A Dutch car magazine tested the Fiesta vs the all new Volkswagen Polo. Here an impression:
"Companies are downsizing, giving their employees cheaper cars. No more VW Passat or Golf, but a Polo instead. How bad is this?
Tested here are the VW Polo 1.4 16v Comfortline ($24,281) and the Fiesta 1.25 Titanium ($24,547). The VW emits 139g CO2 per km, the Fiesta 133g/km, giving both cars a 'green' label, meaning a tax deduction.
The Polo has ESP, curtain airbags, cruise control and Hill Hold Control. The Fiesta has an steering column airbag, audio system with AUX connection, seat with lumbar support, alloy rims. If you want alloys, rain sensor, climate control, rear parking sensors and audio on the Polo, then this would cost an extra $5900.
First we look at the interior, a long standing strong point of Volkswagen. Ford has leap frogged lately and it shows in the Fiesta: beautiful materials and a fantastic design with lots of storage space for nic-nacs. Still it's no match for the Polo, which is also more quiet. Drivers of the previous model will appreciate that, Golf drivers will feel at home: the Polo is a Golf jr. But you will not find the joyfullness and happiness of the Fiestas interior. Intuitive and clear ergonomics that don't distract. The Polo has the advantage.
We don't have a preference of furniture. The Fiesta has good seats with leg support and quick cornering doesn't throw you out of your seat. The Polo has bigger more flat seats. If you are a sporty driver you will appriciate the Fiesta. If driving is indispensable, get the Polo.
Small children sit equally comfotable in both cars. Adults sit better in the Polo with it's sloped bench, giving better support. Also the rear doors swing open further. Persons of 6' will have their knees free from the front seats, whereas those in the Fiesta will touch them. A slight advantage for the VW.
A 6' person can stand under the hatchback door of both cars, and boot space is equal, but the Polo lacks a sill. The floor is flat because the bench seat folds away and the back side fold forward. The VW also doesn't show bare metal that can scratch baggage. This makes the Polo more practical than the Fiesta.
The Fiestas 82 hp and Polos 85 hp engines aren't the fastest. The Fiesta feels faster though, feels more dynamic, goes through its revs and produce a nice growling exhaust note. On paper the Polo is slightly faster. The fifth gear is sluggish and long. Shifting gears is a joy in the Fiesta. It gives more feedback, is very precise and has a pleasant resistance in its mechanics. VW opts for practicality with a light clutch and stick. The Volkswagen faired better: the Fiesta did 30.1MPG, the Polo 32.7MPG.
The Polo has a softer suspension, but the Fiesta never gets uncomfortable and leans over less than the Polo. The Fiesta is a fiesta to drive. The rear is 'loose' and driving style is lively. Steering is a fine tuned precision instrument. Lack of ESP makes it possible to use the handbrake for more 'recreational purposes'.
Still the Polo is quite good too and need less corrective handling on the edge. It goes faster through corners, but feels more clinical. It understeers sooner and the standard ESP butts in too soon aswell. The Polo has a more mature driving style than the playful Fiesta. But playing can be more fun!
"Companies are downsizing, giving their employees cheaper cars. No more VW Passat or Golf, but a Polo instead. How bad is this?
Tested here are the VW Polo 1.4 16v Comfortline ($24,281) and the Fiesta 1.25 Titanium ($24,547). The VW emits 139g CO2 per km, the Fiesta 133g/km, giving both cars a 'green' label, meaning a tax deduction.
The Polo has ESP, curtain airbags, cruise control and Hill Hold Control. The Fiesta has an steering column airbag, audio system with AUX connection, seat with lumbar support, alloy rims. If you want alloys, rain sensor, climate control, rear parking sensors and audio on the Polo, then this would cost an extra $5900.
First we look at the interior, a long standing strong point of Volkswagen. Ford has leap frogged lately and it shows in the Fiesta: beautiful materials and a fantastic design with lots of storage space for nic-nacs. Still it's no match for the Polo, which is also more quiet. Drivers of the previous model will appreciate that, Golf drivers will feel at home: the Polo is a Golf jr. But you will not find the joyfullness and happiness of the Fiestas interior. Intuitive and clear ergonomics that don't distract. The Polo has the advantage.
We don't have a preference of furniture. The Fiesta has good seats with leg support and quick cornering doesn't throw you out of your seat. The Polo has bigger more flat seats. If you are a sporty driver you will appriciate the Fiesta. If driving is indispensable, get the Polo.
Small children sit equally comfotable in both cars. Adults sit better in the Polo with it's sloped bench, giving better support. Also the rear doors swing open further. Persons of 6' will have their knees free from the front seats, whereas those in the Fiesta will touch them. A slight advantage for the VW.
A 6' person can stand under the hatchback door of both cars, and boot space is equal, but the Polo lacks a sill. The floor is flat because the bench seat folds away and the back side fold forward. The VW also doesn't show bare metal that can scratch baggage. This makes the Polo more practical than the Fiesta.
The Fiestas 82 hp and Polos 85 hp engines aren't the fastest. The Fiesta feels faster though, feels more dynamic, goes through its revs and produce a nice growling exhaust note. On paper the Polo is slightly faster. The fifth gear is sluggish and long. Shifting gears is a joy in the Fiesta. It gives more feedback, is very precise and has a pleasant resistance in its mechanics. VW opts for practicality with a light clutch and stick. The Volkswagen faired better: the Fiesta did 30.1MPG, the Polo 32.7MPG.
The Polo has a softer suspension, but the Fiesta never gets uncomfortable and leans over less than the Polo. The Fiesta is a fiesta to drive. The rear is 'loose' and driving style is lively. Steering is a fine tuned precision instrument. Lack of ESP makes it possible to use the handbrake for more 'recreational purposes'.
Still the Polo is quite good too and need less corrective handling on the edge. It goes faster through corners, but feels more clinical. It understeers sooner and the standard ESP butts in too soon aswell. The Polo has a more mature driving style than the playful Fiesta. But playing can be more fun!
