Technical query...

[Paull]

Hello, new member with a question. We're looking to change the wifes 37k miles' 2011 1.4 SEL for a newer model. We are looking for a circa 2015/2016 TSI SEL with the 6 speed box, however the lower output 89hp 5 speed SE Design has caught her eye. So, my questions are, is there a huge difference in performance in the variants with 89 and 103 hp ? I imagine it's just a matter of the mapping thats different plus the 6th gear ? the SEL models are quite a bit more money and the SE design is an attractive looker.

[iichel]

I'd say, go and make a test drive and get a feeling for a 90hp. The difference is software and the 6th gear, as said.

[RUM4MO]

The 110PS also gets bigger and better front brakes, you might also find more in the way of options fitted to the SEL.

I do agree that the seat fabric in the SEL is pants, why they could not provide better seats and seat covering in SELs over SE defeats my logic, maybe VW hoped to mug lots of SEL buyers into a plastic lookie likie leather and alcantara upgrade, I like and approve of Alcantara, but not lookie likie leather!

Still, the seat fabric type did not stop me buying my wife an SEL with the 110PS 1.2TSI engine back in April 2015 for delivery in August 2015 - coming from a 2002 1.4 16V 75PS I'd say that the 1.2TSI 110PS is very pleasant to drive and is a lot less rough than the 1.4 16V 85PS one.

Edit:- the Design fabric is a lot better I think, as far as I remember, but having an SEL with 110PS engine is far better - LED headlights work well rain sensing along with auto dimming rear mirror is also good to have.

[Paull]

Thanks for your replies, I'm leaning towards spending a bit more money and getting the right SEL, it would be nice to find one with nav, SWMBO was browsing the internet and shortlisted 2 Blue GT's .......Current 1.4 has been brilliant and not missed a beat, hope the next one is as good.

[RUM4MO]

I think that she will find that the 1.2TSI 110PS will go well when compared with the old 1.4 16V 84PS, also the 1.2TSI 110PS will do many more miles for each gallon of petrol

Edit:- GT Blue would be even better, but I dismissed that one when ordering my wife's 1.2TSI 110PS 6MT SEL mainly due to my concerns about its overall running/owning costs over maybe 10 years of ownership when compared with the 1.2TSI SEL. Normally there is only one or two of us in her Polo, so performance is never an issue, my car is an Audi B8 S4 and it sleeps in the garage most of the time as it might get 34MPG whereas the Polo returns 58MPG and does not attract any attention when driving around!