Back in May, we broke the news that the special edition Volkswagen Polo Beats would be launched locally before the year was out. And now it has arrived in South Africa, priced at R260 700.
As far as we can tell, the Polo Beats edition is based on the 1,2 TSI Comfortline hatchback derivative, which makes 66 kW and 160 N.m. That means the extras that come with this model essentially cost R14 000.
To create the new variant, the German automaker teamed up with US audio specialist Beats Electronics, a company founded in 2008 by Dr. Dre. In 2014, the California-based firm was scooped up by Apple.
The Polo is the first Volkswagen in South Africa to be fitted with the Beats premium sound system, although the Up! is scheduled to be offered with the same system later this year.
The 300-watt premium sound system features an eight-channel amplifier with a digital signal processor, with sound channelled through seven “high-end” speakers (two tweeters in the A-pillars, two woofers in the front doors, two broadband speakers in the back as well as subwoofer integrated in the spare wheel well).
The Polo Beats comes standard with Volkswagen’s Composition Media Radio system.
So, what else sets the Polo Beats apart from its standard siblings? Well, this model gains 16-inch “Portago” alloy wheels (in anthracite), red side-mirror caps, dark red tail-lights, “Beats” side decals and a “Beats” badge on the B-pillar.
Inside, there are sports seats up front, Beats-badged scuff plates, door trim panels in the “Beats” design, coloured seat belts and a leather steering wheel.
