After a month in the CAR magazine garage, the Volkswagen Polo Life TSI has already made a notable impression on our long-term fleet. Here’s our take on how it performs in daily scenarios and what it’s like to live with it.
Time spent: 1 month
Distance covered: 1 200 km
Average fuel consumption: 6.7 L/100 km
We like: IQ Light: LED Matrix Headlights
We don’t like: Small cupholders
Driver: Siyavuya Mbaduli
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In the bustling world of compact cars, the Volkswagen Polo Life 1.0 TSI Manual stands out as a shining example of practicality, comfort, and style. Having spent a month with this compact vehicle, it’s clear that it’s not just a car, it’s a perfect companion for everyday life.
Sporting an Ascot Grey exterior, the Polo Life catches the eye with its sleek and modern appearance. Priced at R385 300 as standard, our model came equipped with a host of optional features that enhance both its aesthetic appeal and functionality. One of the standout features is the panoramic sunroof, which floods the cabin with natural light, creating an open and airy atmosphere. The IQ Light LED Matrix Headlights not only add a touch of sophistication but also provide exceptional visibility, making night driving safer and more enjoyable. The 16-inch Torsby alloy wheels also add a touch of flair to the Polo’s exterior.
Parking in tight spots is a breeze, thanks to the Comfort Park Package, which includes keyless locking and starting, Park Assist and a rearview camera. Manoeuvring through city streets or squeezing into a narrow parking space becomes effortless with these added features.
Related: Volkswagens Polo Sedan Gets 85 kW TSI Power – Pricing and Spec
Step inside the Polo Life, and you’re greeted by a comfortable and tech-savvy interior. The Multi-color Digital Cockpit Pro with Composition Media offers a modern and customizable display, keeping essential information easily accessible to the driver. The cabin is well insulated, providing a quiet environment, even at highway speeds. And the cloth seats are quite comfortable, offering ample support for long journeys or daily commutes. However, one minor gripe worth noting is the size of the cupholders, which may be too small for larger water bottles, occasionally causing inconvenience.
Safety is also paramount in the Polo Life, with features such as adaptive cruise control, lane assist, pedestrian monitoring and front assist ensuring a secure driving experience.
Under the bonnet, the Polo is powered by a spirited 1.0-litre TSI engine paired with a responsive 5-speed manual transmission. The manual gearbox delivers smooth and precise shifts, making driving through city traffic or navigating winding roads pleasant. With 70 kW of power and 175 N.m of torque on tap, the Polo Life offers lively performance without compromising significantly on fuel efficiency.
Beyond its modern design and comfortable interior, the Polo Life proves to be a practical choice for daily driving. With a claimed fuel consumption of 5.4 L/100 km (a figure we’re still working our way to), it’s easy on the wallet, keeping running costs low without sacrificing performance. The 40-litre fuel tank ensures approximately 620 km of range on a full tank.
Overall, the Polo Life shines as a reliable and enjoyable companion for daily commutes, errands, and weekend getaways. Its smooth manual transmission, responsive handling, and fuel-efficient engine make it a pleasure to drive in various situations.
