18


Outlook


The Polo: where cleanness comes standard


GARY STOTT test drives the first small car to have a catalytic converter fitted as standard.


WITH over 2.5 million sold since the intro­ duction of the Polo in 1975 it could be argued that Volkswagen got it right in the


first place. At a glance it can be seen that it is not a


radical re-shape, but more an evolutionary improvement on a winning formula, and also following a strong environmental com­ mitment all versions come equipped with a regulated catalytic converter as stan­ dard. This type of catalyst is usually asso­ ciated with luxury saloons like Audis and VW Passats. It makes the Polo the first small car range in the UK to do so. All Polos follow the same basic layout,


front with the edges of the old model being rounded-off. It also has a new chunkier grill with the round headlights being replaced with rectangular ones and the indicators integrated into the body. The rear light clusters have also been modified. All these changes in styling make for a sleeker shaped Polo which VW claim has improved its Cd figure by almost 10%. The new model also features new deep plastic bumpers which simplifies repair


work. Inside, the major difference is a comple­


but unlike many of itscompetitors there are three body styles; hatchback, saloon and


coupe. The model I tested was the 1.05 CL


hatchback, which will probably continue to be the big seller in the range. Externally the main changes are at the


tely redesigned dashboard with big easy- to-read instruments, temperature controls and analogue quartz clock. The steering wheel is also new with a soft rim, plus new chunky design switchgear and heater con­


trols, bringing it all up to date with its big­ ger brothers and sisters the Golf and


Passat. Other equipment includes a Blaupunkt


BosLon stereo radio/eassette unit with quick release facility, full drop centre con­ sole, glove box with lid, cloth trimmed door and side panels, which cover all pre­ viously exposed metal on the doors, and full width door pockets, heated rear win­ dow and rear wash/wipe with intermittent


facility. Seats were comfortable and gave good


support, the front ones reclining, with new upholstery across the range. Overall level of finish was excellent. Interior space is competitive with 51.9


inches of elbow room, but I could always do with more to stop me nudging my passen­ ger when changing gear! Luggage space is generous with 43.2 cu.ft. with the rear


seats folded. The 1.05 litre transverse engine, driving


the front wheels is fitted with VW’s “Mon- omotronic” single-point fuel injection which provides the engine management that the catalytic converter requires.


I found the engine very willing and cer­


tainly made it feel very “nippy” in traffic, but equally happy cruising on the open road.


Handling was good giving a positive leel ...............


of the road, and an excellent turning circle of 32.8 feet. Suspension has been revised, springs are now stiffer at the front and softer at the back to give an improved ride, albeit a little stiff at times for my tastes. All Polo owners will now be pleased to


hear that servo-assisted brakes are now standard throughout the range which will reduce pedal effort. Special thanks to Martin Blades of Lookers, Burnley, for arranging the test


drive. Volkswagen Polo CL — £7070 ex-


works. Prices range from £0297 to £89S9 ex-works. Including one-year no mileage warranty, six-year body protection and three-year paintwork warranties. Plus free six-year “On-Call” service. □


A va ila b le in a w id e range o f


co lo u rs , the n ew rem o d e lle d p o lo n ow has a sleeker e x te r io r and c om p le te ly redesigned in te r io r .


I f your New Year's Resolution is to be


environmentally friendly then the new 1991 Polo range offers you ju s t that.


Powered by the same e n g in e the


p o lo comes in a choice o f co u p e , h atch ba c k o r saloon to suit y o u r 1 in d iv id u a l needs.


Benefits include: * Intel inje cted e ngine ru n n in g on u n le a d e d p etrol p ro v id in g b etter fuel e f f ic ie n c y and more to rq u e . * Regulated catalyst and ca rb o n canister b e in g k in d e r to the e n v in mrnent. * Servo assisted brakes, revised


su spe nsion and impact a b s o rb in g p la stic b um p e rs for im p ro v e d safety. * N ew a e ro d yn am ic shape fo r


im p ro v e d fuel co n sum p tio n . * C om p le te ly n ew in te r io r c om b in in g com fo r t, style and lu x u ry .


S o c t i l l in to d a y a n t i t e s t d r i v e th e n e iv p o l o


- r u n c l h a n c a u n o n r u n n i n n r i n s .


THE FIRST SMALL CAR


RANGE TO BE EQUIPPED WITH A CATALYTIC


CONVERTER AS STANDARD LOK , * V OERS BURNLEY


A C C R ING TO N ROAD, TEL: B U R N LE Y 5 3 7 3 1 I


n, 1 , , 'V ' ' " ‘r


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