Hatchback Reviews

Peter Anderson road tests and reviews the 2014 Mini Cooper, with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Though a big hit in Europe, Volkswagen Polo lags significantly in sales behind its big brother Golf in Australia. That's partly because the so-called light-car segment in Australia is dominated by Asian imports selling at low prices. VW Australia's response is simple - it has trimmed it prices and the newly revised Polo starts at just $15,990 driveaway. Be aware that's an introductory price, and will revert to $16,290 plus on-road costs within a few months; the exact timing has yet to be set, but don't hesitate or you may be lost.STYLINGThere's nothing to get excited about in the Polo's styling. It' neat and competent enough, with a rectangular theme front and rear. The shape has just been revised front and rear, with slightly sharper lines but it still doesn't exactly jump out from the crowd. However, it is likely to remain timeless - and many like it like that. New wheel designs are part of the updated shape and some extra colours have been added to the body and trim palettes.The interior is simple and functional, with minor revisions to the colours and materials, it has a neat layout that's easy to see and controls that fall easily to hand. INFOTAINMENTPolo has a 5.0-inch touch screen. AM/FM radio, CD player, Aux socket, SD card slot. Compatible with MP3 and WMA music files.ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONSThe biggest news is that the Polo is powered by two versions of the ultra-modern 1.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine we have admired in other recent Volkswagens. In the lower cost Comfortline models it provides 66 kilowatts of power and 160 Newton metres of torque, the latter coming in at a mere 1400 revs and going all the way through to 3500 revs, so most drivers will find themselves having maximum grunt on hand virtually all the time.Pay more money for the upmarket Polo Trendline versions and the 1.2 engine is tuned to provide more power and torque, 81 kW, and 175 Nm, again at just 1400 rpm, but now running all the way up to 4000 rpm.Polo 66 TSI is offered with a five-speed manual, whereas the 81 TSI has a six-speed manual, both have the option of a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission.SAFETYA five-star rating thanks to strong body and electronic stability aids. Additionally, the Sport Package (see later in this story) adds quite a few crash prevention or minimisation features.OPTION PACKSPolo Comfortline, but not the Trendline can be specified with a $1500 Driving Comfort Package with Adaptive Cruise Control, Driver Fatigue Detection System, Front Assist with City Emergency Brake function, automatic windscreen wipers and a rear view camera.There's also a Sport Package, again at $1500, with lowered suspension, Mirabeau 17-inch wheels, dark tinted rear side window and rear window glass, front foglights with static cornering function.DRIVINGThe front seats support nicely without being overly aggressive, the seating position is quite high to provide for extra room behind them. However, the rears are better suited to children, though adults can be carried if those in the front are willing and able to give up some space.In typical Volkswagen fashion the little Polo handles in a nicely dynamic fashion and can corner at far higher speeds than are likely to be tried by most owners. At the limit there's safe understeer that brings it back under control, and which is, of course, backed by electronic aids to further keep you safe.Electro-mechanical steering has been introduced primarily to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, but at the same time it gives even more direct feedback than in the outgoing Polo. Ride comfort is again typically VW as the body has a solid feed and provides a good platform for the suspension to work on. There's a relaxed feeling inside the Polo that normally requires a car from the next size segment.These new-design 1.2-litre engines are delightful to sit behind. They provide strong torque, respond well and are more than happy to rev. I feel the majority of drivers won't need anything more than the 66 kW version.

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Paul Gover road tests and reviews the 2014 VW Polo, with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

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Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the used 2002-2013 Mazda2.

Peter Barnwell road tests and reviews the new Mazda2 at its international launch.