2016 Volkswagen Polo 81TSI Comfortline REVIEW, Price, Features | Still The Best Buy Among Bantam-Weights
FOR YOUNGER CAR BUYERS, ‘CONNECTIVITY’ IS A MUST-HAVE. TAKE A LOOK, THEN, AT THE CLASS-LEADING TECHNOLOGY IN THE 2016 VOLKSWAGEN POLO RANGE.
Even the entry-level 66TSI Trendline, priced from $16,990 plus on-road costs, gets a bright 6.5-inch colour touchscreen with a simple plug-and-play USB port that allows connection of an Apple or Android phone and ‘mirrors’ its functions. Siri will read out your messages, and maps will show on your screen.
Here we are testing the mid-specification 81TSI Comfortline, which asks $18,990 (plus on-road costs) with a six-speed manual transmission or $20,990 (plus) for the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic tested here.
It even has another $1500 added to it in the form of a Sport package, though at a total $22,490 (plus) it still leaves a $5000 gap to the range-topping Polo GTI.
Vehicle Style: Light hatch
Price: $20,990 (plus on-roads)
Engine/trans: 81kW/175Nm 1.2 4cyl turbo petrol | 7sp automatic
Fuel Economy claimed: 4.8 l/100km | tested: 8.2 l/100km
OVERVIEW
The fifth-generation Volkswagen Polo was released locally way back in 2009. Several updates later, the little hatchback remains a formidable force in the class.
It has never, however, been the most popular car in the light hatchback segment (last year it polled sixth), nor is it the cheapest to service (it’s quite expensive actually), and neither can it boast the longest warranty (only three years, but with unlimited kilometres).