While waiting for the commencement of a stand up comedy show at Velvet underground sometimes last year, a few of us started talking about cars, or more specifically, the cars we used to own. That’s when I found out that an ex colleague’s friend was the owner of 5 successive Volkswagen cars in his life.

Which begs the question why? Why would anyone gives up variety and keep buying the same car over and over again?

Well, I got closer to answering that question after having the newly launched Volkswagen Polo Sedan for over the weekends not long ago. This is my impression of the car.

Volkswagen Polo Sedan by Seri Wawasan bridge, Putrajaya
Volkswagen Polo Sedan by Seri Wawasan bridge, Putrajaya

The Volkswagen Polo Sedan is the most affordable offering from the German automotive giant, retailing at RM99,888. This makes it a direct competitor to some of the similarly sized Japanese and Korean imports in the country, and one of the more lower priced cars with a European badge.

Volkswagen Polo Sedan by Putra Mosque
Volkswagen Polo Sedan by Putra Mosque

The exterior:

To be honest, the styling of Polo Sedan doesn’t scream, nor will it beg too many second looks like some of the other Volkswagen offerings. That being said, the Polo Sedan does have a very classy frontal look, with one of the most attractive headlight assemblies. Its side profile has a pretty smooth flow punctuated by a set of very decent 7-spoke 15″ alluminum alloy wheels.

The car doesn’t look particularly long, but you won’t call it a mere elongated version of the normal Polo.

center console, steering, air conditioning vent
center console, steering, air conditioning vent

The interior:

Inside, the center console is simple yet elegant, with bits of chromed parts and leather steering giving it a heightened status. Radio/CD player, air conditioning (and even heater is functional), and vents are all pretty minimalistic in design and functional in operation.

The car also offers very good leg rooms for its class, and no one under 6 foot should ever need to worry about head room.

The cup holder is easily big enough to fit your favorite plus size bubble tea cups, and the Polo Sedan does come with a glove compartment that is big enough to smuggle a couple domestic cats.

meter cluster, 6 speed tiptronic transmission
meter cluster, 6 speed tiptronic transmission with sports mode

Engine & Performance:

The Polo Sedan comes with a 1.6 liter multi-point injection engine mated with a 6 speed automatic transmission. Tiptronic shifting is available, and there’s a sports mode for spirited driving as well.

While the 105 PS engine might not sound that impressive on paper, the car does feel quite nimble. Sound insulation is so good that we thought the car wasn’t started yet after turning the key, but when you step on the paddle in sports (or tiptronic) mode and let it hit over 5000 rpm, it does gives a good roar.

Volkswagen Polo Sedan, Putra Mosque
Volkswagen Polo Sedan, Putra Mosque

0-100 km/h can be achieved in 12.3 seconds, and the 183 km/h top speed should be more than enough for anyone in Malaysian highways. For a sedan, the car does perform pretty decent around the bend, and still provides good riding comfort over those pesky parking lot humps.

Fuel consumption is reported at 6.5 liter per 100 km. I collected the car with a full tank of gas, and returned it with 7/8 full on the indicator after two trips from PJ to Bangsar, a trip to from PJ to Sunway Pyramid, and another round trip from PJ to Putrajaya. The 55 liter fuel tank should last you well over 600 km or more.

454 liters worth of boot space, with a full spare tyre
454 liters worth of boot space, with a full spare tyre

Perhaps most impressive of all is the 454 liters of boot space. Without even flipping down the rear seats (which you can to create even more room), one can easily fit 4 sets of diving equipment, or at least 3 full size golf bags in this car. The rear boot door can also be opened via the remote. (which has ON/OFF/BOOT buttons)

Overall, despite the price point and a less imposing performance figure, the Polo Sedan does carry the prestige of Volkswagen very well. The interior, design cues, and those little features in the car are well thought out and makes driving a pleasure.

Which brings us back to the guy who had 5 Volkswagen, it doesn’t seem unreasonable anymore.

so I had the Volkswagen Polo Sedan over the weekends
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22 thoughts on “so I had the Volkswagen Polo Sedan over the weekends

  • July 30, 2012 at 3:12 pm
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    Must be made for the Asian market, have yet to see one here in Ireland. Recent survey showed Japanese cars are more reliable.

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    • August 1, 2012 at 1:58 pm
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      Kash: you are right that it’s made for Asian market, and surveys are most likely correct but not all european cars are made the same way tho.

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      • August 1, 2012 at 3:21 pm
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        KY, european cars are always better but more people here buy Japanese cars because of price.

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        • August 2, 2012 at 9:45 am
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          Kash: for the most part, ya.

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  • July 30, 2012 at 3:14 pm
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    Just a question, is the temperature gauge digital as well?

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    • July 31, 2012 at 8:42 am
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      Kash: yep it’s digital, everything except the speedo & techo.

      Reply
  • July 30, 2012 at 8:18 pm
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    Nice simple write up with good photos, glad I don’t have to only visit Paultan.org now 🙂

    Ramadan Kareem, mate!

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    • July 31, 2012 at 8:42 am
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      Jules: haha you’re giving me way too much credit.

      Reply
  • July 31, 2012 at 11:47 pm
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    Not bad, but I prefer the Scirocco to the Polo – different price point, of course. 😡

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    • August 1, 2012 at 10:03 am
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      Huai Bin: haha I would love a Scirocco too, but this Polo Sedan is quite capable for the price. 😀

      Reply
  • August 1, 2012 at 8:38 am
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    Nice review. Why no contest to win one?

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    • August 1, 2012 at 10:04 am
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      eiling: very funny ei ling. hahaha.

      Reply
  • November 2, 2012 at 7:40 pm
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    hi everyone…
    I from UAE and this car was launched 1 month ago and its from India…i really liked the car but i dont understand the drive of the car??1 drove the first one in dubai and there were jerks so i complained even my friend who was sitting with me drove and felt the jerks in the gear box…then we got another on only 85km driven this one was fine but again i donno im confused its not that smooth when i was cruising and secondly it was makeing too much sound when i got my foot flat on the paddle.

    Any one out ther who felt th same?

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    • November 4, 2012 at 8:49 am
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      Owais: i think if you accelerate full there’ll always be a bit of jerking while switching gears

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  • March 30, 2013 at 10:04 am
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    A very good review indeed, now i’m feeling much better !

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    • March 30, 2013 at 5:33 pm
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      Goofy: most importantly is that you like the car you bought 🙂

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  • October 17, 2013 at 11:17 am
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    Hi bro, wanted to know how much does it cost for the spare parts?
    For example the tail light, head light, some spare parts that have to replace after years in the engine?

    Please, i really need your help on this, I am planning to buy 1 soon.

    And how much did you buy for this car and when?

    Reply
    • October 18, 2013 at 8:56 am
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      Seow: that I don’t have a good answer for you, I assume that it’ll be in line with most CKD cars, but VW usually carries a bit of a premium. That being said VW is known for being reliable

      Reply

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