Volkswagen: How the Polo TGI drives in winter
PROBLEMLESS Feels light, precise to drive and easy to control: The VW Polo TGI from AutoSprintCH is safe even in winter. This is the verdict of instructor Joshua Reynolds from Eventcenter Seelisberg. The VW Polo TGI with natural gas drive has been in long-term testing at AutoSprintCH since May 2018. This time, we wanted to find out how safe the 4053 millimeter [...]
The VW Polo TGI with natural gas drive has been in long-term testing at AutoSprintCH since May 2018. This time, we wanted to find out how safely the compact car, which is 4053 millimeters long and weighs 1185 kilograms (empty), handles on snow. To do this, we turned to Joshua Reynolds, racing driver, instructor, co-owner and managing director of Eventcenter Seelisberg AG.
Narrow tires fit the car
As a race driver, he knows how to push a car to the limit. "The Polo is good on the road," is his assessment after a short cross-country drive. "You can also drive it a bit sportier. The steering is direct, the suspension somewhat softly damped. Basically, it drives smoothly on snow, you really don't have to be afraid. The narrow Continental WinterContact TS 860 tires hold up well, even when cornering. The rather soft brakes do what they are supposed to. For a car of this size, they are completely adequate."
Always control the vehicle
On the Seelisberg snow circuit, the pro now tries to put the Volkswagen transversely, which he almost doesn't succeed in doing - despite the assistance systems being switched off: "It's very difficult to lose control of the vehicle. Even with ESP switched off, the electronics regulate at the limit."
Hill climbing also works, although the wheels spin a bit at the beginning. Joshua Reynolds: "That happens with every front-wheel drive car." His tip: Don't skimp when buying winter tires!
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