Apr 21, 2013 09:20 AM
56215 Views
(Updated Apr 24, 2013 01:14 PM)
This is a car that you will either love or hate, depending on which model (engine) you buy.
I have the 2011 1.2 TDI Greenline Estate. While a terrific fuel saver (4L/100 km, 25 kml, 70 mpg on average), it requires some getting used to.
Before you read on, please bear in mind that I am based in Europe, so this is a European car with European specs, but engine wise it's is still the same 1.2 TDI.
I had a 2006 Fabia 1.4 TDI before this one, and was so satisfied with it that I wanted another one, and I am not disappointed with it. However, it does drive quite differently, I must say that. The Greenline is made for fuel-saving, relaxed driving, and is by no means a sports car even in the faintest sense. It is a car designed to take you from A to B in an economical manner. Period.
It is a very spacious car, it has all the necessary functions, a few bells and whistles (hill-hold, stop-start and tyre pressure control), but not more than absolutely needed. A car that does what a car should do: drive. That's it.
The engine is a 3-cylinder diesel, very audible at start-up when cold, but soon running smoothly and quietly when warm. Torque could be better, especially at lower revs, but it's still sufficient.
It is made for relaxed driving, and not for overtaking other cars. It takes curves nicely, but it doesn't cut them like a sports car, and the suspension is comfortable and makes for a smooth ride on most surfaces. It struggles a bit uphill, but quickly gains the speed you need on flat roads. What more do you need?
The interior is not luxurious, but very functional, and it's easily noticeable that this is a cheaper version of a VW Polo. same/similar buttons bot less refined.
