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2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000
 
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Volkswagen Polo TDI
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With a winning combination of power, features and economy, the VW Polo TDI packs a big punch in a little package. Yes, we agree that at $22,990 the VW Polo TDI may initially sound expensive in such a budget-conscious category, but when you weigh up the long-term ownership and what you get for that money, it is clearly Australia's best small car. This is one of the most affordable in a new breed of strong-performing and fuel-efficient turbo-diesel passenger cars. Close the Polo door and a deep sounding thump says this is a solidly-built little car. The trim materials may be a touch bland, but the fit and finish on all the examples we evaluated was impressive, the level of equipment is top-class and Polo has a reassuring four-star NCAP safety rating. In typical European fashion, the indicators are on the left stalk, but otherwise the presentation at the wheel is straightforward and very functional. As well as all the big-ticket equipment items, the Polo has a number of smaller convenience features not found in too many other cars in this category, such as a steering column that adjusts for height and reach. Precise German design engineering delivers top-class on-road ability. The diesel-powered, five-speed manual Polo TDI is a very easy car to drive, but it's still involving enough for those who like to enjoy the experience. The one down side is that Polo TDI is not available in an automatic version. While the Polo's 1.4-litre petrol version has many of the same appealing attributes in terms of design, quality and a superbly-sorted ride and handling package, it can't match the outstanding performance and miserly fuel consumption combination of the relatively large capacity 1.9-litre turbo diesel-powered TDI model. Then again, neither can any other car in the class. You can forget about the rattling old diesel-powered cars of the past: the Polo TDI engine is unobtrusive, although there is still a little more cabin noise than in some of the quieter petrol models in the class. As with all small cars, space in the back for large adults can be tight, but in the context of the class the legroom is reasonable and there is good headroom. Four doors make access to the rear much easier than squeezing past the front seats in two-door models, while the Polo's wide-opening rear hatch provides good access to a small but usable luggage area. Many people might be surprised to find that a close check of the ongoing ownership expenses, such as servicing and insurance, reveals the Polo TDI's costs over five-years are lower than some of its popular Japanese rivals. The VW Polo TDI is a well-rounded package, but you do have to pay a high purchase price. We know that will not suit everyone, which is why we produce and publish our comprehensive scoring tables. Polo offers excellent value, with plenty of variety, from three- and five-door versions and engine choices ranging from the modest 55kW 1.4-litre petrol variant to a more desirable 74kW and, with the GTI, 110kW. In short, the 1.9-litre diesel TDI offers the best of both worlds: economy and power.
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