| Long Term Test | VW Polo Bluemotion |
Been anywhere interesting?
Christmas was a busy time visiting family in Kent and Yorkshire. The Polo took everything in its stride, including getting lost in Leeds, and despite a four and a half hour stretch at the wheel that did not feel like an ordeal.
Anything stand out...?
We were waiting for the service indicator light to come on so we could check out the VW dealer experience. Just before Christmas, with about 12,000-miles on the clock, it was time for the first service. The level of customer care from the local garage could not be faulted. Simple things like returning phone calls inspired confidence that everyone at the dealer knew what they were doing. All the staff were polite, efficient and helpful and the car came back from its service looking and feeling almost like new. Not bad for £170.57.
...and for the wrong reasons?
Not really the Polo's fault, but the offside front tyre developed a puncture. It happened on a Saturday afternoon miles from home and the only good thing about it was the chance to use the jack, tool kit and spare wheel.
Getting the wheel off wasn't easy: the bolts holding the wheel on had individual plastic covers to prise off (and lose if you are not careful). The jack felt flimsy and fiddly to use while separating the wheel from the hub required 'gentle persuasion' from a rubber-headed mallet that wasn't included in the tool kit.
Sadly, the tyre could not be repaired, as the carcass had a short split rather than a hole that could be plugged. Fortunately 165/70 Dunlop economy tyres are not too expensive at £55 each.
Where next?
It is back to VW for the Polo. Despite our initial reservations about the modifications made for the sake of fuel economy the BlueMotion did not feel particularly compromised in day-to-day driving. It was certainly worth putting up with a bit of road noise for nearly 60mpg in day-to-day driving. The Polo isn't the sort of car you fall in love with instantly but the more you use it the more you appreciate its qualities.
