1997 Volkswagen Polo 16v review from UK and Ireland

Nothing.

Generally the car is good. Good that is if you don't really want a sporty car to drive. Just pretend the 16v badge on the back isn't really there and you won't get yourself into any trouble. However, if you push this little VW group B success story things start to get interesting. The engine is quite capable with 100bhp, it's just a shame the chassis isn't. In fact it is very poor and at times down right dangerous.

It would be true to say the engine out performs the car, which does not inspire you with confidence when approaching a bend at speed, in slightly wet conditions. Understeer by the bucketload, and a back end that wants to go in the opposite direction to the rest of the car, quite literally.

In the dry this car can be fun, in the wet you're asking for big trouble, get the bus, take a brolly and walk, just don't think of driving it like a 16V.

Such a shame as the car is so well made and solid as a rock. Steering is as responsive as an arm you fell asleep on and cut the blood circulation to. The gear ratios are so close you would think you were in a sports car and all the smooth gearbox does is make the the engine rev high, hold back your progress in terms of mph, and give you a higher motorway mpg than is necessary. You really do feel the lack of an extra ratio on the motorway, or should I say the lack of a sensibly proportioned gearbox. Slower, or less powerful cars, with better handling will leave you behind on a windy road in moist conditions. The weather in Manchester is often moist to say the least. I'm gonna change my name to Nancy cos' I bought a 16V and end up driving like a Nancy 80 percent of the time.

It's a shame as it is such an attractive car: built to last, not to dash. A GTi version is planned for 1999. Don't even go there is my advice.