In the 1980s, the Gol came to replace the Beetle. And even though it was the most manufactured car in the history of Brazil, discussing whether it was more important than the Beetle takes hours and no expectation of consensus.
That’s why we’re not going to waste time reflecting on whether the new Volkswagen Polo Robust (along with its brother Polo Track) is up to par with its predecessor: the Germans don’t see any economic sense in updating the Gol with increasingly mandatory safety systems, and neither They consider losing their share among the so-called ox-foot carts. Therefore, Polo Robust is part of a broader project, which seeks to meet the increasingly complex needs of our economy.
The Polo Robust originates from a requirement similar to that which required the Beetle’s successor to have been a national project: the dirt roads, mud and all types of stones that appear on our paths and that barely exist in Europe.
The new Polo Robust is derived from the sales success Polo Track, but has a raised suspension, so that the geometry is better adapted to off-road conditions and the free space increases by 0.8 cm. There is an optional package with seat covers, rubber carpets and grille protector, which prevents debris from entering the engine. Another optional package is the hitch plus rubber carpet in the trunk.
Drudge
The automotive industry can no longer offer robustness without reliability, and the R$89,290 for the Polo Robust shows that this is expensive. It’s R$ 1,300 more than the Track (R$ 87,990), but giving up the radio, antenna and multifunctional steering wheel. As the focus is on the agricultural world, Volks focuses on promoting the Polo Robust at the price for CNPJs and rural producers: R$81,253.90.
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When entering the Polo Robust, the feeling is the same as a cargo vehicle during a workday: indifference. VW didn’t skimp on the plastic panels, which are rough to the touch (but seem durable and easy to wash) and gave zero importance to graphics and other styling frills. The steering wheel without any buttons is almost nostalgic and the hole left by the lack of the multimedia center ends up highlighted by the “Volkswagen” in high relief, reminding us that there is not even a radio.
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But, during the work, we know that this is a detail in a car, and all the waivers exist so that the use of the MQB platform is economically viable: it even uses complex laser welding in search of more torsional rigidity and dynamic behavior, with success. The Polo Robust faces the ground surprisingly well, with few creaks, obedient responses, internal silence and no signs of anything breaking soon.
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Unlike much more expensive cars, there are four airbags, emergency braking alert, traction and stability control and electronic differential lock. The electric steering has adequate hardness so as not to tire without being loose, the five-speed gearbox engagements are calm even for those who have lost the touch with manual cars. The 1.0 aspirated engine (84 hp/10.3 kgfm) is sufficient for any journey on highways (without using the left lane, of course) and has good consumption (see sheet).
With all this, the Polo Robust will be a valuable help in maintaining the sales leader model. But don’t expect a version that, in the future, will be fought over by enthusiasts: in the era of extreme rationality, it is just another specific response to demand. Passion is passion, business aside.
Four Wheels Verdict – The Polo Robust is clear in its work intentions. In them, price and the base of the car matter: the MQB platform, which makes a difference.
Technical Data – Volkswagen Polo Robust
Price: R$ 89,290 (for CNPJs and rural producers: R$ 81,253.90)
Motor: flex, front, transv., 3 cylinder, 12V, 999 cm³, 84/77 hp at 6,450 rpm, 10.3/9.6 kgfm (ethanol/gasoline) at 3,000 rpm
Exchange: manual, 5 speeds, front-wheel drive
Direction: electrical
Suspension: McPherson strut (front), torsion beam (rear)
Brakes: ventilated disc (front) and drum (rear)
Tires: 185/65 R15
Dimensions: length, 407.4 cm; width, 175.1 cm; height, 147.9 cm; wheelbase, 256.6 cm; trunk, 300 liters; fuel tank, 52 liters; Weight:
1,054 kg
Performance*: consumption (E/G): 9.4/10.8 km/l (city), 13.7/15.2 km/l (highway); acceleration 0-100 km/h: 13.4 s
*Factory data
