What is it?
It’s a Polo, fitted with the more powerful of the two 1.6-litre diesel engine options available.
We’ve already sampled the 74bhp oilburner; here we drive its slightly more muscular 89bhp stablemate.
Both 1.6 diesels share combined economy and emissions figures of 65.7mpg and 112g/km of CO2 resepctively.
What’s it like?
As we’ve previously concluded, the otherwise refined new Polo and a diesel engine aren’t the most comfortable of bedfellows.
It’s quite a vocal powerplant and even in 89bhp form isn’t exactly flexible, especially around town; the motor only feels strong when using the bottom quarter of throttle pedal travel so it feels like you’re working it hard to make progress.
That said, it’s a more than capable motorway cruiser and can return impressive economy, with mpg figures in the mid to high-50s within easy reach.
Should I buy one?
Maybe. Diesel gruffness aside, this is an economical and refined supermini with the legs to cover distances in downsized comfort.
However, if most of your driving is done in town then you’ll have a more rewarding – if less frugal – time in a petrol powered Polo.
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Re: Volkswagen Polo 1.6 TDI SEL
this car of the year malarky means nothing! some of the worst cars have gotten the title! as for this Polo i like the look of it and if i was in the market for a car of its type i would give it a look however at that kind of money id be looking for something from the class above! but then it is a vw usually overpriced anyway!
Re: Volkswagen Polo 1.6 TDI SEL
Re: Volkswagen Polo 1.6 TDI SEL
the vw polo is the car of the year 2010. not sure why. but it is. maybe they were bored.