Fast Facts

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Volkswagen’s newly facelifted compact hatchback makes a return to local roads

By Nick Syn

MORE CHOICE GENERALLY means more satisfied, and therefore happier, customers. Since it took over the local distributorship, Volkswagen Group Singapore (VGS) has taken pains to ensure that the product range is as accurately represented here as it is anywhere else in the world (see page 5 in our News Focus section). A move that has no doubt contributed to a significant increase in the number of smiley face icons on VW internet forums.

The latest model to hit local showrooms is the recently-facelifted Polo compact hatchback, and it’s aimed squarely at segment stalwarts like the Honda Jazz and the Mazda 2. The Polo adopts VW’s current family styling cues, as such it gets the shield-shaped grille that all the newer models sport. If anything, it looks like a skinny Golf, but in a good, Kate Moss sort of way. The headlamps are particularly attractive, with large circular elements that extend into half-moon cut-outs in the bumper. Look closer and you’ll see small ‘VW’ symbols cut out into the bulb holders, a nice touch.

It’s a larger car than you initially expect, the clean lines and attractive white paint job of our test car do a good job of disguising this aspect. At the back, the Polo gets a rear windscreen with a bottom edge that tapers neatly to a point, flanked by tail lamps with large circular elements.