CAR magazine is the first publication to drive the sixth-generation Volkswagen Polo hatchback on local soil (read our exclusive driving impression here). And now we can bring you local pricing and specifications for the new Polo line-up.
Set to hit the market in South Africa in the final week of January, at launch the range will comprise six hatch derivatives, five powered by a 1,0-litre TSI unit, albeit in two states of tune. In Trendline (five-speed manual) and Comfortline (five-speed manual or seven-speed DSG) guise, this petrol engine generates 70 kW at 5 000 r/min and 175 N.m at 2 000 r/min – or 4 kW and 15 N.m more than the 1,2 TSI it replaces.
In the pair of Highline derivatives (here, you have a choice between six-speed manual and seven-speed DSG transmissions), however, the turbo-triple makes 85 kW and 200 N.m (translating to an increase of 4 kW and 25 N.m). The flagship Polo will again be the GTI version, which in its latest iteration draws 147 kW at 4 400 r/min and 320 N.m at 1 500 r/min from a 2,0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, which is linked to the front wheels via a six-speed DSG.
Pricing – take note that VW says this could still change ever-so-slightly ahead of the launch – will start at R236 200 and run through to R303 500 for the regular models, with the Polo GTI positioned at the summit on R387 500. A Beats package can be added to Comfortline models for an extra R12 650.
The sole Trendline derivative runs on 14-inch steel wheels, features black exterior door handles and comes with a four-speaker “Composition Colour” (6,5-inch) infotainment system as standard. Specification highlights of this model include daytime running lights, air-conditioning, electric windows up front and a rear foglamp.
Comfortline adds 15-inch alloys, a more sophisticated multi-function display, two additional speakers, a fatigue detection function, colour-coded exterior door handles, electrically adjustable (colour-coded and heated) side mirrors, electric windows at the rear and the option of specifying additional equipment such as navigation and the brand’s Active Info Display digital cockpit.
Highline, meanwhile, features 16-inch alloys, brake discs at the rear (cheaper models use drums aft), a space-saver spare (as opposed to the full-size spare in lower-spec derivatives), a “Composition Media” (eight-inch) infotainment system, a front armrest and sportier front seats.
Finally, the Polo GTI gains a drop in ride height, an electronic differential lock, 17-inch alloys, LED taillamps, leather seats (with a heating function up front), a sports steering wheel (with paddles) and sports pedals. All models feature stop/start, six airbags and a three-year/45 000 km service plan as standard.
Pricing (subject to change):
Volkswagen Polo 1,0 TSI 70 kW Trendline: R236 200
Volkswagen Polo 1,0 TSI 70 kW Comfortline: R263 500
Volkswagen Polo 1,0 TSI 70 kW Comfortline DSG: R279 500
Volkswagen Polo 1,0 TSI 85 kW Highline: R287 500
Volkswagen Polo 1,0 TSI 85 kW Highline DSG: R303 500
Volkswagen Polo GTI 147 kW DSG: R387 500
