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One of the most requested comparisons was the Polo vs. the Punto.
We're driving the recession editions with small economical diesel engines.
But I can't drive two cars on my own.
So we've flown in Herman to help me out.
And I've been given the best one.
It's bigger, wider, stronger, more powerful and has more cylinders.
It's going to be easy to keep up with Wouter.
I didn't realize that we were talking specs already.
This is of course the original king of low fuel consumption.
It emits just 87 grams of CO2 per km.
This is a stripped down version. I lacks luxuries like aircon.
And is the Fiat faster? With Herman driving I'm not so sure yet.
Three, two, one, go!
I hate to say I told you so, but I told you so.
Racing cars like these is fun, but it's not what you buy them for.
You buy a car like this because you're kind to the environment or kind to your wallet.
Because it's very economic you also get lots of tax benefits, it's a true tax paradise.
There's a catch though...
...it'll only be as economical as they tell you when you drive very carefully.
Don't drive too fast, it's even better if you drive too slow.
Let it roll in gear, anticipate and so forth.
If you don't you'll use much more fuel.
If you're a quick driver, you'll be full throttle quite often...
...which is bad for fuel consumption.
It'll never be very uneconomical by the way...
...not much diesel can go through the fuel pumps, which is good.
It's a grown-up car.
Its looks are more in line with other VWs.
It's like a mini Passat or mini Golf.
It's also almost the size of a Golf I.
The interior is also quite... basic.
Basic? It's just empty.
This interior looks much batter.
The dashboard looks nice, it's a nice design.
There are nice colors, it does have aircon. It's just more finished.
The Italians are good at that sort of thing.
This one has a 3-cylinder engine.
The rumble coming from it when it's cold is deafening.
I should give kudos to VW's engineers for getting it so quiet after all.
It seems like the engine originated in a tractor or something.
It doesn't sound that great.
What is there to say about this Punto after driving it for a couple of days.
The only real drawback you notice on a daily basis, is the steering.
It's terribly light, you don't really get feedback.
There's even a city-mode which makes the steering even lighter.
They needn't have bothered.
I'm not a big fan of its looks either.
Its predecessor, the Grande Punto, looks a bit more square.
This one looks just a bit to round, it's like a bubble.
That's a shame.
Well Herman, what do you think?
Next time, call me when you've got a fast car to review.
About the cars I mean. Which one did you like the best?
The Punto is the best.
It drives the best.
Although it drives the best, the Polo looks the best.
We'd like to see the Punto's interior and engine in the Polo.
Or you just get the Grande Punto, it's cheaper too.
Autoblog top tip: Grande Punto.
How do you get home?
My bus doesn't stop here, so I'm going to hitchhike.
I'll just walk to the bus stop.
I forgot to lock it.
Otherwise it'll be stolen.