Test: Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI DSG7

A final straight line after 45 years of career and 18 million units sold around the world: this is what the latest restyling of the Polo symbolizes. It will leave the Volkswagen range in 2025 to make way for the ID.2, a 100% electric model which will result from the ID.Life concept unveiled last September at the Munich motor show. For now, this sixth generation is full of technologies in terms of comfort and driving aids, but does not make its short range of engines hybrid, even at a minimum.

However, the 1.0 three-cylinder unit which it now only has fits very well with a 48V system under the hood of the Golf, for a little more energy and a little less consumption. But, certainly for reasons of space, cost and impact on the final price, Volkswagen decided not to offer it on the Polo, then available in 80, 95 or 110 hp. The party is not completely over, because a GTI version (207 hp) will resurface in a few months. It will be a last burst before the swan song for this popular small car, which today still represents almost a quarter of Volkswagen sales on the French market.

More than ever a mini Golf

During its career, the Polo has often sparingly inherited technologies from higher categories. This time she has gone further than usual, and this is first noticed in her aesthetic developments. Like the Golf 8, it adopts an LED strip which bars its grille. The system works when the headlights are on and Volkswagen would happily push the envelope to backlight its logo. But, fortunately, the European authorities refused. Otherwise, we would have ended up with a marketing competition through light, inevitably giving rise to errors of taste and tuning-style deviations.

The Polo also evolves at the rear, with lights that bite into the boot lid, and scrolling indicators. The equipment upgrade is also quite substantial, with the standard adoption of LED headlights and taillights, the digital instrument cluster, the touchscreen infotainment system and the multifunction steering wheel. Some driving aids come from higher up, such as the Travel Assist IQ.Drive system, which combines adaptive and predictive cruise control with continuous lane departure monitoring.

This is a further step towards semi-autonomous driving, and constitutes a unique offer in the segment. Note that the little German can be equipped, as an option, with Matrix LED IQ projectors. Light inaugurated by the Touareg. This device provides driving comfort for other road users, thanks to a light beam which modulates so as not to dazzle them. In other words, the Polo offers more than ever, and for an equivalent or even better price than its French competitors.

On the other hand, while driving…

There's nothing new. Apart from the shortened range of engines, no changes are to be noted in terms of the chassis or the running gear. Did the Polo need it? On certain aspects, such as the suspensions, which could have been better held to curb roll, progress was possible. Same comment on the somewhat light nature of the direction, which could have gained in consistency. But it's also a question of taste, because in reality, there is not much to criticize about this Polo.

Today, it continues its journey on the basis that has always made it successful, with an interior often better finished than average, comfortable upholstery, and a driving position well orchestrated around the driver. The whole thing is very serious, but a little sad. This is also why the Polo fell in sales statistics compared to French heavyweights (Renault Clio and Peugeot 208), mais aussi des modèles comme la Toyota Yaris hybride. Ces trois stars de la catégorie des polyvalentes ont en effet réussi à intégrer à leurs programmes de développement un peu plus d’originalité et un chapitre électrification qui les rendent plus attractives.

However, you won't get bored behind the wheel of this sweet 110 hp version. The noise of the three cylinders is well filtered, the mechanics are not very vibrating. On our test model, equipped with the DSG7 automatic gearbox, we would have liked a little more responsiveness when changing gears, which Volkswagen usually knows how to do very well. The DSG7 nevertheless constitutes an interesting pair with the small three-cylinder, and takes the lead over a manual gearbox with the first three gears which are too long. On Corsican roads, during a varied journey, the Polo displays modest dynamism, mainly in the name of comfort. And if the body movements are significant, the handling is healthy. Engine power is sufficient, even during dynamic driving. However, the Polo does not like routes that are too tortuous or bumpy when approached at a good pace, and falls apart somewhat. But if this engine is not sporty, it has enough pep to make it pleasant on a daily basis, and the compromise is satisfactory. Like everything the Polo has done for 45 years.

VERDICT

Less austere, more original and modern with its LED front, the Polo is getting a real facelift. This is what makes it more desirable today, even if it is at the end of its life. More technological and better equipped, it is thus prepared to end its career in style, which will remain one of the best-sellers in the entire history of Volkswagen.