Hi,

I've recently bought a 2019 VW Polo SE Evo with 53,000 miles on the clock, lovely little car and I'm really pleased with it overall.

I do have a question about how it behaves in first gear, though, and I’d really appreciate any advice. From a standing start, the clutch seems to bite quite late, almost fully released before the car starts to move. Also, the revs are quite high; I’m averaging around 6,000 RPM before shifting into second gear. It feels like the car doesn’t really deliver much power until it hits that point.

I was expecting the clutch to engage a bit earlier and to be able to shift at around 4,000 RPM. My wife thinks I’m trying to redline it every time I pull away, but I genuinely feel like I need to push it that far just to get enough power before changing up.

I’m happy to take it to a garage for a check-up, but I thought I’d ask here first in case this is just normal behaviour for the 1.0L engine and I’m overthinking it.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts!

Is it a manual gearbox?

10 hours ago, MrG said:

Hi,

I've recently bought a 2019 VW Polo SE Evo with 53,000 miles on the clock, lovely little car and I'm really pleased with it overall.

I do have a question about how it behaves in first gear, though, and I’d really appreciate any advice. From a standing start, the clutch seems to bite quite late, almost fully released before the car starts to move. Also, the revs are quite high; I’m averaging around 6,000 RPM before shifting into second gear. It feels like the car doesn’t really deliver much power until it hits that point.

I was expecting the clutch to engage a bit earlier and to be able to shift at around 4,000 RPM. My wife thinks I’m trying to redline it every time I pull away, but I genuinely feel like I need to push it that far just to get enough power before changing up.

I’m happy to take it to a garage for a check-up, but I thought I’d ask here first in case this is just normal behaviour for the 1.0L engine and I’m overthinking it.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts!

Yes. Apologies, I should have mentioned that.

Then it might be clutch friction plate slipping against the flywheel. If you press accelerator hard while driving up a hill (in quiet traffic at moderate speed) do revs increase but not road speed?

A worn clutch usually has a low biting point, but hydraulic clutches compensate for wear so this is not a reliable indication.

The other thing that can sap power is an internally collapsed catalytic convertor from an impact, or submersion when hot. This would reduce the airflow out of the exhaust.

You should be able to pull away smoothly from 1000rpm with careful clutch/gas pedal movement when engine is warm. A little higher revs when cold. But it's an EVO engine, only a 1 litre 65hp (not the 80hp of 1 litre TSI); if you are used to a bigger car it won't feel powerful.

You need to do some clutch plate wear tests. I always found clutches to slip nicely at 3000rpm in 4th when the throttle is slammed open suddenly, that's if they're worn. If it is the clutch slipping, you'll have to decide whether to fit a complete kit (Pressure plate, friction plate, release brg) or just a friction plate. At 53k you may get away with just a friction plate, but the whole assembly needs assessing for wear and tear once its apart.

Do some wear tests first.