Volkswagen NZ has added yet more model variants to the Polo light car range, and Robert Barry sampled the sporty flavour of the 1.4-litre TSI R-Line.

The 2013 Volkswagen Polo range not only offers greater choice than before, but its competitive specification and pricing pitches it right into the heart of the Korean and Japanese mass market brands.

There is one manual model in the range of petrol engine cars, the 1.4-litre 63kW Polo Comfortline, priced from $22,500, while the same model with a six-speed DSG transmission is priced at $29,750.

Moving up to the 66kW 1.2-litre turbocharged Polo TSI Highline will set you back $29,750, and from there it’s a small step up to the R-Line model as tested which retails from $33,500.

Volkswagen continues to market the raised suspension CrossPolo TSi, which shares the same engine as the Highline and R-Line models, and retails from $35,500, as well as the tyre-frying 1.4-litre twin-charged Polo GTI with 132kW on tap, which is expected to flu out of the showroom door from $38,250.

Without a doubt the light car segment is growing more competitive and the vehicles now boast levels of specification and equipment that mirror much larger vehicles, and this is particularly true of the Polo R-Line.

It’s a sporty Polo, rather than being an overtly loud pocket rocket in the same vein as the GTI, and it is differentiated from the Highline model by its R-Line exterior trim package that includes different bumpers, sill extensions and a rear spoiler as well as 17 inch Mallory alloy wheels.

Buyers of the Polo R-Line can upgrade to 17 inch Boavista wheels from Volkswagen-R GmbH wheels for $1,000, they can opt for factory sports suspension (lowered approx 15mm) priced at $750, and if really needed, the optional rear parking sensors are $750.  

Inside, there’s an R-line leather covered multifunction sports steering wheel as well as R-Line Kyalami/San Remo fabric upholstery which is wrapped around the sports bucket style front seats.

Even the metal kick plates on the door sills have a subtle R-line signature. Privacy glass for the rear window and rear side windows is standard, which Volkswagen says will absorb 65 percent of incoming light.

Our test car had Bluetooth phone preparation, but we weren’t actually able to hook up our phone for some bizarre reason, while the built-in iPod connection with cable was great when it worked, but sadly the iPod kept running out of charge and switching off.

As you can expect from a small European car running on 17 inch wheels shod with low profile tyres, the ride is firm and the handling precise, but the Polo is generally comfortable.

Noise, vibration and harshness in the cabin are minimal, and the 1.2-litre turbo engine happily propels the car along in a swift fashion, even more so when the Sport mode of the seven-speed DSG transmission is engaged.

Fuel economy is the Polo’s strong suit, and the R-Line model doesn’t disappoint, Volkswagen quote a combined average of 5.3L/100km and this is quite easily achieved with a light right foot.   

Overall the Polo R-Line gives buyers another option to consider when buying a light car for the fleet. It not only offers sportiness, user friendly features, five-star safety and excellent economy coupled with strong residual values, there’s also a scheduled service plan for three years or 45,000km for $995.

Specifications:

Body type        Five-door hatch
Drive        Front-wheel-drive
Engine type        Inline turbocharged four-cylinder    
Engine capacity        1197cc
Max power        66kW/4800rpm
Max torque        160Nm/1500 rpm
Fuel consumption        5.3L/100km
C02 emission        124g/km
0 to 100km/h        10.9sec    
Airbag        6
ESP        Yes
Air conditioning        Climate
Satellite navigation        No
Cargo cover        Yes
Boot capacity        280/952 litres
Wheel type        17-inch alloy
Spare tyre        Steel full size

Estimated running costs
36 months, 60,000km
Price                                $33,990
WOF      $180
Fuel      $6,540
Registration     $1,293
Service plan to 45km     $995
Total Tyre cost:       $1,076
Residual (30%)     $10,197
Indicative final figure     $33,877

The running cost model is used for illustrative and indicative purposes only. Adrenalin Publishing Limited accepts no responsibility or liability should any costs indicated in the model change from those published. All residual values are based on a calculated 30 percent as a financial instrument and are not the expected or indicative resale values.