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This is a story of the third way. Choosing the right car, especially in the sub-RM100,000 bracket, has always been a case of Catch 22. Modern options with powerful downsized-turbo engines are fun, but might bring about reliability issues in the long run. Such is the case with the existing Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI.

Now, Volkswagen Group Malaysia (VGM) claims that all known and rumoured problems related to its DSG dual-clutch gearbox and TSI forced-induction engine have been banished altogether, but as with most things, once the seed of doubt has been planted, it'll likely stay a prevalent force. Ford's Powershift 'box faces the same issue.

Meanwhile, the tried-and-tested alternative of traditional, i.e. Japanese, B-segment offerings such as the Toyota Vios and Nissan Almera hint at pocket-friendly motoring, but can be seen as the outdated and dull way out. VGM now says that it offers the third way – the new locally-assembled, German-engineered VW Polo 1.6.

Is it the ideal choice Malaysian car buyers have been waiting for, then? We're here to find out.

Click here for the full review and gallery of the CKD VW Polo 1.6.