is nothing particularly outstanding, but everything looks harmonious, simple and tasteful. The design of the front part is decided in the general corporate style of the fresh Volkswagen model line. The clear lines of the sidewall also look great and there is no impression that the long stern was simply attached here like a saddle on a cow, as is the case when looking at, for example, Peugeot 206 and Suzuki SX4 sedans. But it's over, anyway, to perceive Polo as a sedan is somehow unusual at first.
Salon and ergonomics
Inside, everything in the cabin, somehow, on the contrary, is familiar, looks simple and tasteful and, oddly enough, looks like a Volkswagen. :) The controls are in their usual places, as in other VW models, and naturally there are no particular questions about ergonomics. On the test, a car of the most basic configuration was presented, not only without air conditioning, but even without a radio. Cheap plastic does not feel very good to the touch, but do not touch it all the time, in fact, and visually it looks quite decent, especially for its class and also the basic configuration. The only thing that looks not only unusual, but even very strange, is the power window control unit on the driver's door. It would seem that there are two control buttons, so it is logical to assume that the two front power windows are electric, the rear ones are manual. But why then is there still one kind of lock button, is it really specifically for the front passenger glass? It turns out not. We turn back and see on the rear doors the absence of the expected handles for lowering the windows, but the presence of buttons, which is surprising. That is, it turns out that the driver can block the rear power windows, but he cannot control them. I don’t think that someone could have made such a stupid design flaw, most likely they were just trying to save on everything, and in this case it turned out to be a “mega-saving” on two buttons and possibly on a couple of extra meters of wire. Well, also in the interior decoration, a very common “jamb” of many models of the VAG group family is striking - this is the finishing of light plastic, or even chrome-like, air ducts on the front panel, including the side ones.
And now, at least on the driver's side, the light frame of the air duct at night is very unpleasantly reflected in the side glass clearly before your eyes if you look in the rear-view mirror, which is naturally a little distracting and makes it difficult to see. I wonder how the Germans, who are so pedantic in small things, and indeed, such a serious automaker, allow such nuances. In general, the interior leaves a mostly positive impression, both in terms of landing in front and in the space behind. And as for a car for the money, the interior is very, very good.
Engine, transmission, drive
When you start driving this car, you realize that it seems to lack sound insulation at all, as a concept. I remind you that the most basic version was tested, perhaps the situation is better in more expensive trim levels. Well, here, while driving, you can hear everything that happens in the front arches and the front suspension, probably a little more and you could hear which block slows down. In general, a car is a dream of an auto mechanic, everything is immediately audible and chassis diagnostics, probably, can be clearly done right on the move, sitting in the cabin :)
And also, already somewhere after 2000 rpm, the sound of the engine begins to be clearly heard and the farther, the louder. At first, in general, there is an impression that you are “spinning” some very small-capacity motor up to 4-5 thousand revolutions, and it “buzzes, screams”, but still does not go. But, looking at the tachometer, you understand that this is just such a sound, but in fact there are not many revolutions. This car is equipped so far only with the old 105-horsepower 1.6-liter gasoline engine. With this engine and manual transmission, this sedan certainly drives normally and predictably, but, of course, it does not accelerate briskly. In general, the Polo Sedan rides and handles quite tolerably, the suspension normally works out bumps, but there is not much drive, which, in principle, was to be expected from this car, and indeed from cars in this segment.
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Total The car turned out to be interesting, I would probably choose between polo, Nissan Almera and a new accent. I can’t say for sure who the choice would fall on, after all, both competitors have air conditioning. And if you can write down the old age of this model in minus Almere, then the accent is even fresher than polo. As for the Volkswagen itself, despite the maximum simplification and astonishment, it seems to me that it is still too expensive and I do not believe in particularly high levels of its sales. The situation is similar to the recent appearance of Renault Duster on our market - they promised a cheap SUV, but when it came to sales, the situation turned out to be completely different. Have you seen many dusters on the street? |
Vovk Andrey
With us with: 07.11.2007
37 years old, driving experience 2 years
Translated from German, Volkswagen translates as "people's car", but despite the mass character of cars of this brand in the vastness of Ukraine, I personally cannot call it a people's car. Apparently, in order to expand its influence on the sphere of budget cars in the CIS countries, the Polo sedan was released. A relatively large German sedan for a fairly attractive price.
Appearance
I definitely like the new design of all VWs, Passat, Touareg, and now Polo look much more attractive than their predecessors. So for the appearance, the rating is definitely five.
Salon and Zhrgonomics
In principle, the interior approximately met my expectations - the plastic is hard but very precisely fitted, and therefore did not give out a single sound during the ride. The instrument panel, dashboard - everything is as simple as possible, concise and at the same time convenient and ergonomic. I don’t even consider manual adjustment of mirrors as a minus, you can adjust it once, but the sound insulation in the car is simply terrible, in fact it doesn’t exist, for example, in my Lacceti it is a cut above. And it is very lacking given the rather loud engine. The desire of the manufacturer to reduce the selling price as much as possible is certainly good, but the absence of an air conditioner is already too much, it would be nice if there were no power windows, and, by the way, there are even rear ones. The rear row of seats pleased with enough legroom, a 1.85 height driver can easily fit, let alone my 1.74m. If the trunk volume is not enough for you, by the way - it is rather big, you can fold the rear sofa without much effort and increase the usable volume for carrying cargo.
Engine, transmission, drive
In the middle of summer 2015, an updated Volkswagen Polo sedan entered the Russian market. This car has already managed to become the flagship and one of the best-selling cars on the market, and the update has only added to its popularity.
Restyling touched the interior and exterior of the car. In addition, many updates and technical solutions have been added. Volkswagen Polo buyers can choose from many different features and customize the car exclusively for themselves. It is worth noting that for the domestic market, cars are produced at a plant in the city of Kaluga. Immediately after the restyling, the plant began production of updated Polo models.
The ideal car for the Russian market
The German company, even before the release of the Volkswagen Polo sedan, announced that it was preparing a car exclusively for the Russian market. Already in 2010, Russian motorists saw the new Volkswagen Polo and got the opportunity to purchase it.
Volkswagen Polo sedan is the perfect car for the Russian market. It has excellent cross-country ability, is resistant to the changeable harsh climate of the country, and most importantly, it behaves very balanced and “Exactly” on poor road surfaces. The body of the Polo is resistant to corrosion, the engine is quite powerful and quite unpretentious. In addition, the Russian motorist will also like the price of a car. Despite its modern equipment and modern appearance, the cost of the Volkswagen Polo is very pleasant.
Be that as it may, despite the fact that the machine is designed specifically for Russian operating conditions, it has gained popularity in many countries of the world.
Changing the appearance of the Volkswagen Polo sedan
At first glance, the silhouette of the updated Volkswagen Polo sedan has hardly changed. However, looking closely, you can notice more aggressiveness, modernity and ergonomics. The Germans added relief to the hood, changed the shape of the bumpers and grille. In addition, Volkswagen's optics have also been completely redone. Headlights and taillights have completely changed their appearance and become more modern and stylish.
There was still an opportunity to buy a car not with 14, but with 15 inch alloy wheels. This purchase is available only in the maximum version of the Volkswagen Polo sedan. Updated wheels on this version are more aggressive and attractive.
Experts noted that the updated version of the Polo car has become more similar to the Passat. It really is. Borrowing some body elements from the Passat, German designers managed to make the VW Polo sedan more restrained, mature and respectable.
As for the rest, there are no more changes in the exterior of the Volkswagen Polo. Trunk volume, dimensions, ground clearance remained unchanged.
Changing the interior and interior of the car
The interior of the car has not been altered much, but the main changes are immediately evident. The first thing to note is the modified steering wheel. The rim now has three spokes and is more "stuffed" with controls. According to Volkswagen Polo manufacturers, the updated steering wheel is much more comfortable and better than the previous one. It makes driving your car much easier.
The center console itself has also changed. Its appearance has changed a little and now, the most expensive version uses a chrome trim. In addition, a lot of functions have been added to the standard set of the console, which were previously installed exclusively for a surcharge.
A few more upholstery options have been added. There are new colors and fabrics. Otherwise, there are no changes. Salon Volkswagen Polo has remained comfortable, ergonomic and understandable for the driver. There is nothing superfluous and the same good visibility that was present on previous Polo models remained.
Disadvantages that appeared when updating the interior:
- Reduced rear sofa. The developers of the Volkswagen Polo, when creating a new rear sofa, stated that three people could comfortably fit on it. As tests show, only two can sit comfortably there;
- In the updated version of the Volkswagen Polo, cheap materials began to be used in interior trim. Perhaps the interior began to look prettier, yet cheap upholstery and plastics were used in its creation.
Be that as it may, one cannot strictly judge these shortcomings. The fact is that the update developers had to improve the car and make sure that it does not become very expensive. That is, leave it a budget and affordable car. The Germans understood that by using expensive materials, the car would become unaffordable for ordinary people in the Russian market. It is worth noting that the motorists themselves were satisfied with the update of the Volkswagen Polo.
Engine and transmission
There are no changes in the engine and gearbox of the Volkswagen Polo. According to these parameters, the car is fully consistent with the previous model. There are two motors to choose from. Both have a volume of 1.6 liters, but one has 85 horsepower and the other 105.
The 85 horsepower motor is controlled by a 5-speed manual gearbox. Acceleration to 100 kilometers per hour with such an engine is 11.9 seconds. The unit is quite economical and consumes 6.4 liters of fuel in mixed mode.
The more powerful engine in the Volkswagen Polo is boosted and is more frisky in acceleration. Under it, both a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic can be installed. If a manual transmission is installed, the car will accelerate to 100 km per hour in 10.5 seconds. Automatic transmission will allow for a similar acceleration in 12.1 seconds. The boosted engine consumes 7 liters of fuel per 100 km in mixed mode.
Prices and equipment Volkswagen Polo sedan
Each of the Volkswagen Polo sedan trim levels was filled with new features and capabilities. The Germans tried to make a more modern car for everyone. However, the price of the Polo sedan has hardly risen compared to the previous model. In total, the manufacturer provides a choice of 4 options for completing the Volkswagen Polo sedan:
1. Conceptline
This is the minimum equipment with a fairly attractive price. The car is equipped with an 85 horsepower engine and a manual transmission. The Polo is equipped with frontal airbags, an on-board computer, license plate lights, power windows, and 14-inch steel wheels.
Despite the fact that the new Volkswagen Polo is very modern and has a number of good features, it can be purchased in the minimum configuration for only 545 thousand rubles.
2.Trendline
In fact, the equipment is identical to the minimum. However, in this case, the car is also equipped with a good Trendline air conditioner. If you do not install additional options, then this equipment will cost the buyer 579 thousand rubles.
3.Comfort line
This complete set of Volkswagen Polo is filled with many different additions. Powerful headlights, heated seats, a modern audio system with excellent sound, 15-inch steel wheels and much more are installed. In addition, you can choose the option of painting the car (mother-of-pearl or metallic). The motor and transmission are the same as on cheaper trim levels. Official Volkswagen dealers in the domestic market sell such an assembly for 620 thousand rubles.
Last year, Volkswagen Polo, which is one of the most popular compact sedans on the Russian market, was updated. The modernization took place in two stages, at the first the car received a new radiator lining and optics, in the interior the most noticeable change is the new steering wheel, the same as on expensive Volkswagen models, the top version is equipped with a multimedia system with a touch screen. The package of options has been significantly expanded and noise insulation has been improved, in addition, which is important for us, the ground clearance has been increased. At the second stage of modernization, the car received new-generation EA211 engines, the volume of power units remained the same, but the design changed.
The most important differences, instead of a camshaft chain drive, there is now a belt, a phase adjustment mechanism has appeared on the intake. The new engine is available in two versions with a capacity of 90 and 110 hp, which is 5 hp. more than the engines of the previous generation, however, a less powerful option is offered only in combination with a mechanical transmission. The production of power units has been established at the new Volkswagen engine plant in Kaluga. Now they are installed not only on Russian-made cars: Volkswagen Polo and Jetta, Skoda Rapid, Octavia Yeti, but also on Polish-made Volkswagen Caddy, intended for our market.
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How much has the Volkswagen Polo changed and are there any advantages to the new engine? To find out, we took the updated Polo in the top configuration with an automatic transmission for a test. The memory of the test of the pre-styling Volkswagen Polo sedan is still fresh in my memory, and then it was precisely the automatic version that had the most complaints, I wonder if it was possible to correct the shortcomings? But we will start testing the driving performance of the car a little later, and now we will evaluate the appearance of the car. In general, the Polo remained the Polo, there were no cardinal changes, it used to be one of the most elegant cars in the segment, and it has remained so.
Of the significant changes, only new headlights, and three options are offered for different trim levels. The basic version is equipped with the old halogen ones, but already in the middle trim levels, new optics with separate reflectors for low and high beams become available. Bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights are available as an option for the top-end Highline version. Fog lights with cornering light function are also available in this configuration. Thus, with the exception of the basic version, it was possible to solve one of the problems of the pre-styling Polo - low headlights, especially the low beam. And the optics in the top-end configuration are generally the best among compact sedans. Turn signal repeaters are now built into the mirrors, they used to be on the fenders. The second claim to the old car is insufficient ground clearance, now it has been increased to 163 mm.
In the interior, the changes are more significant, but here it should be noted that, again, they are noticeable only starting from medium trim levels, and the maximum level of comfort is available only with options, many of which are offered exclusively for the top version. In the cabin, the new leather multifunctional steering wheel, the same as on the new Golf and Passat, immediately catches the eye. The chairs seem hard at first, but after a few hours behind the wheel, you realize this is what the doctor ordered. Lateral support is present, but it is not excessive. The steering wheel is adjustable in angle and reach already in the basic configuration. In a word, Polo's ergonomics are almost standard. Unfortunately, the former narrow central armrest remains, it is inconvenient to use it, on versions with “mechanics” it interferes with shifting gears, but it can be raised.
The plastic, as before, is hard, but you can’t fault the quality of fitting the interior elements, everything is done neatly. On the roof there was a soft upholstery of the ceiling. Finally it became available, but again as an option and only for expensive trim levels, a multimedia system with a color touch screen compatible with a smartphone. But the 5-inch screen is small by today's standards, and even a rear-view camera is not available as an option. But with our dirty roads, the camera is not so relevant, and parking sensors are present in front and behind.
We transfer to the back seat, there is plenty of legroom here, the landing is comfortable, but the cabin is narrow, only two passengers will be comfortable here. And one more reproach to the interior developers is the lack of a central armrest in the back seat. However, there is no such useful thing now on any compact sedan, as if everyone had agreed. But on the “VAZ classic”, which cost several times cheaper, he was, and already in the basic configuration.
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Now let's evaluate the luggage compartment. Access to it has become more convenient, since a button unlocking the lock has appeared on the lid. The volume of the trunk remains the same, the finish is neat, the only bad thing is that the hinges eat up a significant part of the volume and there are no provisions for securing luggage. Under the mat there is a niche for a full-size spare wheel and tools. The backs of the seats fold separately, and this forms an almost flat platform with a small step.
Now let's evaluate the car on the go. The pre-styling version had the biggest complaint about the noisy engine. And this disadvantage was most clearly manifested in combination with an automatic transmission, which is not very well coordinated with the 1.6-liter engine. Even with a slight press on the accelerator pedal, the machine shifted down one or two gears, forcing the engine to work at high speeds. Hence the noise and increased fuel consumption. On the “mechanics” you switch gears yourself, it turns out it is more accurate and the motor runs less at high speeds. At the same time, in terms of reliability, the Aisin 6-speed automatic has proven itself very well. The automatic transmission settings are still not quite optimal, but it is impossible not to notice that the acoustic comfort in the cabin has become noticeably better. What's more, the Polo is arguably the quietest car in its class.
The sound insulation has also been noticeably improved and, most importantly, the motor itself is quieter. The dynamics have also become a little better, but has reliability suffered? Most likely no. The service life of the timing belt is equal to the service life of the car itself, it is recommended only to check its condition after 90,000 km of run. Previously, the engine sump was all aluminum, and it could be easily damaged, now there is an easily removable lower steel section. It is harder to damage and easier to replace. In general, a serious adaptation for our operating conditions has been carried out. Electrical equipment has been significantly strengthened, the manufacturer guarantees engine start at 36 degrees below zero, this is a record among all passenger cars on the Russian market. It is a pity that we did not have the opportunity to test this, since the weather during the test was already quite summery. I also liked the economy, the average consumption during the test was 8.2 liters, and this is taking into account Moscow traffic jams.
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Since the ground clearance of the updated version is increased, the suspension kinematics have also changed. However, this did not affect the handling of the car, it is at the highest level here. The suspension is tuned according to European standards, slightly harsh, but dense, rolls in corners are small. Discomfort is noticeable only on completely broken roads when driving at high speed. But an ordinary motorist who bought a car for his hard-earned money is unlikely to operate it in this mode.
Summing up, despite the fact that outwardly the car has not changed much, the amount of work on modernization is significant. What is very important, not a single node was left without the attention of engineers, as a result, almost all the shortcomings of the car were eliminated, which allowed the Volkswagen Polo to become a leader in its class.
