New Volkswagen Polo

The Volkswagen Polo has been a sales success locally since its arrival on our market in Classic guise, back in 1996. The hatchback versions that followed soon after also proved to be a hit with the buying public, and now in its fifth generation, the new Polo has high expectations to meet. Does it have what it takes?

The front end of the Polo clearly follows the new design direction of the company that started with the sporty Scirocco and also emerged on the Golf 6. The overall impression when looking at the vehicle front is that it is more sophisticated and perhaps more grown up than the model it replaces. However, on this sleeker package, the rear end looks a bit dated with its geometrical tail lamps. The increase in length (now at 3 970 mm), width (1 682 mm), and reduced height (1 453 mm), also gives the new Polo a more dynamic and purposeful stance.

Climbing inside, it was clear that a lot of attention has been paid to the quality, fit and finish of the materials used. The soft-touch facia is a welcome feature, while the ancillary controls and functions basically mirror that of many other VW products, making the new car easy to get acquainted with. The seats feature a good degree of adjustment and this, teamed with a rake and reach adjustable steering wheel, means that finding a comfortable driving position is easy.

There were three models available for test on the day of the launch. The 1,4-litre petrol was my first taste of the new Polo. Uphill proved to be a slight struggle for the 63 kW unit, but it felt more at home during highway and about town driving. I also got to pilot the spirited 1,6 TDI unit. This 77 kW engine has a maximum torque of 250 N.m that it available between 1 500 and 2 500 r/min. Mated with a five-speed manual transmission, this TDI unit felt quite quick and fast overtaking manoeuvres proved to be no problem at all.

The launch route provided quite a few challenging roads for the Polo to tackle, including the twisty Chapmans Peak in Cape Town. The 1,6 TDI tackled the bends with ease and even tight corners didn't manage to unsettle its composure. Screeching tyres and all, the Polo felt very tractable.

Thanks to the uneven farm roads on the launch route, the ride quality of the Polo was well tested. At moderate speeds, the uneven surfaces could barely be felt inside the cabin, but the ride was a bit harsher at higher speeds. Even so, the Polo never felt uncomfortable or unsettling.

VWSA is clear in its ambition to aim its new model at those interested in vehicles such as the popular Ford Fiesta. Can the more "mature" Polo take on the likes of the funky Fiesta? Only time will tell. View a gallery of the new Polo to see what it has to offer.

View the Volkswagen Polo gallery and specifications