While
the sky-high labour cost in Germany drives many local manufacturers
away,
Volkswagen is still loyal to its homeland because it believes the
skillful
german labours can ensure superior build quality than its competitors.
Being the smallest model of VW, Polo introduced the highest ever quality to the supermini market. The body panels are assembled perfectly with thin assembly gaps. Body paint extend to the bumpers. Interior uses best quality plastic and textile. The chassis is as rigid as its solid styling, combine with the carefully-tuned suspensions and steering they offers one of the best handling and ride combination.
The only apparent flaw is engine. Owing to the limited development budget, most engines were carried over from its predecessor with little modification. The entry-level 1.0 litres 50hp unit is underpowered. The 1.4 litres 60hp is quite willing but still inferior to Fiat's, PSA's and Ford's wonderful equivalents. The 1.6 litres 75hp is torquey but lack top end power. On the contrary, the new 1.4 litres 16v used in the hottest version is too peaky. Luckily, recently appeared a 1.6 litres sohc unit with multipoint injection and variable induction which capable of 100hp and 103lbft. This could further improve the refinement of the top-of-the-range model.
Overall speaking, Polo is a comfortable and excellently-built supermini with handling to match. Given a decent engine, it would have become the class leader.