Polo GTi vs Matilda - The Boxing Kangaroo

[ATYPIC]

It will bring much delight to many that I can confirm that the Polo GTI is indeed a very good vehicle to drive over a long distance such as a drive to the Gold Coast and back. Mechanically and economically the car was superb and each fuel fill I got close to 680km a tank. Would have gotten better economy if the below never occurred.

Unfortunately my ventures didn't kick off too well as I succumbed to the infamous Aussie boxing kangaroo quite early in the trip – north of Jerilderie on the plains. It was that typical crap time of the morning where contrast is defeated by lack of definition. There they were – two matildas – standing rather statuesque and peacefully half a metre off the bitchumen...and then the big red one...and I mean big, begins hopping towards me like a hosie on crack. One bounce to the left and another two to the right and bang!! It ricochetted from the driver's side headlight and across the bonnet. I attempted a slight swerve but would have collected matilda no. 2 anyway. It happened so quickly yet it seemed almost in slow motion.

I sat there on the side of the highway just looking at the carnage infront of me... swearing for a good half hour I think. The bonnet literally looks like it was chewed up and spat out. These headlights are bloody tough I might add. Yes it smashed but the entire unit itself was intact and the lights were still functional. Front bar is barely damaged but the number plate is bent up but the big concern is the right front quarter panel which appears to be dent free but has definately been pushed backward and now rubs on drivers door when you open it. I do have major concerns that the skeleton is distorted but I won't know until I get the lowdown from AAMI.

Anyway...I hope nobody else had any major confrontations with Australia's wonderful wildlife.

Over and out.

[pog]

Think about your next car now. lol.

Hope you're OK, that's what matters most anyway.

[GTIPolo6R]

Bummer dude but at least you came out of it unscathed...

Good luck with the assessment!

[Bflat]

Mate that's horrible. I'm assuming the wheels are all ok? Hope there's not any engine damage.

[JaneAusten]

Oh... wow, I am so sorry to hear that. I am planning to drive down from Brisbane to tour Tasmania in a few days... Drove to Charleville a couple months ago and my eyes would twitch every time I see an AFL-player sized roo on the side of the road...

[ATYPIC]

Mate that's horrible. I'm assuming the wheels are all ok? Hope there's not any engine damage.

Fortunately the wheels escaped any damage...that would have been a real kick in the teeth. Engine seems ok although that metal mesh plate attached to the underside of the bonnet has been rubbing on the engine cover.

There is also a very notorious and frightening 50km section of highway between Coonabarabran and Gunnedah where I almost hit another roo...bugger was so fast he made across the road and I just clipped his tail.

[Buller_Scott]

wow man, sorry to hear

i've almost been there - even to date, i dont know how to deal with a roo situation, other than to brake as hard as i can in a straight line, and just hope for the best (i figured turning the wheel would end in all sorts of tears).

good think you're okay. gotta count your lucky stars for that.

[Acko1991]

You can buy these whistles that you can install to the front of your car...they look like minature horns....my mate had them on his BMW M5 and he went over the nullarbor a fair few times with it!

[pologti18t]

You can buy these whistles that you can install to the front of your car...they look like minature horns....my mate had them on his BMW M5 and he went over the nullarbor a fair few times with it!

They don't work. Neither do the active ones.
And yes it has been proven as such by real research.
The only way to really avoid them is to avoid driving when kangaroos are active.

[ATYPIC]

The only way to really avoid them is to avoid driving when kangaroos are active.

This is most certainly the best piece of advice I would pass onto others.