Volkswagen Polo 1.6CL Open Air
FORTRESS-STYLE security was fortunately the strong point of the Volkswagen Polo, thwarting a gang of thieves who struck within seconds of parking.
Showing the cheek of the devil, they shattered the passenger window in broad daylight at a busy park.
Within 20 seconds they had levered out the radio back, snipped the cable, and were away.
It took me considerably longer to vacuum up the broken glass and tape over the window space.
Unfortunately, it became clear that removal of the front radio panel is no longer a deterrent – thieves break in speculatively, hoping that the panel is in the glovebox.
A Volkswagen mechanic told me that he replaced ten windows a week from the Wolverhampton area alone.
The extent of the problem underlined the value of the security measures on the Volkswagen Polo 1.6CL Open Air, which had “freewheeling” door locks that could not be forced with a screwdriver, and a similar device on the steering lock which slips around under force, rather than br eaking off.
The good system saved me from losing the car, and having to walk home.
In future I may leave the glovebox open, to show that the radio panel is not on board…
Ironically, I was driving the Volkswagen Polo 1.6CL Open Air model, with a pounds 575 optional fully-extending sunroof which let the sun shine in on rear seat passengers – the next best thing to a convertible.
The firm suspension, with torsion beam railing arm at the rear, and front anti-roll bar, was also popular with passengers, as well as being comfortingly solid around corners.
Its peppy engine was made more enjoyable by a automatic gearbox, which read the engine management system and changed up later under hard acceleration, to suit the driver’s style.
The performance benefited from multi-point fuel injection, and felt much livelier through the lower ranges than the figures suggested.
Initially I felt the brake pedal was too close to the accelerator, requiring care to avoid fouling and accidentally revving up while braking, especially wearing trainers.
Facts at a Glance
Price: pounds 11,515
Engine capacity: 1598 cc
Max power: 75 bhp
Max speed: 107 mph
Fuel consumption: urban 35 mpg; extra urban 54 mpg; combined 41 mpg
