PoloDriver

The classiest supermini is now also the safest. The new Polo has been subjected to the latest round of Euro NCAP crash tests, and has received the best possible score of five stars. Proud of its new baby, Volkswagen put together an unbeatable safety package early in the car’s development consisting of an optimised body structure, a highly effective seatbelt and airbag combination and driver-assist systems.

The safest compact car in the world (according to VW), the new Polo was subjected to a controlled collision with a barrier at a speed of 64km/h. The passenger cell remained virtually undamaged, and the crash dummies told a similar story; occupant protection and child safety were optimal, proof of a structurally rigid body achieved through the use of high and ultra-strength steels in the side structures and footwell.

The new small VW also scored highly when it came to pedestrian safety. Pedestrian safety requirements were taken into account when developing the fifth-generation of the Polo, and the newly designed ‘harp’ sheet metal behind the front bumper cover provides the deformation space necessary to minimise the severity of leg injuries.

Finally, the electronic safety and assistance systems that contribute to accident prevention or avoidance were also subject to scrutinisation by Euro NCAP. ESP is standard in the new Polo, and in addition to the raft of airbags and front head restraints that counteract whiplash, further helped the high scoring of the car.

The reviews are in, the group tests have been conducted, and the new Polo has finally been released for sale in Germany. With advance orders of over 24,000 units before the general public has driven the car, it looks to continue the success of its four predecessors. Volkswagen UK has also confirmed an ‘on sale’ date of 16 October, and released pricing details for the new car.

Available to order now in five-door form only for the time being, the stronger, and safer fifth generation Polo is also more efficient, more refined, and more comfortable than ever. Initially seen at the Geneva Motor Show way back in March, the new model is also the priciest Polo ever, with entry-level 1.2 S models pegged at £10,035. The top of the range 1.6 TDI SEL comes in at £14,910.

It lives up to its upmarket image and heritage then, but, more kit comes as standard, and it’s the most grown-up Polo yet. ESP is standard on all models, and as the car is both lighter and more technologically advanced than the model it replaces, it should offer good value for money and class-leading residual values, long a Polo virtue.

At launch, the new car is available in four flavours with five engines. Three petrol and three diesel can be slotted into S, SE, Moda, and SEL trims, with an ‘A/C’ model exclusively for buyers who are keen on climate control. All models come with four airbags and ABS, with the Moda designed to appeal to a younger audience than the Polo has previously attracted.

Once again bringing many ‘big car’ comforts to small car drivers, the new Polo can be specced with a wide range of optional kit including touchscreen satellite navigation, a DAB digital radio, tyre pressure sensors, and electronic climate control.

The much talked about (and arguably most exciting new Polo) 1.2 TSI turbocharged SEL with 104bhp comes late to the party, though; expect it to swagger in at the turn of the year. 2010 will also see the arrival of the latest GTI and BlueMotion models. The only question that needs asking is, when will the three-door break cover? Ah, that’ll be December.

Continuing the success of the outgoing car (which now dates from 2002 remember), Volkswagen anticipates UK Polo sales of around 7,000 units in 2009, increasing to around 37,000 in 2010. Full details of the new Polo can be found here; prices below.

S
1.2 59bhp/5 spd manual/£10,035.00
1.2 69bhp/5 spd manual/£10,645.00

S A/C
1.2 59bhp/5 spd manual/£10,635.00
1.2 69bhp/5 spd manual/£11,245.00

Moda
1.2 59bhp/5 spd manual/£11,385.00
1.2 69bhp/5 spd manual/£11,995.00

Moda A/C
1.2 59bhp/5 spd manual/£11,985.00
1.2 69bhp/5 spd manual/£12,595.00

SE
1.2 59bhp/5 spd manual/£11,385.00
1.2 69bhp/5 spd manual/£11,995.00
1.4 84bhp/5 spd manual/£12,450.00
1.4 84bhp/7 spd DSG/£13,650.00

SE TDI
1.6 74bhp/5 spd manual/£13,205.00

SEL
1.4 84bhp/5 spd manual/£13,575.00
1.4 84bhp/7 spd DSG/£14,775.00

SEL TDI
1.6 89bhp/5 spd manual/£14,910.00

It’s referred to as the ‘classic car’ in some circles, due to the heightened number of breakdowns it’s had recently, putting its parts on at the most inconvenient time. But, classic car it might be, on Monday night, my 1994 Polo GT was the star of the show. Or our drive at least.

Yes, the exhaust has fallen off recently (Eurovision night to be precise, and more than likely down to perished rubber hangers), resulting in a very noisy journey home from Mark’s, and the cambelt has been changed too in the last few weeks, really as a precautionary measure. In all other respects, though, my faithful motoring companion shows little sign of its 157,000 miles and 15-year life.

It still feels as solid as a modern day Volkswagen (and hewn from granite when compared with its French or Italian contemporaries), and while the paint is starting to show rust freckles in certain areas, I was told on Monday night that ‘Evo Car’ (so-called because of the evo magazine sticker on the back window) was one of the best examples of the breed that Justin had seen.

He came to collect the spare front bumper I sold to him on eBay for £1, and had a G40 which was in the garage being repaired after being shunted by a Volvo. We stood chatting on the drive for around 45 minutes. I’d have offered him and his ferrying friend a cup of tea if I’d known we’d be that long. I don’t get engaged in that long a conversation when we attend Volkswagen events.

It was fun, though, and as we discussed the merits of the Mk1 and Mk 2 Polos, the sun making the light and sky more orange, I realised that maybe the silver shed isn’t quite so bad after all. It’s gone past the stage of economical repair yes, but that doesn’t mean it has to be run into the ground. It’s lucky if it does 6,000 miles a year now, and is quite literally a shopping car these days, but 19-year old Justin was impressed.

Which sometimes, is all that matters. Polo GTs are getting fewer in number, and only last weekend did I read a letter by a similarly pleased GT owner to one of the classic car magazines stating that she thought they are ripe to become a future classic. While that would be nice (and I’d like to agree), the handling and ‘fun factor’ probably isn’t up to the best in class, and the car didn’t get overly rave reviews at the time its tyres first rolled onto tarmac.

But, it’s what it means to us owners that matters most. And as most cars get bigger, heavier, and less individually styled, older cars are appealing to me more. Alongside the Polo, I’d like a metal-bumpered Mk 1 Golf GTI, a BMW 2002, and an Alfa Romeo 1300 Junior/1750 GTV among others. Are classics fantastic? Oh yes.

Another week, another new Polo TV commercial. Volkswagen is clearly pushing the car relentlessly, this spot appearing in the car’s home market launch week in its home market 29 June. Partnering the ‘Neon’ spot that aired around the same time, the young and trendy still feature, with the Polo being the young and trendy transport of choice.

Volkswagen has also launched a technically amazing new configurator for the car. If you’re in Germany, choose your paint and wheels here.

These hip young things have seen the light. There are no surprises for the demographic Volkswagen is aiming the new Polo at. Here’s the first proper commercial for the new Polo, which launches this week in Germany, and has attracted over 24,000 advance orders.