PoloDriver

We must admit to being tipped off about this a few weeks back, when a Twitter message asked us if the Polo SE and Moda were to be replaced by a new addition resurrecting Match, a well-used Volkswagen trim level name. Told by a carbroker that this was the case, we couldn’t give the tweet author a truthful reply, but now we can confirm that their source was right – Volkswagen has today ousted the SE and Moda models and ushered in the Match, which replaces them both. Providing £650 of extra equipment, the Match costs £215 less than the outgoing models. Prices start at £11,300.

Combining the most popular features of the outgoing SE and Moda models, exterior highlights of the Match include 15-inch ‘Castille’ alloy wheels, front fog lights and heat-insultating dark-tinted rear windows. Inside, manual air-conditioning, an RCD 310 radio/CD player, multifunction computer and MDI (Multi Device Interface) with iPod connectivity all feature. The Match also boasts electric windows, remote central locking and electrically-adjustable mirrors. Safety features are as the standard Polo; four airbags, ABS and ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) are all part of the specification.

The Polo Match is available with both three and five doors, and is available with a choice of three engines. Two petrol units are offered: a 1.2-litre, 59bhp three-cylinder and a 1.4-litre 84bhp, both allied to a five-speed manual gearbox. The 1.4-litre unit is also available with a seven-speed DSG option. One 1.2-litre 74bhp diesel fills out the range, again fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox. The 69bhp 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine from the SE and Moda models has been dropped from the range. Finance deals are also available for the Polo Match, and if the car is bought with a Solutions PCP package, the vehicle also qualifies for one year’s free insurance and three years or 30,000 miles free servicing.

2011 Polo Match: RRP ‘on the road’ prices
1.2-litre 59bhp 3-door 5 spd manual, 128g/km, £11,300
1.2-litre 59bhp 5-door 5 spd manual, 128g/km, £11,920
1.4-litre 84bhp 3-door 5 spd manual, 139g/km, £12,605
1.4-litre 84bhp 5-door 5 spd manual, 139g/km, £13,225
1.4-litre 84bhp 3-door 7 spd DSG, 135g/km, £13,865
1.4-litre 84bhp 5-door 7 spd DSG, 135g/km, £14,485
1.2-litre TDI 74bhp 3-door 5 spd manual, 102g/km, £13,520
1.2-litre TDI 74bhp 5-door 5 spd manual, 102g/km, £14,140

The new Polo Match is available from today – for details see www.volkswagen.co.uk/polo.