This is the car that has just won the 2010 global ‘Car of the year’ award. This is the car that comes with an award winning fuel efficient engine. This is the car that motivated VW Malaysia to hold the biggest street party ever in the city center. This is the VW Polo TSI. It Rocks! Until last month, Volkswagen Malaysia was easily the most docile major car brand in Malaysia. New models were introduced and test drives conducted but little enthusiasm in terms of putting the brand forward to give it much needed appeal from the teen and young adult market. Then VW Malaysia hosted the biggest and best ever street party with follow thru events lined up at colleges and universities. With star studded acts like Leona Lewis and the Veronicas singing on a massive street stage to fireworks displays and free food and beverages, VW Malaysia made a strong point that only brands like Hotlink and Digi have done in recent times. So why the teen and young adult market? Do they even have the money to buy the Polo TSI at RM108,888.00.
Well some privileged city teens have parents that want them to drive safe cars to college, parties, dates and also to their 1st job. The rest can well……dream of it in the future and that is VW Malaysia’s target. The next generation car buyer!
VW Malaysia has managed to push the Mini out of the minds of these potential buyers and put the Polo, Golf and Scirocco on their wish lists. All three sexy cars with 3 separate missions and demographics with common objectives. To save fuel, deliver driver enjoyment and provide curbside appeal.
We test the Polo TSI here. Let’s start with the looks. Very much like its biggest brother the Golf, this Polo has sharp edged styling and a squared off jaw. 15inch alloy wheels look small under the large wheel arches that are waiting for GTi sized wheels. Side view mirrors hide very useful turn signals. Design shows long term acceptability from all quarters. This is an evergreen design. The lack of front spot lamps is disappointing.
Step inside and the cabin is very well screwed together with hard plastics around. Seats and door insert have hardwearing material and the carpet…..very simple. It is clear that this is mass market car. Instrument display is simple and easily legible. We did not like the digital fuel indicator which moves a section at a time. The sporty and grippy steering wheel had multifunction controls for bluetooth phone and radio controls.
Front seats have good padding and height adjustability. The glovebox has a cooling vent for keeping drinks cool. The radio is decent sounding but lacks I-POD connectivity which we feel is very important for today’s buyers.
It seems that VW hq does not offer this option in a TSI and only for the soon to be launched GTI Polo. Luggage area is decent for a week’s family grocery shopping. There is a split floor beneath with a slim compartment for hiding away shoes, gym clothes and also emergency items.
Start the TSI engine and the well insulated cabin keeps noise out even after revving the engine. 105bhp might not seem a lot but drive the Polo TSI and you will be surprised. Pushing the new VW Polo TSI to its limits is an enlightening experience in many respects, but above all its massive fun.
A shiny DSG gear shifter and bold instrument dials put you in the mood for white-knuckled driving, yet before I could hammer the TSI’s spritely 1.2-litre turbo/supercharged engine I had to drive home from VW central thru evening traffic with admiring glances from other motorists.
This hot hatch offers big thrills at a small price with great fuel economy. Our ‘hard’ 490 kilometer test drive used less than 50 liters of fuel.
The Polo TSI’s saving grace is the engine, which has a strong bottom end that delivers a punchy 175Nm of torque @ 1550rpm. This torque sends a wave of constant and controllable power to the front wheels at such low revs which means you won’t have to downshift as often, even when traffic slows to a crawl.
The car will pull away from just above idle and can pickup from standstill with some wheel spin if the throttle is hammered, which makes drivability one of its strong suits. As well as having one of the most flexible engines in the small car segment, the Polo TSI is also quite good for zipping in and out of traffic, switching lanes and parking. Ride quality is better than most of its rivals too. Though relatively firm, it’s not as unforgiving as the Golf TSI and makes for a better commuter car with its 15inch 55 series wheels.
VW POLO TSI Engine: 4-cylinder Turbo/Supercharger Displacement: 1197cc
Max power: 105bhp @ 5000rpm
Max torque: 175Nm @ 1550-5000rpm
Transmission: 7-speed DSG
Top speed: 190km/h (we managed 180km/h easily as you can see above)
0-100km/h: 9.7seconds
Price: RM108,888.00
