Everyone says how much the 9n is neglected compared to the Ibiza and Fabia. Perhaps that true in terms of engine choice and options. But personally I don’t think that’s necessarily in terms of original design. Let me explain…
For starters, the 9n has the best interior materials by far. They're much softer on the eye and to the touch compared with the other two models which to me seem to have hard/flimsy fixings and unsightly trim colours. Also, every switch and cubbyhole in my Polo seems to be right at the touch of my hand. It's only taken me a year to realise it, but I've never seen as many cubby holes in any other car
Also, the Polo seems to have much more space in the rear than the Ibiza and Fabia counterparts. Again showing the interior had more attention paid to it than the other two models. There are also the small touches, which I love, damped grab handles, Blue-illuminated dials, 3rd sun visor. How many other Super-minis do we see with these on? This is what we have paid the extra ££ for.
Moving onto the exterior, again I much prefer the Polo. The Ibiza, though nice from most angles is to me pretty unsightly side-on. Although I don't doubt the safe design of high-sided doors, I feel they totally ruin the design of an otherwise good looking car.
Now, the Fabia comes off much worse, perhaps I’m being unfair because it is the oldest of the three. But from front and side it appears bland. Not a car you'd hate but not necessarily one you'd like either. The thing I DO hate about the Fabia it the design of the rear hatch, its perhaps the worse piece of design I seen since the Ford Scorpio. It’s totally out of proportion with the rest of the car.
The Polo granted is also inoffensive. But it immediately exudes a look of quality. The clear side repeaters in the wings, indent in the sidelines (just below the windows) and the way the arches unobtrusively merge with the rest of the bodywork seem to say to me that this is a quality car, even if it doesn't want to shout it! If I could fault it I’d say it looks slightly odd from some front angles, but as a whole I think it came off much better in the design department.
The Polo may suffer in the engine department. But its still early days yet! We have a 130bhp TDi to look forward to yet and if the GTi does eventually come out, I think they’ve learnt from there mistakes already (see Lupo GTi) so my feeling is we have allot to look forward to yet…
Now I know nearly all us early owners have had complaints of rattling interiors (myself included) but thankfully they've now all gone and what I hear from new owners there AREN'T any rattles, which I suppose is something. Also note that any car in its first year of production ALWAYS has problems, which are not just limited to the Polo. It’d be interesting to hear comments from Fabia and Seat owners about there cars and compare the number of faults (anyone know any sites?)
Although I think I speak for all of us when I say we all would have liked to see much more support from VAG and their dealerships when the faults occurred.
So we may moan about the odd rattle and other electrical failing, but remember, what other supermini is there that can match the current design of the Polo. Except maybe the old one!
Sorry, rant over, just something I wanted to get out of my system. I've been reading through the old topics and allot of them seemed to be us slagging the car off! Thought it'd be nice to have something pretty positive about the car for a change
