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Car
Review
Mark-o Polo
TheVolkswagenPoloSedan rolled out of its local assembly plant in the not-too-distant
past and
ZacharyHo
rolls into one and takes it for a spin.
V
olkswagen’s
sedan version of their Polo is
the 2
nd
model to be locally assembled; the Polo
hatchback subsequently also fell into the same
pot, signalling the automaker’s intention to be
a serious contender in this part of the woods.
The Polo hatchback, if you didn’t know, has
more than a cult following. Starting off as a
bare version of the Audi 50, it won the hearts of many with its
fun driving characteristics so it’s also no surprise that it’s won
its fair share of Car Of The Year awards.
LOOKS
That was the hatchback. The sedan is a different kettle altogether.
Unlike some hatch-derived sedans, which look like the designers
just wrapped a rear extension on with duct tape, this Polo Sedan
received a proper stretching. The contours on the sheet metal
almost show no difference between the two variants and it
takes closer inspection to see that proper proportions have been
W o r d s & I m a g e s :
Z a c h a r y H o
employed. The sedan is actually wider and taller and the doors
are of different size. It’s a commendable move considering that
this sedan is meant for emerging markets and this effort makes
the sedan look more refined than many of its market rivals.
However, its standard-issue nondescript looks remain, bearing
more than a passing resemblance to the Jetta and Golf. And
looking like your classier mid-range siblings is never a bad thing.
POWER
The engine is unsurprisingly old; this is a budget offering after all.
Don’t expect any turbocharged zoom buggy performance. The
engine comes from the older Polo and since it’s proven its case in
terms of reliability and robustness, it makes sense to place it in a
car aimed at markets where these characteristics are appreciated.
The 1.6 liter engine’s power output is similar to the brisk 1.2-liter
turbocharged unit of the Polo TSI hatch, but with a reduction of
22Nm of torque. It basically means you can’t outrun the TSI at
the lights, but you’ll probably catch up further down the road.