Used Car Review: 2014 Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI

South Africa is nuts about the Volkswagen Polo! In fact, the Polo constantly vies for pole position on the NAAMSA sales charts behind the Polo Vivo. The 2014 Polo 1.2 TSI is a tweak on the standard model and a strong contender for the niftiest smaller car on South African roads. Although there is some strong competition from similarly sized turbo contenders in SA, public sentiment acknowledges the Polo in all its guises as the preferred small car. Sales figures consistently demonstrate the love affair South Africans have with the Polo and Volkswagen overall. Interestingly, surveys also point to most people interviewed who currently occupy the small car niche as aiming to upgrade their existing small car to a Polo or, for those without a vehicle looking to buy, aiming at a Polo as their first vehicle. Clearly Volkswagen marketing is doing something right, alongside Volkswagen engineering.

The Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI interior styling

Volkswagen has always had a “solid” feel to its interiors, with just a slightly more classy and better styled dash and overall interior than its competitors in the smaller car market. The seats, steering wheel and instrument layout of the Polo 1.2 TSI were all improvements on the standard Polo model when it was first released circa 2014. Remarkably adaptable to smaller and larger drivers, the ergonomics of the Polo 1.2 TSI interior are, in a word, successful. That said, big guys are going to huff and puff a little to occupy the back seat - especially when there are three of them - but it’s still doable and doesn’t involve gearing up for a compromise and discomfort on longer journeys. There’s enough space at the back - just.

Known for their contemplation of even tiny details of a driver’s experience, the Germans have ensured that this model offers interior comfort and styling comparable to bigger luxury sedans. Those who want a minimalist interior that says “Stock car!” won’t be disappointed either as, true to form, the Volkswagen stable doesn’t overdo things, it simply doesn’t skimp either. Volkswagen can make a solid argument for the Polo 1.2 TSI being everyman’s car. Quick, stylish and dependable, this car can load groceries and ferry kids as easily as it can kick up some dust on a Friday night. The TSI’s steering wheel has Volkswagen’s typically neat layout of cruise control and audio command realigned as an improvement on previous Polos. The ‘composition colour’ option has the CD player, two additional speakers, USB and SD card accommodation, as well as Bluetooth connectivity all nicely stacked up. You can adjust vehicle habits like how many doors lock or unlock in response to the remote, the duration of illumination post locking and wiper control on the multimedia unit.

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Exterior styling on the Polo TSI

Although only dedicated nuts who know the exact measurements of a Polo head to tail would notice, the Polo 1.2 TSI is around 2mm longer than earlier Polos. The rear lights differ to a standard Polo and the headlamps are larger and, in our opinion, look classier. With a different sculpting of the bumpers and a lower air intake and greater chrome detailing around the fog lamps, among other small touches, the TSI looks more like a Golf from some angles than any other Polo ever has.

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Road performance of the Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI

Two versions of the Polo 1.2 TSI are available - 66 and 81 kW. While the engine will give you 175 N.m, the smaller engine capacity means you’ll have to stand on it to encourage torque at the bottom end, especially when the car is loaded. That said, the six speed gearbox and cutting-edge technology inbuilt into the TSI represent probably the best marriage of economy and performance on SA roads right now. That’s always a subjective statement, but the Volkswagen engineers have ensured a comfortable, zippy ride as a driver or passenger and the downsized turbo engine gives around 5.1 lt/100 km efficiency under average conditions. The 88 kW version also has the option of a seven-speed DSG transmission.

Road-holding is topnotch and, although sleeker and more powerful sedans are going to out-brake and out-boost the Polo 1.2 TSI approaching and after corners, there are many who can probably get around this. The performance of this feisty little car means that a skilled driver can match supposedly faster and more technically advanced cars on the bends. Bumpy roads are absorbed well and although the light steering responsiveness takes some getting used to, the TSI doesn’t disappoint and keeps the Volkswagen flag flying.

Probably most importantly and for reasons that include everything listed here, yet also a touch of ‘je ne sais quoi’, the Polo 1.2 TSI is the kind of car you’re always happy to get into. The drive is never sluggish nor demanding and it’s not hard to see why this little hatchback is such a firm favourite.

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The 2014 Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI in Conclusion

Volkswagen is awake and clearly responsive to competition In all echelons. With an array of competing manufacturers always looking to eat away at the market leader’s share, the TSI presented as a definitive statement in the lighter car market and maintains Volkswagen’s dominance there. South Africa is Volkswagen’s third-largest world market for the Polo, and the TSI comes with features you would normally only find in larger, costlier cars.

Practising internal contemplation of the rise in challenge in the SA smaller car segment, Volkswagen has put together a really satisfying look and experience in the TSI. Easy to fall in love with and hanging its head in front of no one, the Polo 1.2 TSI says “I am what I am” and what it is, is a smart, savvy car that gives a very zippy, enjoyable and comfortable ride. There are Trendline, Highline and Comfortline options in the range, all with slight additions as one moves up the chain.

Price R130,000 - R229,000 (average price for a used model)

Snapshot specs 88 kW Polo TSI 1.2 Highline (manual)

• Price: Check out the legitimate price of a Polo TSI here
• Engine: 1,2-litre turbocharged
• Power: 81 kW @ 5 500 r/min
• Torque: 175 N.m @ 4 000 r/min
• 0-100 km/h: 9,3 seconds
• Top Speed: 196 km/h
• Fuel Consumption:5,1 liters/100 km
• CO2: 122 g/kms

Manufacturer intel from Volkswagen SA