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Poled over

I drive a Polo automatic 1.4 SE and find it underpowered, especially
when needing a boost of power overtaking or joining a motorway. I am getting ready to change it and would like some advice as to whether to go for a Golf 1.6, 2 litre or a Clio 1.6 (all automatic). I am happy with the Polo itself but the only automatic in the Polo appears to be a 1.4. The VW garage tells me that the new 1.4 auto is a turbo and has more power. Your thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated.

Asked on 14 March 2009 by

Answered by Honest John
The new 1.4 has 122PS and a 7 speed DSG, but a new Polo is due, so I don't recommend the current one. A couple of small autos that impressed me recently were the Toyota IQ 1.0 CVT and the FIAT QUBO 1.3 Multijet Dualogic automated manual. There is currently an excellent offer on the Perodua 1.3 MYVI EXi 4-speed auto at, I think, £7,700. In the deals news at www.honestjohn.co.uk But the best was the Honda City 1.5 5-speed auto tested at hjuk. Unfortunately Honda is resisting installing this powertrain in UK versions
of the new Honda Jazz because the price would put it in the same bracket as the excellent Honda Insight, also tested at hjuk. A new Golf 1.4TSI S DSG starts at £16,476, but discounts can pull it back to £14,163.
Dear Honest John,

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