Volkswagen Polo 1.6 TDI SEL review
Volkswagen Polo 1.6 TDI 90 SEL First Drive
Test date 22 January 2010
Price as tested £16,370
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.
Tim Dickson
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