Polo power: it might not match the GTI for looks, but the 130 PS Polo TDI offers greater performance with excellent economy

摘要

UNTIL THE new GTI arrives in the showrooms early this summer, the most potent new Polo is not petrol-powered but driven by diesel. Just as with the previous incarnation, the top-of-the-range Polo is currently the Sport TDI with the 130 PS 1.9-litre four-cylinder TDI PD engine. But where the old model we tested in December 2004 was prominently badged GT, and came with stylish accoutrements like the Montreal 16-inch alloy rims and aluminium interior trim panels, the current version has a much more low-key image. Although benefitting from the facelift comprising the new corporate 'Beetle-bonnet' grille (chrome-trimmed on the Sport models) and Phaeton-like headlamps, revised rear lights and tailgate, the new TDI 130 - distinguished only by a red letter I in the tailgate badge - plays a more subordinate role in the line-up, But that's not to say that it doesn't deliver the goods. Indeed, our performance figures show that it is noticeably faster than the similarly-powered GT.