The facelifted Volkswagen Polo and Polo Classic ranges have been launched in South Africa. In addition to bold new looks and trim changes, the range now offers a spunky 96 kW 1,9 TDI Sport model.
The facelifted Volkswagen Polo and Polo Classic ranges have been launched in South Africa. In addition to bold new looks and trim changes, the range now offers a spunky 96 kW 1,9 TDI Sport model.
The most noticeable change to Volkswagen’s revised light car range is the completely redesigned front end, which incorporates styling cues first seen on the Concept R and Concept C models, especially the headlights, and makes gives the Polo a much stronger resemblance to the its still-new Golf 5 sibling.
The sporty new grille has a pronounced V-shape. A parabolic curve stretches from the base of the A-pillars, over the bonnet and wraps around the subdivided Volkswagen-family radiator grille. In addition, the trapezoidal headlights, with integrated front indicators, extend into the front bumper and the side indicators have been fitted into the side mirrors in line with the rest of the VW range.
The Polo is 19mm longer than the previous model (3916mm), – which is entirely due to the re-designed front. The width (1650mm) and height (1467mm) remain the same as before.
As for the rear of the car, the Polo’s reshaped rear windscreen has a V-shaped lower frame area, which contrasts with the horizontal plane of the rear bumper. The slanting roofline, combined with the more aggressive front profile, give the new Polo a “coupé-like” look that is particularly effective on Sportline models.
In line with the rest of the new Volkswagen product range, the rear lights have been given a more circular shape.
In general, the seat trim has been upgraded and is available in “Select” and “Maxima” cloth. Prices remain unchanged, although the new 1,4 TDI has a Trendline – as opposed to a Comfortline – specification, and the hatchback model now costs R129 000 (as opposed to R145 170 in the previous range) and the Classic R134 200 (versus R150 370 before).
All Trendline and Comfortline models retain their current steel and alloy wheels, but there is a new optional 15-inch Charade alloy rim for the Comfortline. The Sportline gets new San Marino 16-inch alloy rims.
The Polo range starts with the 62 kW 1,4-litre fuel-injected four-cylinder engine and again offers the 74kW 1,6 and 85 kW 2,0 powerplants in both hatch and notchback models.
However, the three-cylinder 1,4 TDI now develops 4 kW more than before (from 55kw to 59kW) at 4 000 r/min and maximum torque stays 195 N.m. VW claims the 1,4 TDI models will accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in 12,8 seconds, achieve a top speed of 174 km/h and consume 4,4 litres per 100km on the combined cycle.
There are two versions of the 1,9 TDI engine, one producing 74 kW and 240 N.m of torque, and a more powerful Sportline version that kicks out 96 kW and 310 N.m. The latter, only available in a 3-door hatchback, is capable of sprinting from zero to 100 km/h in 9,2 seconds and a top speed of 206 km/h.
The Sportline, which is fitted with a six-speed manual transmission, is said to return a consumption figure of 5,2 litres/100 km on the combined cycle. It costs R168 600.
In terms of safety, all the new models have dual front airbags as standard equipment, high-level brake lights, ABS with electronic brake force distribution, brake fluid warning indicators and a brake pressure regulator. ESP is optional on the 1,9 TDI Sportline.
All Polos with engine capacity in excess of 1 400 cm3 come standard with front and rear disc brakes. The 1,4 models have front discs and brake drums at the rear.
All models have a standard immobiliser, while Comfortline, Highline and Sportline models have remote central locking. The new Polo range includes 3-year/120 000km and 12-year anti-corrosion warranties, but the 5-year/60 000km AutoMotion maintenance plan is optional.
Polo prices:
1,4 Trendline R105 210
1,6 Trendline R121 510
1,4 TDI Trendline R129 000
1,6 Comfortline R136 350
2,0 Highline R149 930
1,9 TDI R158 000
1,9 TDI Sportline R168 600
Polo Classic prices:
1,4 Trendline R110 690
1,4 Trendline R126 770
1,4 TDI R134 200
1,6 Comfortline R141 770
2,0 Highline R155 160
1,9 TDI Highline R163 230