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the way. But there is the rear cooling vent
and folding cup holder for the middle
passenger to hog.
Nearby, the audio unit has been up-
dated and comes with USB, iPod interface,
SD slot and Bluetooth. The Climatronic
climate control system is also included,
sitting atop a deep storage compartment.
These are just about the only items to
liven up the otherwise clinical interior.
Fortunately, where it matters, the gear
knob, handbrake and steering wheel
(possibly the most touched parts of the
car) are wrapped in leather and provide
the perception of quality; not that it’s
really missing.
VERDICT
Local assembly has reduced its price by
about RM10,000 (previously imported
from India). However, the price segment it
sits in has become more competitive with
newer offerings fromcompetitors. All is not
lost as the Polo Sedan still has some edge
with its sturdiness, frugality and German
heritage and quality.
Specif ications
ENGINE
1,598cc 16VwithMulti-Point Fuel
Injection
OUTPUT
105PS@5,250rpm; 153Nm@
3,800rpm
TRANSMISSION
6-speed automaticwith Tiptronic
BRAKESANDSUSPENSION
Solid disc (Front); drum (Rear);
MacPherson strut with stabilizer
bar (Front); semi-independent
trailing arm (Rear); ABS; BA
TYRE SIZE
185/60 R15
WHEELBASE (mm)
2,552
DIMENSIONS (mm)
4,384 (L) x 1, 699 (W) x 1, 466 (H)
KERBWEIGHT (kg)
1,182
FUEL TANK (l)
55
PRICE (OnThe RoadWithout
Insurance)
RM90,628
And you have that faultless six-speed
Aisin gearbox to help you do that too.
The gear shifts happen as demanded, as
long as you realise you’re driving a regular
B-segment sedan, not a supercar. The
gearbox has the Tiptronic feature to allow
you tomanually override gear changes, but
I foundmyself leaving that work to the car
most of the time. Overall, the powertrain’s
performance is commendable and holds its
own well when compared to class rivals
with newer engine technology.
DRIVE
First off, this is no hot hatch so don’t try
to tackle corners like it is. It doesn’t even
come with stability control. But where it
excels is the ride quality. The suspension
set-up handles the usual bumps and
potholes with cushioned ease, giving your
derriere a premium feel. The steering is
well-weighted for the average driver and
provides a comfortable grip that ensures
your arms don’t feel fatigued after a long
cruise.
As the sedan is slightly taller and
heavier than the hatch, do expect some
body roll when being aggressive at the
bends. It’s otherwise as well behaved as
a continental car should be. Official time
to 100kph is 12.3 seconds, but overtaking
at the highway speed limit was never
an issue. The rear brakes are the older
drum type, but are sufficient for this car’s
package. The sedan also comes standard
with anti-lock brakes, brake assist and an
Intelligent Crash Response System.
INTERIOR
VW cabins are predictable, but well put
together with good driver ergonomics.
Being a budget offering, the seats felt
rudimentary, but compensatedwith fabric
with a patterned weave to dial down the
monotony. As is common in this segment,
the front seats also lacked good lumbar
support, but can be adjusted for height.
The driver gets an adjustable armrest with
a cozy storage. The rear bench is pretty flat
so seating for three is more comfortable;
there’s no rear center armrest to get in