An undoubted staple of the South African new car market for well over a decade, the Volkswagen Polo is now in its fifth generation (third generation in SA) and judging by the success of its predecessors and improved quality, looks set to take over the reigns as a bestseller once again.
Manufactured at Volkswagen's Uitenhage production plant for the local market as well as for export to global right-hand drive markets including Australia, Ireland, Japan, Ireland and the United Kingdom, production of the new Polo is part of VWSA's multi-billion rand investment in South African facilities - enabling the local establishment to build cars that comply with ever-increasing worldwide quality standards.
Styled from the new "Design DNA" conceived by VW Group design guru Walter d'Silva, the new Polo is defined up front by the same flat grille and sleek headlamps that first appeared on the new Scirocco in 2008.
Short overhangs and a single character line along the lower half of the doors particularly dominate the profile, while the rear end is quite unremarkable, save for the distinctive square tail lights. The new Polo measures 3 970 mm in length, is 1 682 mm wide and 1 453 mm high - 54 mm longer, 32 mm wider and 13 mm lower than before.
The engine line-up consists of three four-cylinder units, two petrol engines and a turbodiesel powerplant. The base engine, the 1,4i, produces 63 kW at 5 000 r/min and 132 N.m at 5 000 r/min, while the 1,6i produces 77 kW at 5 250 r/min and 155 N.m of torque at 3 500 r/min. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, but is optional on a 1,6i in Comfortline trim.
The 1,6-litre TDI with Diesel Particulate Filter produces 77 kW and 250 N.m of torque between 1 500 and 2 500 r/min. Fully compliant with Euro 5 emissions standards, the 1,6 TDI's average fuel consumption is claimed to be 4,2-litres/100 km and it emits just 109 grams of CO2 per km.
The new Polo's revised chassis features a MacPherson strut front suspension, semi-independent set-up at the rear and a wider track front and rear for improved dynamics. ESP with hill-hold is standard on the 1,6 TDI Comfortline and optional on the 1,6i Comfortline. Other safety features like ABS brakes, brake assist, anti-slip regulation electronic limited-slip differential and engine braking control is standard across the range.
The new Polo's higher structural rigidity, improved pedestrian safety and highly-efficient restraint systems contribute to its Euro NCAP rating of five stars - not only the safest Polo ever, but definitely one of the safest in its class.
Petrol
1,4i Trendline R144 900
1,4i Comfortline R166 900
1,6i Trendline R166 900
1,6i Comfortline R183 800
1,6i Comfortline Tiptronic R197 900
Diesel
1,6l TDI Comfortline R209 900
The new Volkswagen Polo comes standard with a 3 year/120 000km and a 12 year Anti Corrosion warranties. A five year/60 000km Volkswagen Automotion Maintenance Plan as well as a five year/60 000 km Service Plan are available as options.
For more information and pictures of the new Polo, visit our photo gallery
It looks like another piece of krap. Just look at that GAY rear lights. Yuck.
