2017 Volkswagen Polo Beats Review – Loaded Up City Car Comes At A Price
It is fairly improbable that Dr Dre would be seen driving a Volkswagen Polo Beats.
The limited-edition light hatchback that bears the name of his audio company – Beats Electronics – likewise probably wouldn’t be spotted in the music videos of one of the rap artists he has helped produce, including 50 Cent, Eminem and Snoop Dogg.
What the Polo Beats attempts to do, however, is ensure the six-year-old current model keeps hitting a chord with younger buyers in a highly competitive class. While this Volkswagen hasn’t exactly been the most outlandish, ghetto-blasting extrovert in its segment, it has long been the most polished and sophisticated contender.
But does adding some funky decals, larger wheels and a booming Beats audio system turn this nippy toe-tapper into a riotous thigh-slapper?
Vehicle Style: Light hatchback
Price: $23,190 plus on-road costs or $24,490 driveaway
Engine/trans: 81kW/175Nm 1.2 turbo petrol four-cylinder | six-speed automatic
Fuel Economy Claimed: 4.8 l/100km | Tested: 7.0 l/100km
OVERVIEW
The Beats limited edition commands $2000 over the middle-tier Polo 81TSI on which it’s based, totalling $20,690 plus on-road costs in six-speed manual form or $23,190 (plus orc) in seven-speed dual-clutch automatic ‘DSG’ guise as tested here.
Out are the standard 15-inch alloy wheels, replaced by larger 16s. Black door mirror caps match the newly added black-and-white side stripes and tinted tail-lights, while a Beats symbol on each B-pillar acts as the cymbal hit to cap off exterior changes.