Test drive, VW Polo R-Line: Sporty Spice

VOLKSWAGEN’S Polo GTI sits at the top of the manufacturer’s second-smallest hatchback range, bringing with it plenty of performance and a good degree of charm too. The Polo R-Line has got the stylish appearance of the performance Polo, but underneath the bonnet resides a turbocharged 1.0-litre engine in place of the GTI’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder. Could it be the best of both worlds?

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

As mentioned, this particular Polo uses a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 113bhp and 230Nm of torque. It’s good for a 0-60mph time of 9.3 seconds, and flat-out it’ll hit 124mph. Power is sent, in our test car’s case, through a seven-speed DSG automatic to the front wheels.

Given its small capacity, the good economy figures are unsurprising; Volkswagen claims 57.6mpg combined, while emissions are set at 110g/km CO2. It’s a refined unit and one which suits the overall character of the car.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

The overreaching feeling with the Polo is simply how refined it is to drive. Decent body control matched with a peppy engine make corners enjoyable and there’s a good amount of grip to be found too. The DSG gearbox can be a little dim-witted when mooching about (sometimes taking an age to react from a dead stop), but it’s happier when up and running – and you can take control of the ‘box via the steering wheel-mounted paddles should you want to, as well.

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

The Polo’s design represents a decent evolution of the previous generation’s looks, while pumping up its premium credentials. It’s a svelte appearance and in R-Line specification it’s certainly a sportier one. Could it be a little more interesting? Perhaps. But the Polo has always managed to look pretty good without being overly dull and we’d argue this is the same for the latest model.

The optional 17in. alloy wheels on our test car look the part too, and the overall impression is of a ‘baby’ GTI – albeit without the trademark red highlights.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

Volkswagen has pushed hard to elevate the overall impression of quality inside the cabin of the Polo – and that effort has really paid dividends. It’s a high-end place to be, with all manner of solid-to-the-touch plastics meeting contrast finisher pieces to create a cabin which feels really well made.

Rear seat legroom is decent enough and there’s plenty of headroom to be found as well. When it comes to boot space, the Polo does even better thanks to its 35-litre load area – that’s bigger, even, than the larger Ford Focus.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

The standard equipment levels on the R-Line are strong – something we’d expect given its price. The R-Line spec also boasts all manner of visual enhancements, including a full design pack, gloss black air intakes and LED daytime running lights.

The main infotainment system is Volkswagen’s composition media one – it’s easily one of the most user-friendly in the business. As well as satellite navigation and media functions, it houses Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both of which work seamlessly on the 8.0-inch touchscreen-controlled system.